Charleston Welcomes Its Latest Funk Sensation: The Psycodelics
Charleston, a beautiful city nestled in South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement these days, particularly with the recent premiere of a thrilling new documentary titled The Psycodelics The Movie. This film shines a spotlight on the local supergroup, The Psycodelics, renowned for their infectious, danceable grooves and a unique sound that draws inspiration from music legends like Prince, James Brown, and D’Angelo.
A Celebration of Funk
The Psycodelics have been a staple of the Charleston music scene since their formation in 2019, bringing people together with their powerful funk rhythms and vibrant performances that leave audiences craving more. Their documentary, which premiered on September 29 at the Terrace Theater on James Island, is a celebration of their journey, skill, and unbreakable camaraderie as a band.
The film was created by local filmmaker Cory Schwartz and producer Cameron Johnson, who have worked together at their Charleston-based production house, The Grilled Cheese Show. Their previous projects have documented various musicians and acts in the area since 2020, but this time they wanted to do something a bit more ambitious. “It was originally like an exercise: Can I make a movie I can share with my friends?” Schwartz shared. “But then it became apparent pretty quickly that it could become something a lot bigger.”
Behind the Scenes
The documentary intertwines live concert footage with heartfelt interviews, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s evolution from high school kids to local music icons. The filming took place from fall 2023 to summer 2024, capturing energy-filled performances at local venues like The Royal American and Charleston Music Hall.
As the story unfolds, band members—bassist/lead vocalist Cam Wescott, keyboardist Noah Jones, drummer/vocalist Sean Bing, and guitarists Whitt Burn and Jim Rubush—share their experiences, aspirations, and the brotherhood that keeps them connected. “I wish I could come up with a funky enough word to describe them,” Johnson said, playfully adding, “Funk-tacious. Funk-alicious. Funk-expialidocious.”
Film Festival Recognition
The documentary’s recognition is starting to grow already, as it has been accepted into the Vancouver Black Independent Film Festival, taking place from October 31 to November 2. Not only will the band be performing at the festival, but they are also looking ahead to other screenings and festivals. Schwartz expressed excitement about sharing their story with even more audiences saying, “The next step is to take the documentary ‘on the road.'”
A Bright Future Ahead
As fans eagerly await the release of the band’s debut album, which is currently being polished, Sean Bing has hinted that they plan to release some singles towards the end of the year. He also dreams of more cinematic adventures. “I hope the storyline continues,” Bing remarked, alluding to the possibility of sequels. “This band is going to be in the music game for a long time.”
With a bright future in both music and film, The Psycodelics showcase the vibrant arts culture of Charleston. Their story has just begun, and as they continue to spread their funky vibes, they are sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences near and far.
So grab your dancing shoes and get ready; the journey of The Psycodelics is bound to hit all the right notes!
