Ghostland Observatory set for SPI Fest

Austin-based duo talks music, Halloween costumes.

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For the next three weeks, we'll will be bringing you exclusive interviews with the huge acts that are going to be performing at this year's SPI Music Fest, Oct. 31-Nov. 2 on South Padre Island. We're kicking things off with Ghostland Observatory.

Ghostland Observatory has a problem.

The Austin-based duo, whose music is one part electronica, one part indie rock and one part indescribable, will play their first show in the Valley as part of a killer lineup led by Willie Nelson at the South Padre Island International Music Festival, which is heading into its sophomore year.

They'll play it on the beach. And they'll play it Halloween weekend. Now comes the problem.

They dress for Halloween every time they perform. So how do they actually dress for Halloween?

"We may change something up; we may stick to the formula," said Tom Turner, the group's keyboardist and producer, during a phone interview from his home in Austin. "I mean, it's pretty much Halloween every time we play anyway."

And they will likely play the beach's most unique show that weekend. With their costumes, flashing lights and punk-infused electronic dance tunes, Ghostland brings with them a hipster credibility the festival hasn't seen before.

Since forming in 2005, these Texas natives have ignited the music industry with originality. Consider that eternal Halloween live show for example: Lead singer and guitarist Aaron Behrens dons tribal-esque gear and dark shades. Turner drapes himself in a cape. Backlit by lasers, they put on quite the spectacle.

"It's an interesting live show. A lot of energy, lights and lasers, just loud. Everything you want to see when you go to see a live show," Turner said.

Consider also the places they've recorded their three albums. The guys laid down debut delete.delete.i.eat.meat in a duplex. They made their sophomore effort, "Paparazzi Lightning," in vacant office space. Earlier this year they released Robotique Majestique, which they recorded in an old barn.

"It just happens. The last one we did in my dad's barn. Just however it works out at that time. Whatever space we have to use, we use it," Turner says.

And even consider the way they acquired their laser show. It has something to do with Pink Floyd.

"It was from this company in Pittsburgh that we met by chance. They were down in Dallas previewing lasers for the Roger Waters show. We were in a bind, and they did the show for us, and we've been partners ever since," Turner says.

It's all come together to bring the band success. They've played major American music festivals including Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza and the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans. They've won a cult following, and they've been featured in top tier music publications across the country.

They've done it all without a major label; they've done it all their way.

Ghostland Observatory wraps up their 2008 tour New Year's Eve in Seattle. After that, Turner says the band plans to recuperate and then hit the studio for album No. 4, which will likely be released in spring or early summer.

Before then, find out first hand if they've solved their devilish dilemma.

"We're pumped to go man," Turner said. "It's Halloween. Hopefully people will be pumped to party and wearing costumes, and it'll be a very cool experience."

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