Austin Psych Fest 2025
& other cool stuff that brings me joy.
This weekend in Austin is a doozie and made up of some of my favorite annual events. Have you ever been to Eeyore’s Birthday Party? Yes, that Eeyore and this will be the 60th celebration in Austin, Texas. If you’ve never been or if you go annually, don’t miss it! If nothing else, just go to do a walk through to see the costumes and the fun. Seriously, it’s really something special.
Back to APF 2025
I’m heading to Dallas on Saturday morning with my cousin to experience LCD Soundsystem at The Factory (aka Bomb Factory) with my bff, which means I’m missing Eeyore’s and why you need to go for me! Please smoke lots of weed, nibble on some mushrooms, and hug your favorite people in honor of me skipping it this year. This also means I’m missing most of APF, but FEAR NOT! It’s only Thursday night and I’ve already seen LCD Soundsystem and Etran de L'Aïr this week. The latter was an APF kick-off show at Hotel Vegas. I highly recommend catching Bedouin psych rock anytime you get the chance. My first experience was during a SXSW when Tinariwen played and I’ve been lucky to catch Mdou Moctar and Etran de L'Aïr sense that time at SXSW.
While enraptured by Etran de L'Aïr tonight, I thought about how they didn’t have to work all that hard to put the entire audience into a trance with their drone-heavy melodies. A lot Saharan desert, a little surf, a little psych, a little twangy old country, and a little rock ‘n roll.
It’s Truly a Fuck Yeah Friday Lineup!
We’re going to lean hard into discovery zone for the first half of the day with Blackwater Holy Light, then get properly settled in for GodSpeed You! Black Emperor, and 2 of my favorite Austin bands, the Octopus Project, and Explosions in the Sky. If for some reason you’ve never had the pleasure of catching an Octopus Project show, please change that. It’s solid art beyond the music and they’re literally the cutest. (And just about the kindest folks you’ll ever meet in a band.) On the wayyyy other end of the musical spectrum from the Octopus Project sits post rock bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Explosions in the Sky. Moody, quiet, mammoth, and miniscule are all words that can describe the sounds you’ll hear from both of those bands. Chompers (aka dickheads that talk through concerts) beware! If you’re caught chatting it up through these sets, there’s a damn good chance you’ll get shushed. I know this zine is supposed to remain positive - so, positively keep your fucking mouth shut during those 2 APF sets. Please and thank you. I hope you’re as moved by the music as I will be. (And makes me even more stoked for the Mogwai show that’s around the corner on May, 3.)
*Special thanks to Cheyenne, Aaron, and everyone behind Levitation and Austin Psych Fest for the media pass. It’s truly and honor and a privilege to be in attendance of one of the best festival experiences in Texas.
Video 1: Octopus Project Nov. 2023
Video 2: Explosions in the Sky ACL Live Dec. 2023
If you’re doing Saturday at the fest don’t miss: Alex Maas, Kim Gordon, and Darkside. Looking to dig in a little deeper before making the ticket commitment, then see who my friends at The Cosmic Clash say not to miss. They definitely know what’s up and we’re all working together to divide and conquer the festival to bring you the best parts, if you choose not to attend.
If you’re attending Burning Flipside, Old Settler’s Music Festival, or the Austin Blue’s Festival at Antone’s this weekend, please be safe and have a fuckin’ blast! Just more proof that there’s no shortage of amazing shit to get into this weekend if you’re in the Austin area. (And if you’re in Dallas/north Texas, don’t miss LCD Soundsystem. Please find a way to dance yrself clean no matter how you choose to spend the weekend.
Cuteness Overload
Enjoy the random photos from my yard and around my neighborhood.
