Marc-Emmanuel Ackermann, the man with 111 solo music albums and 4 books: „I'm prolific because I'm free!“ (video)

Links:

http://www.edilivre.com/vortex-marc-emmanuel-ackermann.html#.VDuvO_mUeeI

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Merricks/211554820438

http://themerricks.wordpress.com/

http://themerricks1.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/the-merricks

http://www.reverbnation.com/themerricks

http://blip.fm/TheMerricks

https://www.youtube.com/user/MrMarkee72#p/u

https://twitter.com/TheMerricks

„The Merricks is a one man band from Geneva. I am a musical puzzler under any influences. I'm a puzzler, playing with all the sounds I can find. My first instrument is electric guitar. Then, I love to play with all kinds of real or unreal instruments. My aim is to make understand that noise doesn't exists: it's just a bright sound we're unable to apprehend.“

All those internet pages write: Genre: Experimental/Electronica/Dark Ambient/Ritual. Sounds Like: Front 242, Autechre (æ), Steve Reich. My opinion: no genre, sounds like nobody /nothing else.

Interview:

What do you think about Patrick Modiano? Is he worth to become a Nobel prize winner? Who would be better in French / other literature?

Never opened a book by Modiano, so I can't tell.

Who are You? Tell us more about Yourself, Your background?

I was born in Geneva (Switzerland) 1972. I always practiced music, painting and writing until now. I formed a few bands in the 90's (punk, electro, new-wave) but I'm on this solo project since the 2000. I prefer to work alone. I began to put my works on the web since 2010. I play electric guitar, synth, drum machine and sometimes sing. I published my first book when I was 20. My first painting exhibition was in the 2000's.

How many books You‘ve published? Could You please tell a little bit more about each of them and what are Your main ideas?

I published 4 books: L'aveugle imaginera ce qu'il veut (short texts), Peu importe le sens des mots (aphorisms), Les anneaux de Némée (novel) and Vortex (poems). I have no main idea, I'm inspired as well by the human behaviour, society, and nature.

Are You more a writer, poet or a music creator?

I don't like to say I'm an "artist" because for me it's it means I would be arrived. I'm always working hard.

When did You start to write and to create music? Who / what inspired You?

I always played music. I also listen to a lot of different kinds of music. From Genesis to Nirvana, Bach to Conflict or Satie to Bowie. The only music I really can't stand is French hip hop. My influences are numerous. Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, Kraftwerk, Can, Dirk Ivens, Legedary Pink Dots, Pierre Henry, Devo, The Residents... and so much more.

Tell us more about Your musical career, bands, projects, albums.

I just released 1 day ago my 111th solo album under the name of The Merricks. I made 10 collaboration albums. All of this in 4 years. I guess there will be another album solo next week.

You are so prolific, almost like Merzbow, Aube, Muslimgauze...  What makes You create so much?

I'm prolific because I'm free! I can do what I really want to do. No producer, agent, or any other kind of people on my back to ask me what they want instead of what I AM. Because I compose and play what I AM. It's my flesh and soul. So one could say it's very organic music, even if I use electronic devices.

What are Your main musical styles / ideas?

Can't answer your question. I can't define my style. It depends on my mood.

What music, religion, philosophy, literature, other things inspire You?

I would say I'm a Nietzchean animist zen... the organic energy of this philosopher, an everlasting love for nature and observing it, and the discipline (but not only) of zen. I meditate 2 times a day, it's very important for me.

What do You know about Lithuania?

Sorry to say I'm completely numb in geography, and I wouldn't really be able to place Lithuania on a map!!!! I know it's one of these countries which have been submit to the USSR power... but really not more.

Merci beaucoup. (And i know where Switzerland is – somewhere in Africa, right?).