Psychedelic Waves & Local Gems: Austin Psych Fest 2024 Guide

By Joaquin Lewis

Local Music Director

 

Austin Psych Fest stands as one of Austin’s most beloved live music traditions, featuring psych rock, dream pop, and indie rock artists from around the world. Offering a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents to new audiences, events held within the Red River Cultural District always make sure to save a slot for local Austin talent. With this year’s line-up consisting of roughly 30% pure local talent, KTSW has got you covered with the need-to-know information before you arrive at the festival.

 

Cazayoux

This 9-piece group is the definition of what it means to be an ensemble, drawing musical influences from all around the world. Through a blend of live instruments, their music takes listeners on a journey through psychedelic funk, afrobeat, and jazz, offering a unique transcendental experience for everyone in attendance.

Thursday | 7:50PM | Empire

 

The Point

With their upcoming album slated for release on May 10^th, attendees will get a first-hand listen at the psychedelic garage rock stylings The Point is known . With a home-grown style developed by the duo, their performance is sure to give you a taste that represents the Austin music scene perfectly.

Thursday | 8:30PM | Empire

 

Carmelo Haze

This group has steadily gained recognition throughout the Austin music scene, with support and features from influential platforms like KUTX and ACL Festival. Now, ready to show you the true essence of an Electro Neo-Soul group, you can catch Carmelo Haze live on the Empire stage.

Thursday | 9:10PM | Empire

 

Jaron Marshall

Bringing a fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B to this year’s heavy psych-rock sets, Jaron Marshall crafts captivating compositions like no other. With relaxing and down-to-earth rhythms filling the airwaves, his music will have you spinning and gliding around the floors of Empire’s Control Room & Garage.

Thursday | 10:10PM | Empire

 

Golden Dawn Arkestra

With a unique and undeniable style radiating from each of the dozen or so members, Golden Dawn Arkestra offers an experience like no other. With their unique take on the P-Funk style, enhanced by the rhythmic exchanges of the percussion section, this group creates a transformative experience that you won’t want to miss.

Thursday | 10:50PM | Empire

 

Gus Baldwin & The Sketch

Identified by their unique and eye-catching show flyers, Gus Baldwin & The Sketch are more than just a stylish band. Rising through the ranks of the Austin music scene, this band has become an institution for many with standout performances at venues like Hotel Vegas, Mohawks, Tweedy’s, and more.

Thursday | 11:40PM | 13^th Floor

 

Christian Bland and the Revelators

Highlighting the signature sound and contributions of Christian Bland, the guitarist to The Black Angels, Christian Bland, and the Revelators provides a perspective into the influences and sound behind one of modern psychedelic rock’s biggest bands. Closing out Sunday night with their performance, this group is a perfect encapsulation of Austin Psych Fest.

Thursday | 12:40AM | 13^th Floor

 

Large Brush Collection

Providing a delicate and tasteful blend of Texas-branded folk music, Large Brush Collection is the perfect introduction to a jam-packed day at the Janis Stage. Coming off their debut album, Off Center, audiences are guaranteed to leave as strong supporters for such a wonderful group!

Friday | 3:30PM | Far Out Lounge

 

The Black Angels

Acting as the definitive representation of Austin Psych Rock music, The Black Angels are currently on tour spreading their hallucinogenic dream-scape sound nationwide. Making a stop at APF to close out our Saturday night, their performance promises to be a highlight of the festival for many.

Saturday | 10:45PM | Far Out Lounge

 

Lord Friday the 13^th

Having quickly become a crowd favorite with standout performances at Hotel Vegas, the brother-sister duo of Lord Friday the 13^th is a must-see performance. Their unique glam-punk style, evident in both their music and presentation, allows for a notable shift in tension and excitement to be felt as they grace the stage.

Saturday | 11:40PM | 13^th Floor

 

Zakary Thaks (Reunion)

As the Corpus Christi garage rock natives reunite on the stage of the 13^th Floor venue, Zakary Thaks is a must-see show for fans of classic garage rock. With this exclusive late-night performance, Zakary Thaks takes you back to the genesis of this sought-after style with their renditions of their catalog from the 1960s.

Saturday | 12:40AM | 13^th Floor

 

Alex Maas

If seeing The Black Angels Saturday night wasn’t enough for you, catching lead singer Alex Maas perform his solo work on the Janis Stage might just be what you’re looking for. Bringing a more relaxed style to his solo work compared to The Black Angels, Maas maintains that psych sound we’ve all come to know and love.

Sunday | 3:20PM | Far Out Lounge

 

Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band

Buzzing off their recently released LP The Perils of Being Trapped Inside a Head, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band draws you in with hypnotic and mesmerizing performances. With sounds big enough to bring you into a trance, this group is sure to become a beloved act at the Austin Psych Fest for years to come.

Sunday | 12:10AM | 13^th Floor

 

are all the bands listed local in this article? I know the point is from austin so you could talk about that for a last sentence or talk about or find a fun quote from an interview they have done