Levitation 2025 is upon us. Must-see artists like Pavement and TV on the Radio are headlining, but there’s a whole festival out there! Whether attending the festival yourself or just looking for new songs to add to your playlist, here are some artists to keep your eyes and ears peeled for this weekend.
If we missed any of your favorites, don’t worry. Check back in with us over the weekend for daily Levitation roundups!
The Armed:
The Armed is a hardcore, deliciously punk collective hailing from Detroit, Michigan. This group is known for being as elusive as they are interesting. Reports of performances at trailer park open-mics, hiring actors to play band members, and playing pranks on interviewers have followed the group since their inception.
But don’t let these mysteries distract from the mind-boggling sound of this group. Their newest album, THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED, tackles the intensity of just existing on the internet. The record flows between garage punk, hardcore and rock seamlessly, rounding out their journey so far as a group.
Bring your earplugs for this one, and get ready for a damn good time.
Castle Rat:
Ever wanted to feel like you’re on a dragon-slaying odyssey? Well, check out Castle Rat, the new soundtrack to your epic adventure. Riley Pinkerton, a magnetic 80s heroin reincarnated, leads the New York band. The group is unapologetically rock ‘n’ roll; electric guitar solos and head-bang-worthy drums abound.
Pinkerton, or should we say, the Rat Queen, is a treat to watch live and is sure to kill it as the official opening act of Levitation 2025.
SKLOSS:
Five words encapsulate the SKLOSS: amps, amps and more amps. This husband-and-wife duo formed in Austin during the Pandemic and hasn’t looked back. Despite only boasting two members, SKLOSS delivers an all-encompassing wall of sound reminiscent of a full group. SKLOSS has deemed themselves “space gaze,” which is about as apt as it gets. Their 2025 album takes shoegaze and turns it up to 11 with its droning guitar, subtle vocals and an overall air of doom. Their latest single, “Veto Powder,” is a personal favorite – it’s heavy, raw and absolutely angsty.
SKLOSS is just the group to help open this year’s festival; their atmospheric Friday set is sure to have you floating right into the weekend.
Blonde Redhead:
For those of you not privy to Blonde Redhead, WAKE UP! This alternative group is composed of vocalist Kazu Makino and twins Amadeo and Simone Pace on bass and drums, respectively. Makino’s siren voice, coupled with brooding melodie,s makes for a dark, atmospheric listening experience. It doesn’t get much more dreampop than their 1993 hit, “Girl Boy.” If you’re going to talk about '90s bands, you’ve got to talk about Blonde Redhead.
But, this Levitation appearance isn’t about recalling the good ‘ol days. The group has been consistently releasing dreamy albums; in fact, their 2023 album Sit Down For Dinner was well-received by the likes of Pitchfork and Vogue.
If you’re planning to see Wednesday’s set on Saturday, be sure to stick around for a real good time from Blonde Redhead right after.
Being Dead:
Being Dead is another Austin favorite, especially among us at KVRX, set to perform this weekend. The group is made up of vocalist Falcon Bitch, bassist Ricky Motto and drummer Cody Dossier. To limit this trio to a genre feels like a betrayal – Being Dead is a masterclass in sonic Surrealism. Blending surf and psychedelic rock with something uniquely their own, Being Dead introduces a sense of play masterfully in their tunes. Their 2023 album, When Horses Would Run, features a dreamy collection of hits – but don’t overlook their newest release, EELS, for some more rad, rad tracks.
Perhaps even better live, Being Dead’s performances are a love affair between twee and punk. You’ll kick yourself forever if you don’t strap in for a musical adventure this Sunday.
Honorable Mentions:
Wednesday, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, Upchuck, Blood Incantation and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.