Real One Man Band - One Man Rocs

VIDEO

Recently I announced to a group of Chapman Stick players plans to introduce my 10 string Stick to the OneManRocs act. Emmett Chapman is the creator of the Chapman Stick, a recording artist and a well respected musician world wide. Here's part of what Emmett said about the current OneManRocs setup with guitar:

"I like what you do with your feet, it's natural. I like the lead sound you bring in with your Blues Harp, there's the reward. Your whole setup with guitar in hand looks truckin' and practical. --- These days the challenges are extreme, on guitar, keys, even bass guitar, and of course The Stick. --- One must choose ones instrument wisely, of course. In your case, it seems your whole body is the instrument, or tied to the instrument in one intuitive way or another. --- I think it'll be a different thing with Stick brought into the zone of your body band. --- I've never been too interested in one man bands but you bring it home!"

Adults wonder how and children imagine how they can as they watch this captivating performance, gazing at drum sticks moving behind Marc's head. Drawing from 20 years of working solo with tracks, in bands, supporting National acts, in Comedy Troupes as a Tribute Artist and more, Marc presents "One Man Rocs".

Of all the shows I've worked, this One Man Band has by far been the most rewarding. I sing, play guitar and blow harmonica but the killer part of this show is the Contraption Drum Kit currently consisting of: Bass Drum, Snare, Tambourine, Hi Hats, Crash Cymbal and Splash Cymbal. I have designed the contraption for performance functionality, visual appearance and as unique part of my overall presentation.

Recent pictures show the 8th rebuild of the contraption. Photo gallery below shows the progress. I've spent countless hours building this and more hours gigging with it.

I've yet to reach a limit of how many instruments I can play at once nor reach a limit to how complicated I can play each instrument at the same time. I have surpassed my own expectations.

I am working out a 9th rebuild of the contraption which will add 2 Toms. I have committed to adding my 10 string Chapman Stick to the set up which will replace my guitar. More info on Chapman Stick is here www.stick.com.

I have a goals of 20 to 30 functional instruments on my body and to come as close as I can to sounding like a 4 or 5 piece band.

At one point in my life I wanted to be a "monster musician" and in some ways I've obtained that but along the way I've realized being a "monster entertainer" is more important. OneManRocs is allowing me to try and be both.

I cover about 300 songs listed here from performing backing tracks and am reworking versions of every song with OneManRocs. It's a great freedom to perform all instruments with greater interpretation and spontaneity. Not only am I rewarded with great audience reaction but playing this contraption is a challenge and I've lost 15 pounds and counting.

Show Options

Stationary Stage

Performance area up to 60 feet from stage with wireless mics.
Self contained sound & lights. Sound: 600 watt Mackie's (most rooms) OR 1,400 watts of Mackie's plus a floor shaking EV system.
Full DJ break music provided.