Psychederek - aka Lewis Olsen - crafts music which is difficult to pin down by genre. From his bedroom studio in Stretford, Manchester in the United Kingdom, he combines electronic music with live instruments to create a unique fusion of sounds. The result is dreamy and ambient, but also weighty and hard-hitting. Known for his eclectic DJ sets and ethereal performances, sometimes with his band and sometimes without, Psychederek released his debut EP in 2021; his sounds have been widely played across platforms including BBC 6, NTS Radio and Worldwide FM. Now, music lovers everywhere can enjoy the artist’s latest endeavor with his new EP ALT!, which launched on June 3rd.
Musical Artist Psychederek Releases New EP ALT!
From the psychedelic-soaked streets of Stretford and the mind of everyone’s favorite cosmic cosmonaut comes ALT! The Sprechen EP contains 4 tracks of spaced-out sound collages where electronic and rock music meet in the middle to create an explosion of avant-garde hypnotic rave soundscapes.
What Are The Tracks In Psychederek's ALT!?
"ALT!"
Title track “ALT!” has a massive doff of the cap to the driving forces of Krautrock, where Lewis’s vocal soars atop stacks of guitars and synths and a solid drumbeat keeps you on track.
"Nowhere To Nowhere"
“Nowhere To Nowhere” breaks out of the gate with a full spin of the private psychedelic reel, a track that seemingly has no beginning, middle or end but which draws you in from the get-go with stacked guitars and synth lines, a thumping one note bass line, snappy percussion, and a totally far out vocal breakdown.
"Hapi"
“Hapi” is a stunning stripped-back big bag of blissfulness with soaring synths and arp lines buddying up with heart-tugging 4-note key lines and guitar plucks, alongside a reverb-drenched vocal sound from heaven. Coming across like the soundtrack as you reach the pearly gates whilst also harking back to the true Balearic sound of the 70s, there are not enough sunsets in the world that would do this justice.
"Pacific State"
What better way to finish things off than with a cover version of what is probably one of THE staples of the acid house Second Summer of Love era as Psychederek gives the 808 State classic “Pacific State” a full psych rework! A fave from his live performances, the Manchester anthem is ripped right up to deliver a swoosh-filled assault on the senses where pads, synths, guitars and even more synths all stacked and set firmly to “Wow man!” and kept tightly on track by the sublime drumming of Donald Johnson from A Certain Ratio.
Psychederek's Genre-Mixing Weedsday Playlist
For his Weedsday Playlist, Psychederek opens up the soundboard of his heart: “I wanted to share music across different genres which I love and have inspired me, my music and my DJ sets.”
Crumb - "Ghostride"
Crumb are an extremely consistent band when it comes to writing perfect dream pop. Their tracks capture a hypnotic sound fusing genres such as Jazz and Psychedelic rock. It’s clear that the lead vocalist Lila Ramani has a natural talent for creating superbly catchy melodies which always float across the music in an effortless fashion. I’m really excited to see this band at a festival in London later this summer.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Erasmo Carlos - "Gente Aberta"
Erasmo Carlos’ music moves me in a very unique and wonderful way. His fusion of Brazilian Pop and Psychedelia creates an uplifting and warming energy which very few musical artists can achieve. I struggled to select a track from Carlos’s extensive back catalogue but decided on this one as I think it sums up the classic Erasmo Carlos Vibe I know and love.
Click here to play on Spotify!
The Durutti Column - "Future Perfect"
An amazing track here by The Durutti Column, “Future Perfect” offers a dance-able bassline and drum machine pattern which is drenched in cosmic vocal lines and piano sounds. The Durutti Column is the musical project of Vini Reilly, a fellow resident of Manchester, and the first act to get signed to legendary Manchester label Factory Records. As someone who takes heavy inspiration from the music of my hometown, I find myself unintentionally leaning into the ethereal, dream-like vibes The Durutti Column captures within their music.
Click here to play on Spotify!
The Chemical Brothers - "The Sunshine Underground"
Surrender is an extremely nostalgic album for me, a record which I was brought up on which is loved by my parents. “The Sunshine Underground” ticks all the boxes when it comes to the ‘perfect dance track’ — a slow, psychedelic build up, otherworldly synth sounds and samples, and of course a truly explosive crescendo. A truly inspirational track for me when I started making music!
Click here to play on Spotify!
Tonstartssbandht - "What Has Happened"
I first saw Andy White around seven years ago playing guitar with Mac Demarco. It was only recently that I discovered he is one half of the American psychedelic band Tonstartssbandht and has written some truly beautiful, original music. I tend to be drawn towards effect-drenched guitar tones like the one in this track and the blissful vocal atop creates an emotional and dreamy track I absolutely love.
Click here to play on Spotify!
Psychederek's ALT! is now available; click here to learn more. For more information about the artist, visit psychederek.bandcamp.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram!
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Featured image: (C) Psychederek
