Devendra Banhart, a neo-psych/folk hippie artist and musician, is giving two shows at Tel Aviv's Barbie club as part of his European tour.
By ARI MILLER
Devendra Banhart, a neo-psych/folk hippie artist and musician, is giving two shows at Tel Aviv's Barbie club as part of his European tour promoting his new album, White Reggae Troll. Released this month, Troll is a continuation of the journey that has been Banhart's life, both geographically and musically.
Born in Texas in 1981, he moved shortly afterwards with his recently divorced mother to Caracas, Venezuela, where he grew up in one of the more impoverished sections of the city. Later, following her remarriage, Banhart moved back to Los Angeles and then headed north to attend the San Francisco Art Institute. Eventually, he became disillusioned by the constraints of art within academia and dropped out of school to move to Paris. During his time there he landed a regular spot opening for indie rock groups. Upon returning to the US, he wandered between San Francisco and LA playing whatever gigs he could find. It was at one of those shows that a good friend of the owner of Young God Records, the label that went on to sign the young vagabond, discovered Banhart's unique voice.
From a wandering youth who took up residence on the couches of friends, Banhart has now met with critical acclaim, tremendous press attention (including a feature on America's National Public Radio), four tours in the US and now one in Europe.
Devendra Banhart's two shows will both be at the Barbie (52 Kibbutz Galuyot Street) on July 6 and 7. For tickets, call 03-518-8123.