Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Jerome of Halls of the Machine.
Michael Jerome, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am the drummer and percussionist for an instrumental music group known as “Halls of the Machine.” Mike Graff, guitarist and former co-Course of Empire member, and I co-founded Halls of the Machine in ’98 after C.O.E.’s unfortunate demise. In the following year we would ask producer, keyboardist, and fellow drummer, Van Eric, Martin, to produce our first album, “Atmosphere’s for Lovers and Sleepers.” Today, we are currently promoting our new album, “All Tribal Dignitaries.” Both albums are currently available digitally everywhere.
I was born in Wichita, KS and began performing and learning all things music under the guidance of my mother, a classical pianist/choir director/music teacher. I was regularly exposed to multi-genres of classical, jazz, gospel, rock, and soul throughout my elementary years. My teenage years and 20s would be spent in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area. The Metroplex, as we call it in the DFW area, is where I built my career as a drummer and percussionist so to speak.
At age seventeen, I became a member of the Saginaw, TX-based Pop Poppins (’88-’98), introducing me to a world of managers, record labels, and large audiences. I was also a former member of the Ft. Worth, TX band, Toadies (’89-’91), and Dallas, TX bands Course of Empire (’93-’98) and Cottonmouth, TX (’96-’97). I joined Richard Thompson and Band in ’99 and still record and tour with the Richard Thompson Trio to date. I’ve also recorded and toured with Blind Boys of Alabama (2000-to date), Charlie Musselwhite (2002-2004), Pleasure Club (2001-2005), John Cale (2005-2012), Me’shell Ndegeocello (toured 2013-2014), Better Than Ezra (2009-to date), and others. It’s not been without its trials and tribulations, but everyday I have an opportunity to learn something new, get better, and be better… I take full advantage of it. I’m extremely grateful and blessed to say the very least.
What continues to be a constant inspiration and driving force for me along the way is the music and collaborative efforts I make with my brothers in Halls of the Machine. It’s still the most unique and creative music I get to make, and it’s intrinsically our own.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Music is my art. It’s about communication for me personally. The hope for me is that I’m able to transcend being just another guy playing drums with some other band somewhere, and that I can ignite some sense of awareness to a higher state of consciousness for any individual listening or watching me play. A smile, some laughter, a booty shake, a head nod, or just a tapping of a toe will do too. I like to think I paint sound-pictures so to speak. Exploring sounds and using drums and percussion to relay or evoke an emotion. Growing up with a concert pianist might have something to do with wanting to approach the drums orchestrally perhaps… But, making the drums “speak” and “sing” musically while driving rhythm seems to be what I enjoy most.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think conditions have never been better for artists frankly. We have unlimited freedom and worldwide accessibility at the push of a button. As an artist, I think it’s important to always be honest about what you are doing, what you hope to accomplish, and to educate yourself daily about your craft. There are times when everything will be great and other times when it will just suck. To me, it’s important to remain realistic while optimistic. We all need encouragement from time to time, especially when things just aren’t working out. But, it’s also not the end of the world either. Embrace the downtime and put your energy into what you CAN do rather than into what you cannot do. No need to break up the band, just take a break. No need to curl up into a ball and become a victim. Music is the great liberator and we always have an opportunity to be proactive. Write new songs, record rough ideas, practice, do something else entirely, become a better human, get better, be better overall. The music, the art, will always be there for you and often better for it. And, when the time is right and the phone finally does ring again, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find updates, listen to music and see view videos at any of our various links and social media sites anytime you like. – WeAreAllTribal …Peace
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hallsofthemachine.com
https://hallsofthemachine.bandcamp.com/merch
http://michaeljeromeondrums.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallsofthemachine/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hallsofthemachine
Image Credit:
Photos by Alisa Eykilis
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
