by Kirsten Becker
This past weekend I had an incredibly awesome time at Austin Psych Fest (now called Levitation) on Carson Creek Ranch in Austin, TX. This particular festival has been one I have tried to go to for a while, but funds/time/commitments have gotten in the way. Fortunately, this year worked out perfectly and I hopped on a plane by myself to Texas for this unforgettable festival experience.
For some reason, there was a huge international presence. Almost everyone I met was either from Canada, Ireland, or Australia. The crowd was also a pleasant one, made of *real* music fans – people who weren’t just there for the street cred of “being at a festival.” There were so many adorable babies, families, and older people in attendance as well. I could tell this festival was something truly authentic, that the festivalgoers held closely, as many had been to the fest more than just once.
Of course the fest highlights included The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, Primal Scream, Spiritualized, The Black Angels (who present and play the festival every year), The Jesus and Mary Chain, 13th Floor Elevators, and Mac Demarco. I instead wanted to focus this post more on the many smaller artists I either discovered or was dying to see who really blew me away. I highly recommend this festival to anyone and everyone. As it grows bigger each year, it has become a staple of the amazing Austin music scene.
THEE OH SEES
One of the best live bands around today. ‘Nuff said.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeD3-sdGf1c&w=350&h=197]
LIGHTNING BOLT
Scared the heck outta me when I saw them.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9T0ICrAzqU&w=350&h=197]
EARTH
Drone/doom/stoner metal band. Played late night, unbelievable show.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKz-M661AAU&w=350&h=263]
RINGO DEATHSTARR
One of the many stellar bands coming from Austin right now, psych pop/shoegaze.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3xATi5s9-A&w=350&h=197]
MYSTIC BRAVES
Stumbled on them during the day, classic psych rawk vibes.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK4s6yudJNg&w=350&h=263]
LAS ROBERTAS
Garage/lady rock/reverby as hell.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FF5qsCr4ZQ&w=350&h=263]
CREEPOID
Philly love! 90s grunge revival stuff.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_fkYhDV7EU&w=350&h=197]
ZZZ’S
Three ladies from Japan doing some crazy experimental/industrial stuff
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dk5CEon_R4&w=350&h=263]
GOURISANKAR & INDRAJIT BANARJEE
Stole the festival, they played twice this weekend. Sitar and tabla music, super entrancing.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScAfzzWc1u4&w=350&h=197]
CHUI WAN
Psych rock from Beijing!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKvk5k1Pjg8&w=350&h=197]