This Wednesday August 7 at The Toff In Town Pysch-Ward is co-curating the Watt’s On Presents: People Of The Sun party featuring Atolls, Mesa Cosa, The Grand Rapids and Clavians. Beat.com.au caught up with Hurley Fraser to ask him some questions about the label, his passion for psych-rock and the Watt’s On party.
What is Psych-Wards’ mission statement?
Our motto is: ” Psychedelic describes an approach to music rather than a specific sound—it’s an attempt to incorporate different studio techniques and non-Western influences in order to sonically approximate mind-altering experiences.”
Psyche-Ward is a new independent label and outlet for local Melbourne psych bands. Starting from early 2013 we plan to bring you a collection of sample albums and LP’s of great local psychedelic based artists. The core of Psyche-wards first release will revolve around local Victorian bands including Neo-Psychedelic , Drone’n’rollers The Citradels, surf rockers Atolls and psych-aristocrats The Grand Rapids alongside some nice surprises. Psych-Ward plans to promote and release a series of sample albums in 2013 each with a similar but progressive vibe alongside a online newsletter bringing touring information from local and international artists, interviews, cd and live gig reviews.
All of our releases will be available proudly pressed on vinyl accompanied by original artwork and a digital download of the album.
What acts are on your label?
Psyche-Ward is currently acting as non-exclusive record label. After witnessing a few friends’ careers as musicians disintegrate after a few unlucky decisions I thought it would be fairer to give the artists a little more freedom at this stage. What I can say is that we will be releasing albums for The Grand Rapids and The Citradels before year’s end, together with a sample album with tracks from both those artists alongside Atolls, Flyying Colours, Luna Ghost, Lioness Eye, Contrast, The Indian Skies, Mt. Mountain and a surprise or two.
An act that Psych-Ward works closely with is Grand Rapids, what drew you to this act?
Grand Rapids are absolutely killer; I first stumbled upon them opening for the Citradels for their album launch for Psychotic Syndrome at Yah Yahs last year. From memory they were playing when I walked in and was immediately drawn to their blend of my favourite artists such as Brian Jonestown Massacre and Black rebel Motorcycle Club. Sasha was wearing some insane outfit and his reverb drenched vocals were echoing throughout the venue, the band was as tight as you can possibly get playing that style of music and a few beers later with the group I started to realize they had a similar vision to me, after watching them work their asses off gigging any and every night of the week I realized they had a lot of potential.
The Watt’s On ‘People Of The Sun’ launch that you are co-curating looks awesome; tell us why we should come? Atolls, Mesa Cosa and The Grand Rapids are a sure bet for a goodtime regardless of where they are playing and what they are doing. Bringing them together for the night was a no brainer, which worked out thanks to Dan. But honestly I’m just as excited to see what Clavians bring to the table. They are the only act I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing live, and after doing a little research I’m sure I won’t be the only one there early with high expectations.
Anything else you would like to add?
You can find all our info over at http://mypsycheward.wix.com/psyche-ward alongside the usual social media platforms, all the bands we are involved with and/or have mentioned all have their own Bandcamp pages so get on it and help support some great Australian artists.
