Have you ever wondered why the “13th Floor Elevators” was named after a seemingly innocuous architectural feature? Was it a strange quirk of fate, a random choice, or something deeper, a hidden message? The answer, as with many things in the world of psychedelic rock, is far more intriguing than it first appears. While elevators might seem mundane, they served as a symbolic gateway, a passage into the uncharted territories of altered consciousness, for this groundbreaking band.
Image: eclsounds.com
The 13th Floor Elevators, formed in the heart of Austin, Texas, were pioneers of psychedelic music. Their name, born out of a spontaneous suggestion by band member Roky Erickson, encapsulates the band’s ethos. The 13th floor, often skipped in building design due to superstition, evokes a sense of mystery and otherness. In the context of the Elevators’ music, it represents the journey into the boundless landscapes of the mind, a transcendence beyond conventional realities.
The Elevator’s Ascent: From Garage Rock to Psychedelic Pioneers
The Basement Beginnings: A Texas Tale of Garage Rock
The 13th Floor Elevators, like many garage bands of their era, emerged from the fertile ground of Texas. However, their sound quickly transcended the usual rock and roll formula. Instead of the typical blues and rock influences, they embraced a more experimental, avant-garde approach. This was largely due to the enigmatic Roky Erickson, a charismatic and unpredictable frontman who brought an otherworldly quality to their music. His distinctive vocals, combined with the band’s heavy use of droning organ and distorted guitar, created a unique and unsettling sonic atmosphere.
The Doors Open: Embracing Psychedelic Music
The band’s sound was further defined by their early adoption of psychedelic elements. They incorporated trippy lyrics, experimental soundscapes, and the use of Eastern influences, drawing on burgeoning spiritual and philosophical ideas that were sweeping the globe at the time. Their music became a sonic exploration of the mind, a journey into the unmapped territories of altered consciousness. Songs like “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and “Reverberation (Doubt)” exemplified this shift toward a more psychedelic direction, reflecting the growing cultural fascination with mind-altering experiences and expanded states of awareness.
Image: eil.com
The “Acid Test” of Time: The 13th Floor Elevators’ Impact
The Elevators’ impact was felt far beyond the Texas music scene. They became one of the first bands to embrace the psychedelia movement, influencing acts such as The Doors, Pink Floyd, and Jimi Hendrix. Their raw and unflinching approach to psychedelic rock resonated with audiences seeking something beyond the norms of traditional rock and roll.
The Sonic Stairwell: Exploring the Elevators’ Sound
A Psychedelic Tapestry
The 13th Floor Elevators’ sound was characterized by its unique blend of elements, a sonic tapestry woven from garage rock, blues, psychedelic rock, and elements of folk, Eastern music, and even gospel. This eclectic blend is evident in their debut album, “The 13th Floor Elevators,” released in 1966. The album features tracks like “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and “Reverberation (Doubt),” showcasing the band’s raw energy, bluesy swagger, and their burgeoning experimentation with psychedelic soundscapes.
The Organ’s Drone: A Sound of Otherworldly Depths
A major element of the Elevators’ sound was the prominent use of the organ, often played by Tommy Hall. Hall’s ability to create droning, hypnotic soundscapes was central to their psychedelic aesthetic. His organ playing, combined with Roky Erickson’s haunting vocals and the band’s sometimes chaotic musical arrangements, generated a unique soundscape that was both mesmerizing and unsettling.
The Guitar’s Distortion: A Sonic Journey Into the Unknown
The music often featured heavily distorted guitar, creating a sense of fuzziness and otherworldly intensity. This sonic texture, combined with the hallucinatory lyrics and the band’s frenetic energy, contributed to the Elevators’ reputation as a band that pushed the boundaries of rock music.
Beyond the 13th Floor: The Elevators’ Legacy
The Shadows of the Past
The 13th Floor Elevators’ story is a complex one. The band faced legal troubles and internal strife throughout their career, which ultimately led to their disbandment in 1970. Roky Erickson continued to make music, often battling personal demons and challenging societal norms. While he maintained a loyal following, his musical career was overshadowed by his struggles with mental illness and legal issues. Despite their relatively short career, the Elevators left a lasting impact.
Remembrance and Repercussions
The 13th Floor Elevators’ legacy is as complex as their sound. Their influence on psychedelic rock remains undeniable. Their music, characterized by its raw energy, experimental soundscapes, and themes of mind expansion, continues to inspire and challenge listeners. Their story is a reminder that creativity and innovation can often come at a cost. Even though the Elevators themselves may be gone, their music, with its distinct blend of garage rock, blues, and psychedelic sounds, continues to push the boundaries of what rock music can be.
The Elevator’s Ongoing Journey: The 13th Floor Elevators’ Influence Today
The 13th Floor Elevators’ impact on music transcends time. Artists across various genres, from indie rock to experimental electronica, continue to find inspiration in their raw energy, sonic experimentation, and themes of altered consciousness. Their music, with its raw, uncompromising spirit, remains a beacon for artists seeking to push boundaries and explore the unknown. In the world of psychedelic music, the 13th Floor Elevators remain a legend, a reminder that the journey into the depths of the mind, though often challenging, can be both profoundly rewarding and creatively inspiring.
13th Floor Elevators The Psychedelic Sounds Of
Final Thoughts: The 13th Floor Elevators – An Enduring Legacy
The 13th Floor Elevators may have reached their final destination, but their music continues to soar. From their roots in the Texas garage rock scene to their influence on psychedelic music worldwide, their impact remains resonant. Remember their name, remember their sound, and remember that the 13th floor, though often avoided by convention, can be a gateway to something extraordinary, a place where the walls of perception dissolve and the boundaries of the mind are expanded.
