Southern California has birthed a number of psychedelic surf-tinged outfits over the years, and the latest group to fit this mold is Blackfeet Braves. Sharing a love of sixties pysch-pop and garage rock, the SoCal quartet uses lo-fi recording techniques, reverbed guitars and vocals to create spiraling, hazy tracks that are both mind-melting and hopelessly catchy.

Though the band has been playing music together for two years, 2013 looks to be the year for these Braves to break out of the local scene. The four-piece is set to release its eponymous debut album later this month via Lolipop Records (Los Angeles-based readers, look out for an Origami Vinyl in-store release party!) before embarking on a small West Coast tour and reeking havoc on Austin during SXSW and Austin Psych Fest.

I recently had a chance to speak with Blackfeet Braves’ guitarist, Julian Ducatenzeiler about the new record, living in Southern California, and the band’s most apparent influences.

Katrina Nattress: You are a Los Angeles-based band. Are you all SoCal natives?

Julian Ducatenzeiler: Yes, we’re from the more southern parts of the land. Moved to L.A. just four months ago.

KN: How do you feel growing up in California has helped mold your sound?

JD: The scenery has had a huge affect on us spiritually and creatively.

KN: You have been compared to other SoCal psychedelic outfits like The Growlers and Allah-las. Do you agree with this comparison?

JD: We agree with the comparison but believe the three of us each have our own distinct sound. It’s a compliment to hear that because we’ve been friends and fans of both bands for some time now.

KN: What would you say are your largest musical influences?

JD: Sixties psych pop and garage, [and] a lot of music [from] today as well.

KN: “Vicious Cycle,” the first single off your upcoming album, is an intricate, hazy psych-pop gem. Is this a good indication of what to expect from the album as a whole?

JD: Not one song falls too far off the tree from the last.

KN: You are releasing the album on vinyl and digital formats. What made you decide not to release it on CD?

JD: We released a batch of promo CDs at first, but preferably like the music heard on Vinyl or cassette.

KN: The album is set for a February 12 release via Lolipop Records. What made you decide to sign with them?

JD: Wyatt Blair (Mr. Lolipop) is a dear friend and produced the album.

KN: Are you planning a record release show?

JD: Planning on doing an in store performance at Origami Vinyl.

KN: Do you have any tours planned?

JD: Mini West [Coast tour] to celebrate the record release, followed by a trek to SXSW, and then off to Austin Psych Fest.

KN: What are Blackfeet Braves’ goals for 2013?

JD: Tour, release the LP in February, an EP in April, and write more songs along the way.

 

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