Mazzy Star: Fading Into Psychedelia  

Aliya Sanchez 

Music Journalist  

When people think of psychedelic music they usually think of bands that emerged from the mid 1960’s such as The Beatles, The Doors, Grateful Dead known for their colorful visuals and experimental instrumentals that pushed boundaries within the 1960s. However, in the 1990s a new sound of psychedelic music had begun to take shape, a sound that was quieter and more melancholic with a softer and more emotional tone. The front of this dreamy sound was Mazzy Star, known for their unique mixing of tones of folk, rock and psychedelic pop created dreamlike melodies and were a huge help in redefining the new genre of psychedelic music.  

Mazzy Star, formed by guitarist David Roback and vocalist Hope Sandoval, formed their band in 1988 in Santa Monica, California. Mazzy Star didn’t follow the usual sound of psychedelic bands while older psychedelic bands used bright visuals with loud dramatic vocals instead, they used softer vocals focusing on the core instruments like acoustic guitar their use of these elements created an ethereal sound.  

The Quiet Power of Mazzy Star 

Their influence created a new sound for the psychedelic scene known as neo-psychedelic. While the 90s scene focused on pop and alternative rock, Mazzy Star was quietly creating a huge impact. Their breakthrough album So Tonight That I Might See (1993), which included their most hit song “Fade into you” bringing a softer more emotional sound into the mainstream music scene of the 90’s  

 A big part of Mazzy Star’s influence is that their music feels so unique and psychedelic, were parts they chose not to include. Hope Sandoval had a quiet, calm voice creating mysterious feelings within their music. Many other artists at this time were focused on flashy performances. Sandoval had a voice that was emotional and haunting, making her stand out from other vocalists  

This feeling of distance within the music wasn’t just a part of the band’s style; it was a part of their meaning. The lyrics encouraged their listeners to reflect on their emotions and fully reflect on the deeper meanings of the lyrics. Mazzy Star’s is the type of music you listen to while you’re alone, whether that’s in your car or the comfort of your room there, unlike the colorful and loud elements of older psychedelic music. Tracks such as “Blue Light and Quiet”, and “The Winter Harbor” have a personal and intimate sound to them.  

A New Generation of Sound 

Not only did Mazzy Star start a new wave of psychedelic, they gave it a new meaning. Their soft and emotional tone inspired artists that have come before them. Dream pop and shoe gaze have been heavily influenced by the sound of Mazzy Star. Artists of our generation such as Lana Del Rey and Beach house have taken inspiration from the soft energy and the element of storytelling that Mazzy Star used within their music.  

The 90’s music scene was loud and fast, but Mazzy Star created a quieter pathway that proves subtlety is just as powerful. With the soft lyrics and Sandoval’s haunting voice speaking volumes across the music scene, they have made a long-lasting impact that has resonated even in today’s music scene.  

Mazzy Star’s influence on the 90s psychedelic scene wasn’t only about reviving an older music style; it was about creating a new, different sound. Their calming melodies helped psychedelic music into something more dreamlike and emotional, showing the world music doesn’t always need to be loud to be powerful.