You might know Michael Graber as a member of the long-running combo Bluff City Backsliders. The picker has a new project called Delta Stardust.
“Delta Stardust began as a studio project,” he says. “We were seeking that alchemical, psychedelic sound from blending acoustic, electric, and digital instruments. We also wanted to capture a haunted, mystical Memphis/North Mississippi vibe even as the music — the song forms and sonic undercurrents — kept expanding. We call the genre ‘roots psychedelic’ music.”
Graber provides vocals, 12-string guitar, electric mandolin, bass, drone box, percussion. Andy Ratliff plays acoustic mandolin and electric guitar. John Kilgore adds harmonium, mellotron, synth, and percussion, while Jesse Dakota plays drums.
Graber describes the first single “Owl in My Backyard” as “part of a talking animal series of ecstatic wisdom poems that I set to music.” It’s the first single off of the album Snakes Made of Light, produced by Graber and Kilgore, which will be released on the Robot Distro label in late October.
The music video by Blackfeather Studios is as charming and handmade as the music. The owls are not only in the backyard, but on a boat and in a kaleidoscope. They’ll help you unwind for five minutes.
If you’d like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
