Music project Pacifico is tricky to define. It’s not a band per se, but rather, it’s a collection of musicians-for-hire from across the country collaborating without actually knowing what the end result will sound like.
Matthew Schwartz, Pacifico vocalist, rhythm guitarist and percussionist, started making music in 1999. When Pacifico first formed, it began as a traditional band.
However, issues within the band, including time, money, girlfriends, eventually clashed, and Schwartz began Pacifico as it’s known today in 2003.
Schwartz defined Pacifico’s sound as “indie/pop-rock” with influences such as Weezer, Oasis and Superdrag.
To create his new album “Without Heroes,” a process that began in 2010, Schwartz enlisted the help of numerous musicians, creating a collaborative effort.
“This album is the first time I ever did patchwork kind of album where I literally went to five studios, four states, and I had 14 different musicians,” Schwartz said. “I think maybe three of those people met each other. So like the drummer has never met the bass player and vice versa.”
He said this is the first album that he’s ever produced on his own.
Schwartz said “Without Heroes” is also more honest and personal than his past work, delving into the meaning of a hero as wellas his personal idols such as his grandfather, parents and friends. He also explores the lack of heroes in today’s culture.
Schwartz explained that this album incorporates a missing part of his previous releases — hip-hop. He wanted to experiment with other genres that he enjoys such as R&B, soul, gospel and Motown.
To celebrate the release of “Without Heroes,” Schwartz is hosting a release party at Mud and Water on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
He said he wants the release party to be a bigger and better event than a standard live show party. The event will include food trucks, a red carpet type photo area, which will include props that resemble the album art, and an art installation section where guests are invited to write about their own heroes.
Along with those features, there will also be a screening of Schwartz’ documentary, which features video recordings of the making of the album. While a live performace will take place, Atomic Pop Shop will also be present offering a live listening session of the new album on vinyl.
The event will additionally offer a mod dance party by DJ Matsy, raffle tickets and prizes. Schwartz said the event is free, and all proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will benefit Paradise, Uganda, an organization which works toward feeding, clothing and educating children in the African country.
“I just hope that people show up, and they have fun,” he said. “I want everyone in Baton Rouge to have a great night and come together. I really want it to be not only about the culmination of this album and the release, but also about local and independent music and local community as well.”
