Doomed Confessionary: Mark & Erick (Stone Machine Electric)
Stone Machine Electric is a doom jazz power trio hailing from Fort Worth, Texas.
Formed in 2009 by Mark Kitchens and William “Dub” Irvin, and joined by bassist Erick Paxecko in 2023, the band has spent over a decade crafting sonic landscapes rooted in stoner rock, doom, space and experimental vibes, building a loyal cult following in the US underground. Their previous releases, including the sprawling »The Inexplicable Vibrations Of Frequencies Within The Cosmic Netherworld« and the live album »Vivere«, have been praised by outlets like The Obelisk, Doomed & Stoned and Fort Worth Weekly.
Their upcoming album »Faces« captures the full evolution of Stone Machine Electric’s sound: six tracks of introspective heaviness, slow grooves and expansive atmosphere. It’s the sound of a band tapping into the void and bringing back something real, raw and hypnotic. »Faces« will be released on September 26th, 2025 via Argonauta Records.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are a stoner/doom type band from Fort Worth, Texas. We’ve been trolling around for over 15 years trying to spread our doom-jazz sound. We call it that because we keep it unpredictable from album to album. Our line-up is Mark on drums/vocals/synth and noise, Dub on guitar and vocals, and Erick on bass.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Stone Machine Electric started in the summer of 2009. For little over a decade, we performed as a two-piece for most of that, but with a couple of bassists playing for short stints. That is until Erick joined us in 2023. Great to find a third member to the team!
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re proud that we’re still trucking along and creating new music. Bands come and go, and even swap out lots of members, but we’re still here chugging away.
What was your biggest regret?
Erick: I meant to re-record the bass in a part of one of our songs but I hesitated and didn’t do it. But you can still listen to that live!
Mark: I feel like I should have started booking dates in some areas a year in advance, because it is hard filling the gaps on a tour schedule.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
That’s a hard one since we’ve been around for a good bit. In recent times, it would be from December 2023 when we opened a show for Temptress and Destroyer Of Light. Both are great bands we love, and it was the first time playing at Three Links in Dallas. It was a great show!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Early on, there was a big stoner/doom scene here in DFW. It was easy finding bands to play with and meeting underground touring bands. Recently though, seems the numbers are dwindling here.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Erick: Dark Castle, Old Man Gloom, Zozobra.
Mark: Castle Rat, Earth Tongue, Matt Berry, Melvins, and Zombi.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Erick: There’s always something new to learn.
Mark: Make the music you want to hear, it’s not about making it for other people. If you don’t like it, they won’t either.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Erick: Paris Hilton – »Stars are Blind«.
Mark: Not sure what that really is, but if it is more about things I like people may not expect, it would be 80s synth music. I’ve had The Cars »Drive« stuck in my head for months. I went so far as to try and learn some of the synthesizer parts and sing it.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Fort Worth?
I think the stoner/doom scene around DFW in Texas is in a sort of hibernation mode or something. Not a lot of local shows seem to be happening though there are still bands out there.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re prepping to get out on the road for some shows starting in October. Looking to hit cities around Texas (Arlington, Wichita Falls, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston) and go up to Oklahoma City, OK and Fort Smith, AR, and down to Lafayette, LA.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
September 26th, our new album »Faces« comes out on Argonauta Records. After that, it is hitting the road and supporting it.
How can people best support your band?
Preorder our new album, come see us live, follow us on all the social media, share our music with your friends, buy our merch, or just send us a message!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Go out and see live music! But especially go out and support your local bands. I’m sure there are great bands in every city and town, and you won’t go broke going to those shows.
Links:
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Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well