The relationship between music and mind-altering substances is as old as time itself. Yet when we delve into this rich tapestry, one genre stands brightly colored against the monochrome – psychedelic music. Born midst the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, this intensely imaginative art form has been deeply influenced and shaped by psychedelics, leaving an indelible mark on everything from soundscapes to album cover art.
Psychedelics significantly alter our perception of reality, leading to previously unfathomable experiences and thoughts. They often stimulate heightened sensory perceptions, leading to vibrant and intensified auditory experiences – perfect fodder for musicians seeking to explore the boundaries of sound. As a result, many artists began using these substances as tools for creativity, resulting in the birth of psychedelic music.
The Beatles, arguably one of the most iconic bands globally, turned towards psychedelics in their venture to redefine music. The influence can be seen, or rather heard, in numerous of their songs from the mid to late 60s. The album “Revolver,” for example, distinctly echoes with the flavor of altered perception through tracks like “Tomorrow Never Knows,” heavily influenced by the band’s experience with LSD (Rolling Stone). Their subsequent work also maintained the psychedelic theme, augmenting their soundscape with innovative recording techniques and unconventional instrumentation.
Psychedelic music expanded beyond the sonic realms, also impacting the visual aspect of the music industry. Once psychedelics shifted from a mere thought experiment to a lifestyle choice, the ripple effect could be seen in album cover art and live performances. Today, we can trace back the vibrantly colored album covers blooming in abstract forms and the immersive light shows at music festivals to this psychedelic influence.
Album covers, like The Grateful Dead’s “Aoxomoxoa” or Cream’s “Disraeli Gears,” are visual representations of the mind-bending trips. They attempt to create a visual equivalent to the auditory experiences, further enhancing the listener’s journey into the cosmic soundscapes of psychedelia (Uncut).
Similarly, light shows became a part of the complete psychedelic experience. At music festivals and concerts, these dazzling spectacles further amplified the sense of altered perceptions felt by attendees. Mainstays of festivals such as Woodstock or The Monterey Pop Festival, these immersive performances came to epitomize what we consider the “psychedelic experience” (Woodstock).
Yet the auditory-visual interplay was just one of the many facets of psychedelia’s influence. More nuanced and subtle aspects can also be seen in the construct of the songs themselves. Progressive song structures, juxtaposed sounds, and innovative instrumentation represent the attempt to emulate the psychedelic experience. The use of modal melodies, drones, and eastern influences reflect the attempts to break away from ‘contained’ music forms, mirroring the quintessential characteristic of psychedelics – the breaking down of boundaries.
Psychedelics also influenced music thematically, with lyrics often dwelling in abstract or philosophical themes. Psychedelic lyrics frequently explored the human consciousness, perceptions of reality, spiritual insights, and political and social commentaries, attempting to translate the profound experiences derived from psychedelics.
In essence, the influence of psychedelics on music extends far beyond the birth of a genre called ‘psychedelic music’. It set the stage for an irrepressible wave of creative rebellion, a vortex of avant-garde artistry that etched its psychedelic tinge into everything it touched. From soundscapes to album cover art, from music festivals to the very perception of music, the kaleidoscopic brush of psychedelics painted intricate patterns that echo even today.
Just as an instrument would lack harmony without the delicate touch of an artisan, much of the evolution and innovation in music could have been inconceivable but for the dance with these mind-altering muses. Psychedelics, in their maddening allure, effectively redefined the fabric of music, choreographing a symphony that lingers amidst the strings of time.
