Levitate Into Oblivion
Ticket sales open for 2 edgy Austin music festivals this fall
Oblivion Access Festival (pictured) and Levitation released all-access passes a week apart.
Fans of alternative music may not be showing up to festivals in white cowboy boots, but they deserve some time in the glow of several stages. Luckily, news from two of Austin's biggest alternative festivals gives concertgoers with more specific taste something to look forward to.
First, Levitation announced that tickets are on sale now for the October festival, famous for its recurring Halloween weekend festivities. The four days from October 26-29 are packed with nearly 100 bands playing in different venues around town. One of the unique perks of Levitation, tickets can be purchased for all four days ($395, plus $45 service fee) or individual shows — but they're not always cheap.
Some of the bigger names on the lineup include Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Flying Lotus, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and BADBADNOTGOOD. Turkish psych rock band Altın Gün is visiting from Amsterdam, and post-pop glitch performer Yeule will be in from Singapore, so there's something for everyone — everyone with interesting taste, anyway.
Several Austinites are on the lineup, too. Recent KUTX artist of the month Die Spitz keeps rising through the ranks of the Austin punk and grunge scene, with a loud, theatrical stage presence and rotating stage duties, taking turns singing and playing different instruments. Other notable Austin acts are the now-20-year-old psych rock band The Black Angels, indie band Annabelle Chairlegs, and the eclectic, experimental Nolan Potter's Nightmare Band.
A week later, Oblivion Access Festival announced its 2024 dates: June 13-16. This four-day celebration of underground music is similar to Levitation but as the name might suggest, has some darker roots. Formerly Austin Terror Fest, it welcomes experimental, metal, and hip-hop acts, and is a natural wellspring of interesting concert photography from year to year. (Watching people be themselves: It's fun.)
This festival also has a unique ticketing structure in its "Blind Faith" pass ($373.52). Since it's still early and no setlist has been announced, fans can opt-into this tier on blind faith alone. It also keeps fans in the dark about which venues they will be able to access, but last year's pass included every festival venue and the gallery, as well as exclusive access to the Central Presbyterian Church, which puts on trippy light shows.
Fans who are more cautious with their purchases (and can go without the church shows to save some money) can wait for the "All Access" wristbands and individual show tickets to become available. Blind Faith passes are limited and tend to sell fast, so fans will have to make a decision soon — or have it made for them.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri