No era has been more transformative in music culture than the 1960s. Thanks to a combination of psychedelic drugs, the anti-war movement, and a longing for peace and unity, creativity exploded in a rebellious yet enticing fashion throughout the globe. The music changed, clothing styles were reimagined, hair became long, and the hippie was born. On the forefront of the rapidly changing culture were bands and artists such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin who challenged the status quo, and birthed a spiritual revolution.
Now 60 years later a new spiritual revolution has begun and once again music is at the forefront of this modern-day hippie resurgence. Here are 10 of our favorite artists and bands that fully embrace the infamous 60’s counter culture.
10. Flatbush Zombies
The Flatbush Zombies also known as the Glorious Dead is where hip-hop meets the hippie. Known for their outrages outfits, outspoken views on psychedelics, and controversial yet spiritual lyrical content, the Flatbush Zombies have reinvented hippie culture while pushing the boundaries of hip-hop.
9. Subtronics
Known for his heavy bass and wonky wubs, Subtonics is quickly becoming dubstep’s loudest stoner. With his “hair down to his knees” as John Lennon may say, and love for all things marijuana, Subtonics would fit right in on the corner of Haight-Asbury during the 1960s.
8. Glass Animals
When it comes to psychedelic pop, there aren’t too many bands that can keep up with the Glass Animals. Inspired by bands like The Beatles, and the Beach Boys, The Glass Animals set themselves apart with weird unique soundscapes that will take you on a trip.
7. Alison Wonderland
With her name an ode to the psychedelic “children’s movie” Alison Wonderland has become one of the biggest superstars in dance music and is the definition of a free spirit. Living for the music, traveling the world and constantly preaching, love and peace at her shows, Alison fully embodies the rockstar lifestyle of the 1960s.
6. Run the Jewels
Another out of the box hip-hop group, Run the Jewels does not only rap about psychedelics, peace, and love, but are on the forefront of the civil rights movement. Killer Mike has been in the trenches fighting for peace and justice for his communities while encouraging younger generations to vote and make a change.
5. Lsdream
If there was one DJ leading the spiritual awakening in electronic music, it would without a doubt be Lsdream. From his trippy albums, to his Beatles remixes, to his guided meditation sessions, Lsdream represents everything that’s good about hippie culture. If you were to send Lsdream back in time to Woodstock 69 to play a set heads would explode.
4. Beach House
All it takes is one listen to any of Beach House’s albums to be blasted into psychedelic euphoria. Their hypnotic tones and dreamy energy transmitted through their sound and persona will have you questioning if they were sent here from the hippie generation. “We are very, very big believers in the power of love and empathy. This is going to sound hippy-dippy but… we really, really care about love and empathy” the band explained in an interview with Stereo Gum in 2018.
3. Odesza
A fan favorite at festivals throughout the world, Odesza is one of the most magical acts in electronic dance music. Showcasing a live show with a full band Odesza is all about creating a truly unforgettable experience. 50 years from now kids will listen to A moment Apart claiming they were born in the wrong generation.
2. Griz
Griz is one of the most diverse acts in electronic music with the ability to go funky, hard, psychedelic, groovy, and euphoric all at once. From his Chasing the Golden Hour mixes, to his saxophone solos, and heavy bass drops Griz’s repertoire is loud and abundant. Music aside, he is also deeply involved in spreading consciousness and love. Griz is outspoken about the benefits of psychedelics such as LSD and marijuana. He constantly gives back to the world whether he’s protesting with Black Lives Matter, raising money for his charity with events such as Grizmas, or promoting self-empowerment with his meditation retreats at Camp Kulubunga.
1. Tame Impala
Known as the Pink Floyd of our generation, Kevin Parker and Tame Impala are the closest thing we’ve got to the psychedelic rock scene of the 1960s. Everything about Tame Impala screams hippie, from their tripped-out music to their live shows, to the fans they attract. Inspired by mind-altering substances and bands like the doors, Tame Impala will take you on a trip through time itself.