Austin’s Indie Psychedelic Music Collective ‘Molecular Steve’ Unveils New Album, Teases ACL Music Festival Performance
An Inside Look at ‘Molecular Steve’
In the heart of Texas, renowned as the capital of live music, Austin-based indie psychedelic music group ‘Molecular Steve’ is causing waves. From an unsuspecting father-son duo to an ensemble of nine former members of popular Austin bands including Prescott Curlywolf, The Damnations and The Meat Puppets, the adaptation, growth and transformation of this group have been remarkable. Marking their debut with a self-titled album released on July 19 via Strolling Bones Records, a record label based out of Athens, Georgia, Molecular Steve is now set to perform at the highly anticipated ACL Music Festival in September.
The Origin of ‘Molecular Steve’
The spirit of Molecular Steve is as psychedelic as it comes. A manifestation of years of saved songs and musical rifts, the genesis of this group came from a place of fun, experimentation, and a shared zeal for music between a father and his son. Stumbling upon the potential of their collaborative experimentations, the duo soon began involving other musicians, ultimately winning the attention of Strolling Bones Records, with whom they signed their first deal.
The Austin Music Scene
Performing in Austin, especially during the surge of South By Southwest festival in the ’90s and pre-ACL age, was an electrifying experience, according to ‘Molecular Steve’. Having played at the ACL festival previously, they’re looking forward to bringing their unique brand of musical manifestation to the stage again this year.
The Austin music scene has had its evolution over the years. Despite losing a number of classic venues like Electric Lounge and Liberty Lunch, the city continues to be a thriving hub for musicians, producing an array of exciting new bands.
Making Music with a Son
The dynamic of this unique indie group is further enriched with the father-son duo’s bond. With a childhood rooted in indie rock influences like Guided by Voices and Gorillaz, the son adds an edge to the group’s sound. Working together has turned out to be an unbelievable experience, opening doors to unexplored harmonies and musical possibilities.
Embracing Diversity
The spirit of Molecular Steve pushes limits, refusing to lock their music in a time capsule. Open to modern inspirations and diverse sounds, they believe that good music motivates them to write better, while great music could even compel them to stop – feeling they couldn’t reach the level of such quality. Eager to embrace diversity, fans can expect even more diverse sounds in their future songs.