Austin Psych Fest Interview 2014: Elephant Stone
One of the great things about Psych Fest, like many of our festivals in town, is that they realize that not every band can play, nor can every fan afford the shows. So, they put in some work and lined up some opening shows on the Thursday before the official festival begins. One of those acts I’ve been following for years: Elephant Stone. They’re one of the many great acts playing over at Mohawk (there’s other shows at Red 7 too!); they’ll be playing at 9:00 PM outdoors. We caught up with Rishi Dhir for a quick interview before they make their way into town.
ATH: This is not your first run through at Austin Psych Fest. How was your experience beforehand?
RD: I actually use APF as my yearly trip with my wife and kids. This is going to be my daughter’s 4th psych fest (and she’s only 4!).
ATH: Rumor has it that your performance this year will feature your new album in its entirety? Seems like a unique set. What led to that decision?
RD: We’re just really excited for the new album. I think it’s the best music I (and the band) have every made…. We’ve been working on these songs nonstop since December… so, we’re ready to show it to the world.
ATH: There are three stages, if all things go as they have before at Psych Fest. A tent stage, a main stage, and a stage on the edge of the river? Which setting would you prefer to play? Explain please.
RD: Well, we’re actually playing the pre-party this year at the Mohawk on the Thursday night. It won’t have the vibe of the fest grounds, but it will have great sound. Last year we played the mainstage… it was fun to do… however, there’s isn’t much of a vibe at 3:30 in the afternoon. My fav stage is definitely the river stage… saw Goat and Kaleidoscope there last year; beautiful backdrop (bird sanctuary) and love the hill seating:)
ATH: Festivals generally try to do their best to accomodate the bands and their needs. What is on the back stage rider for Elephant Stone.
RD: It’s a standard festival rider with a twist: all the food is local and (I think) organic. Also, everybody in the Austin music scene/APF crew are sweet hearts. Most the bands hang out backstage under the tent and my kids get to run amok.
ATH: Fans of Psych Fest love to take care of the acts too. What’s the best present a fan can bring to you? What’s the coolest gift you’ve ever gotten?
RD: Hmmm… Someone a while ago gave me a healing stone.. thought that was pretty interesting. Mostly, I’m just happy to meet people and learn something new.
ATH: With the new record, you’re going to officially have three completed albums. What record are you most proud of? And what’s the best song you’ve penned up to this point in time?
RD: I’m very proud of all my albums. However, I think this new one is a step up and has the potential to spread our name a lot further than our previous releases. I think my fav song is one of the first one I ever wrote, The Seven Seas.
ATH: You guys just finished a nice tour in Europe. The history of psychedelic music seems to have varying stories depending upon which continent you hail from. Can you compare and contrast the psychedelic scenes in North America vs Europe?
RD: I’m not sure if I can just speak of the “psychedelic scenes” around the world. We’re an independent band touring the world… you meet a lot of cool people doing a lot of cool stuff. Every body wants to creates something unique… and I think that’s happening everywhere.
ATH: Can your band name be immediately tied to The Stone Roses track? Or does it have some other reference I’m not aware of? Either way, care to elaborate on why you chose the name?
RD: It’s a reference to my sandstone statue of Ganesha (God of new beginnings and remover of obstacles). He guides our chariot.
ATH: Do you, or don’t you own a tie-dye t-shirt?
RD: Nope.
ATH: Who’s the best band at the festival, aside from yourselves?
RD: This fest wouldn’t exist without The Black Angels.