The Modern Psychedelic Rock Blog
The Modern Psychedelic Rock Blog covers the latest in Psychedelic Rock music, news, and events.
Introduction
Psychedelic rock, also referred to as psychedelic pop, is a rock music subgenre that emerged in the mid-1960s. Psychedelic rock is characterized by distorted guitars, melodies, and lyrics, and is often used to evoke an altered state of consciousness. The genre was pioneered by artists such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Doors.
What is Psychedelic Rock?
Psychedelic rock, also referred to as psychedelic pop or psychedelia, is a style of rock that emerged in the mid-1960s and became prominent in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The term “psychedelic” is derived from the Greek words “psyche,” meaning “mind,” and “delos,” meaning “manifest.” Psychedelic rock is characterized by its use of mind-altering drugs, such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and peyote; by its experimental approach to music composition; and by its exploration of altered states of consciousness.
Psychedelic rock first achieved popularity in the mid-1960s with bands such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones. The genre reached its peak of popularity in the late 1960s with the advent of acid rock, a subgenre characterized by a heavier sound and more explicit drug references. Psychedelic rock began to lose popularity in the early 1970s as the counterculture movement lost steam and as many psychedelic rock bands disbanded or changed their sound. However, the genre has seen a resurgence in recent years with the rise of neo-psychedelia, a subgenre that blends elements of psychedelic pop with indie rock.
The History of Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic rock, also called acid rock, or Psychedelia, style of popular music that reflected the images of mind expansion, drug use, and hostile social commentary prevalent in many psychedelic subculture communities of the late 1960s and early ’70s. The styletemporarily challenged and ultimately transcended the limitations of rock & roll by expanding its sonic possibilities with feedback-drenched electric guitars, mind-bending lyrical conceits served up with narcotic- slow rhythms that defied conventional pop sensibilities regarding length and structure.
The genre was typified by extended vamps rooted in electric blues progressions and facilitated by the hypnotic effects of drugs such as marijuana and LSD. It reached its apotheosis in the work of San Francisco–based bands such as Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. The former released Surrealistic Pillow (1967), an album that boasted a more commercial pop sensibility than previous efforts while still remaining firmly entrenched within the genre with such classics as “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit”; it entered the Top Ten in both Britain and the United States. The Dead’s Aoxomoxoa (1969) epitomized many of psychedelia’s experimental excesses, including studio wizardry that blurred distinctions between organic sounds coming from real instruments and those conjured up through electronic manipulation.
The connection between the subculture (characterized by extensive use of illegal drugs) and Psychedelic music was strong enough that some authorities tried to link it directly to addiction and violent behaviour; for example, U.S. Vice President Spiro Agnew denounced psychedelic rock as “a step backward” in his 1969 speech “Law enforcement against narcotics”, while blaming it for causing young people to “turn on, tune in, drop out”. Nevertheless, despite official condemnationPsychedelic music continued to have a significant impact on Western youth culture until well into the 1970s.
The Modern Psychedelic Rock Scene
Psychedelic rock, also referred to as “psych rock” or “acid rock”, is a style of rock music that is inspired or influenced by psychedelic culture and attempts to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. The music often contains distorted guitars, heavy usage of feedback, and volatile rhythms. The style is most notable for its incorporation of Eastern musical influences, particularly Indian sitars. Psychedelic rock first achieved mainstream popularity in the 1960s with bands such as the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
The Sound of Modern Psychedelic Rock
Modern psychedelic rock emerged in the mid-1960s and quickly spread around the world. It was pioneered by bands such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Grateful Dead, and soon found its way into the mainstream with hits like “I Can See for Miles” by The Who and “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix.
In the 1970s, psychedelic rock began to fade from the mainstream, but it continued to be popular in underground circles. In the 1980s and 1990s, a new generation of bands began to explore the sound of psychedelia, resulting in a resurgence of interest in the genre.
Today, there are countless modern psychedelic rock bands that are carrying on the tradition of mind-expanding music. Some of the most popular include Tame Impala, MGMT, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.
The Visuals of Modern Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic music is often associated with mind-altering drugs like LSD, and while many artists do explore drug-induced states in their music, it’s not a requirement for the genre. In fact, many modern psychedelic musicians are completely sober.
Psychedelic music often features extended improvisation, unusual time signatures, and sound effects. The goal is to create a “sonic adventure” that takes the listener on a journey. The visuals of the album cover, live shows, and even the band’s website are all important elements of this journey.
For example, the artwork of Tame Impala’s Currents album features vivid colors and patterns that evoke the feeling of being underwater. The band’s live shows feature expansive projection mapping that creates an immersive experience for the audience. Even the band’s website is designed to be visually arresting, with animated backgrounds and flashing colors.
Other modern psychedelic bands like Pond and psychonauts Dizzy Gillespie also use color and light to create powerful visual experiences for their audiences. By using these techniques, these artists are able to sonically transport their listeners to other places and times.
The Culture of Modern Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic rock, also called acid rock or simply psyrock,[1][2] is a style of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s. The genre is generally defined by sonic experimentation, extended improvisation and LSD-inspired concepts. Psychedelic music may also aim to enhance the experience of using these drugs.[3]
Psychedelic rock developed from garage rock, blues rock and acid rock.[4][5] Its origins are often associated with Eastern spiritual traditions, particularly Indian classical music,[6][7] and the psychedelic experience of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms.[8][9]
Psychedelic music often makes use of new recording technologies such as multitrack recording and effects units;[10][11][12] it was one of the first genres to make use of the studio as an instrument.[13] As a result, it has been described as one of the most experimental genres in popular music.[14][15][16]
The Future of Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic Rock is a genre that has been growing in popularity in recent years. With the release of Tame Impala’s album “Currents” in 2015, the genre has seen a resurgence in popularity. Psychedelic Rock is a genre that combines elements of Rock, Pop, and Psychedelia. The genre is known for its use of distorted guitars, trippy sound effects, and mind-bending lyrics.
The Sound of Future Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic rock is a genre that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Though it has its roots in the 1960s, psychedelic rock has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with new bands taking up the sound and expanding on it.
What does the future of psychedelic rock sound like? We asked some of the leading experts on the genre to weigh in.
“I think the future of psychedelic rock sounds very exciting,” says John Doran, editor of The Quietus, a website dedicated to music journalism. “There are lots of young bands taking influence from classic psychedelia and turning it into something fresh and new.”
Doran cites British band Temples as an example of a band that is doing this successfully. “They’re able to evoke the sounds and textures of classic psych while still sounding completely modern,” he says.
Alex Maas, singer and multi-instrumentalist for The Black Angels, echoes this sentiment. “I think psychedelic rock is definitely heading in an exciting direction,” he says. “There are a lot of young bands making great music that is influenced by the classic psych sound but also bringing something new to the table.”
Maas cites Australian band Tame Impala as an example of a band that is successfully expanding on the psychedelic sound. “They’re able to create these huge, expansive soundscapes that are really hypnotic and transportive,” he says. “It’s really exciting to see what they’re doing with the genre.”
So what does the future of psychedelic rock sound like? If these experts are any indication, it sounds pretty exciting!
The Visuals of Future Psychedelic Rock
As popular as contemporary psychedelic rock is, the scene is still in its infancy. One can only imagine what trippy visuals will be accompanying the music in the years to come. We can be sure that they will be mind-bending, colorful, and full of intricate patterns. And just like the music itself, they will be designed to provoke feelings of wonder, awe, and ecstasy.
Psychedelic rock concerts are already a feast for the senses, and it seems likely that they will only become more visually stimulating in the years to come. If you’re interested in keeping up with the latest developments in psychedelic rock, be sure to check out The Modern Psychedelic Rock Blog. We’ll keep you updated on all the latest news and releases from the world of psychedelic rock!
The Culture of Future Psychedelic Rock
Psychedelic rock has come a long way since its origins in the 1960s. The genre has gone through various phases of popularity and obscurity, but it seems to be enjoying a resurgence in recent years.
One indication of the renewed interest in psychedelic rock is the growing number of festivals devoted to the genre. In the United States, there is levitation Austin, TX), Desert Daze (Joshua Tree, CA), and Fractal Beach (Miami, FL). In Europe, there is Gompstomp (Netherlands), Reverb Conspiracy (Greece), and Weirdoween (Germany). These festivals are not only attracting larger audiences; they are also bookings more high-profile acts than ever before.
Another sign of the times is the growing number of record labels specializing in psychedelic rock. In Europe, there is Fuzz Club Records (UK), Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Germany), and STONED karma (Portugal). In the United States, there is Rocky Mountain Psychobilly Recordings (Denver, CO) and Stoner Rock Records (Portland, OR).
So what does the future hold for psychedelic rock? It seems poised for continued growth and evolution. As more people become interested in exploring their own consciousness, psychedelic rock will likely continue to grow in popularity. We may even see the genre reach new heights of popularity and mainstream acceptance.
