Misty Lanes pic by Charlie Hardy, Rosa Maria pic by Saxon Watson, Jim Mitchells pic by Jess Ruby James //

A fitting tribute to the 13th Floor Elevators founder and frontman.

It’s hard to truly measure the legacy of Roger “Roky” Erickson. His unmistakable howl, snakelike melodic weaving from dark to light, and experimental use of the electric jug, which would become something of a calling card, all meant that when you heard the 13th Floor Elevators you knew you were listening to something different. You only need to listen to today’s premiere to know that the Texan native’s influence stretches far beyond his homeland.

We’re Gonna Miss You: An Aussie Tribute to Roky Erickson & The 13th Floor Elevators came about when Sydney producer Dan Frizza approached Joshua White and Rick Snowden AKA Third Eye Stimuli to curate a tribute to Erickson shortly after his death. The result, which is available in all its vinyl glory as we speak, sees 11 of Australia (including one from NZ, but who’s counting) finest psych-rockers offer up a version of one of the 13th Floor Elevators tunes.

The coolest thing about the record is you have all the flavours of the psych rainbow coming together. From garage rockers, through to folky dreamers and dosed-up doomers, it’s nice to hear everyone’s interpretation of Erickson’s music. The record includes a tune from: Rosa Maria, Buried Feather, Turtle Skull, The Jim Mitchells, Jak Housden (The Whitlams), Misty Lanes, Luke Spook, Pseudo Mind Hive, Charlie Gradon, The Flamingo Jones and Joe Ghatt.

The non-for-profit compilation will be released exclusively by Third Eye Stimuli Records (digitally Dec 18th / physical Jan 25th, 2021), with all proceeds going to Support Act and Black Dog Institute. The proceeds will contribute to a range of initiatives, from Support Act’s COVID-19 relief fund and mental health helpline, through to research in suicide prevention and developing education programs in mental health at Black Dog Institute.

Have a listen below and head here to pick up a copy of this delicious vinyl: