On March 21, the second annual Maverick Music Festival will be held at the La Villita Historic Arts Village. The festival is the latest event to bring an array of artists to the center of SA culture.
The two-day event will feature such acts as Pop-eccentric duo Phantogram, Indie group, Washed Out and The Joy Formidable performing on March 21 and with The Psychedelic Furs, Twin Shadows and The Black Angels taking the stage on March 22.
Maverick Music Festival does not just stop at the music. Other attractions for the event include The Bizarre Bazaar, an outdoor shopping market with items for sale from local vendors. Guests may be able to purchase vinyl records, posters, musical instruments and partake in live screen printing.
Experimental group The Black Angels is scheduled to perform on March 22. The band whose origins can be traced to the sound that made such as bands as The Velvet Underground famous are an Austin favorite.
Alex Maas, vocalist and bassist for The Black Angels, answered a few questions regarding their history, plans for the band and what keeps Austin so weird — in a good way.
The Black Angels began as a project for Maas and Christian Bland in High School. The two then searched for new members through Craigslist ads and fliers on college campuses. Fortunately the were able to gain two members from their search.
After finding other members, they went into the studio to record their first album “Passover,” which integrates the vibe of past legends The Velvet Underground, Led Zeppelin and Clinic, among others.
Since 2004, The Black Angels have released four records. Their latest album “Indigo Meadow” recently debuted in 2013.
Their sound in one word — psychedelic. Listening to “Young Men Dead,” one will hear traces of songs from a forgotten time.
On the latest record, Maas says, “We had 30 songs to choose from. We actually recorded it in El Paso in a place called Sonic Ranch.”
When talking of the Austin music scene, he says, “Austin is not an easy place to break into (musically).”
Mass continues, “There are a lot of great bands here; it really made us push ourselves.”
After touring this summer, The Black Angels plan to work on their fifth studio album. The also have a vinyl in the works, which will be available before the Maverick Music Festival.
With so many bands performing at the Maverick Music Festival, Maas believes that The Black Angels will definitely stand-out from the lineup. He says that fans can expect a “ritualistic experience; expect us to be completely involved in the music.”
The Maverick Music Festival will be held at the La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St., 78205. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday. Admission ranges from $49-$129. For more information, visit maverickmusicfestival.com.
