Grateful Web recently had the pleasure of interviewing musical pioneer David Satori ahead of his upcoming show, The Psychedelic Hoedown, set to take place at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, October 26th, 2024. Known for co-founding genre-blending groups Beats Antique and Dirtwire, David is now exploring new horizons with his solo project. The Psychedelic Hoedown is a special improv jam featuring David and a lineup of talented musicians, including Morillo, Cloudchord, Hunter Roberts, and special guests. The evening will also feature psychedelic comedian Shane Mauss and a panel discussion titled "The Psychedelic Lowdown: What's legal? Where we're at and where we're going." Attendees can look forward to a mind-bending costume contest and an unforgettable night of music and community. Tickets are available at https://www.z2ent.com/events/detail/psychedelic-hoedown-david-satori-2024.

Grateful Web: Can you tell us a bit about your musical journey and how it led you to Boulder, CO?

David: I've been on some beautiful musical journeys, and some of my favorites have been in Colorado. For both Beats Antique and Dirtwire, Colorado has always been where we've found our best crowds. I was lucky enough to fall in love with a Colorado lady and moved out to Boulder to start a family. I'm loving the community vibes in the Front Range.

GW: What prompted your decision to move to Boulder, CO?

David: Starting a family.

GW: What led you to focus on your solo project, The Psychedelic Hoedown?

David: I wanted to change my pace and slow down, settle down, and start a family. This allowed me to shift focus to my solo work and try some new things. I'm grateful to still be writing and producing with both Beats Antique and Dirtwire while exploring some new solo projects. The Psychedelic Hoedown is an experiment in improvised community music. What can we make with the people and place we are in? There is so much magic waiting to be tapped into. I love not knowing what's going to happen.

GW: How has the transition from being part of two bands to working on a solo project impacted you creatively and personally?

David: It's been a massive transition and has led to a lot of introspection and rediscovery as an artist and producer.

GW: How are you balancing your music career with the exciting new chapter of becoming a parent?

David: Very carefully. 🙂 I have an amazing partner who is supportive of my artistic explorations and also an adventurer. We are excited to explore and travel as a family.

GW: Has becoming a parent influenced your music or creative process in any way?

David: Yes, I'm more inspired and driven now than I have been in a long time. I have two muses in my life that keep the inspiration flowing: my partner and baby girl.

GW: What inspired the name "The Psychedelic Hoedown" for your solo project?

David: The name came from Dirtwire hosting a jam at Lightning in a Bottle in 2022, and it felt like a happening—something that was more than the band members but a full-on get-down party experience. It's also amazing to be a part of the psychedelic renaissance that is happening. We like to have local groups who are working on legalizing psychedelics at the events. This is a movement.

GW: Can you describe the sound and vision behind The Psychedelic Hoedown?

David: It's a throwback to the Acid Tests of the 1960s but with modern styles and influences. We're just opening a container that allows for magic to happen.

GW: How do you approach the creative process of creating a show with The Psychedelic Hoedown?

David: I just invite a good group of musicians together, and the rest takes care of itself.

GW: What can fans expect from your upcoming recorded tracks? Any particular themes or styles you are exploring?

David: I'm releasing a lot of solo material right now—almost a track every week—and mostly collaborations under David Satori. I'm exploring all different styles and avenues. It's very freeing to be able to explore like this.

GW: Are there any collaborators or special features in your new recordings that you are particularly excited about?

David: Yeah, I have a track coming out in collaboration with Manu Chao and Playing for Change on July 19th. I produced the first electronic beat for a Playing for Change track and called in some artists I'm working with through my nonprofit SunRise Studios Collective. I got to bring in a Mayan hip-hop artist from Guatemala named Tz'utu Kan and a female producer from Nicaragua named NAOBA. I also recently did a remix for East Forest featuring Duncan Trussell. Check out my Spotify.

GW: How are you planning your upcoming tours, and what are you most looking forward to when performing live as The Psychedelic Hoedown?

David: I have new tour dates you can check out for The Hoedown and solo DJ/live sets. Visit davidsatori.com. I'm most looking forward to the spontaneity and connection that comes from performing live with a diverse group of musicians.

GW: What are your long-term goals on your musical journey?

David: I'm very excited about SunRise Studios Collective and helping youth around the globe make music and beats. Also, just excited and feeling lucky to be working on music with Beats Antique and Dirtwire.

GW: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

David: I feel a lot of Latin influence coming in and South American vibes. Also, new future Afrobeats is something I'm super passionate about. AI is definitely going to be—and already is—a tool to create new music with.

GW: How has the music scene in Boulder embraced you since your move?

David: I love Boulder. I feel very held and respected here, and there are very easy family vibes. It's a super sweet place to settle down.

GW: How do you see your role in the Boulder music community as both a musician and a new resident?

David: I'm excited to get more involved with regular events and local happenings. I've been enjoying potlucks and house concerts. Loving how many friends are traveling through here all the time.