The Higher State Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 11th 2010 7:15AM by Will Morley
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The Higher State are seemingly one of the best kept secrets within the retro music scene, and being signed to a Texas label, SXSW seems the perfect place to show off their Byrds-tinged garage-fuzz psych-outs. With two full length releases under their belt and a sound as recognisable as it is infectious, Spinner asked vocalist and founding member Martin Ratcliffe about his band.

How did your band form and can you describe your sound?

We are '60s inspired psychedelic folk rock that started as my pet solo project which eventually grew to a full line up.

What are your influences?

The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, the 13th Floor Elevators, the Golden Dawn, '60s garage psych bands from the USA.

How did you come up with your band name?

Me and original drummer Mike came up with it one afternoon whilst trying very hard to find a name.

What's your biggest vice?

Rare records and vintage guitars.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

None. There is no such thing, I like what I like.

Beatles or Stones?

Both. But in both cases it needs to stop by the end of '67.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

You can't possibly expect me to answer that!