Approximately 3 hours east of El Paso is the tiny town that is Marfa, Texas.
Home to less than 2,000 residents, it’s no secret that Marfa is a creative hub that draws an array of attendees for Marfa Myths—an annual music, film, visual arts and comedy festival created by Ballroom Marfa and the Brooklyn-based label Mexican Summer.
Marfa Myths kicked off its 6th year on Thursday, April 25th, with a gallery opening featuring their visual artist in residence, Natalie Anne Howard. Singer-songwriter Jess Williamson started off Friday’s festivities at Marfa’s Visitor Center while ANTI’s own Cass McCombs closed out.
Florist’s Emily A. Sprague gave a minimal electronic set that started off Saturday’s scheduling at La Mansana de Chinati. Stones Throw’s Jerry Paper kicked-off the evening’s powerhouse showcase at The Capri consisting of post-punk/reggae veteran Vivien Goldman, electronic synth icon The Space Lady and 4AD’s Deerhunter. The five-piece just released their 8th studio album Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? produced by Cate Le Bon and recorded at Sonic Ranch.
In true Marfa Myths fashion, Cate Le Bon joined the five-piece onstage to close out their set with “Plains,” as well as Le Bon’s own “What’s Not Mine” off of her 2017 album, Crab Day. Le Bon was also the festival’s Woodworker in Residence who showcased her furniture piece at Wrong Marfa throughout the festival.
Annette Peacock closed out this year’s festival at the intimate Crowley Theater and it’s probably something attendees won’t be able to experience again. Peacock is one of the first composers to utilize a prototype of a synthesizer from Robert Moog to warp her vocals. A pioneer in her genre, Peacock is most notable for her 1972 album, I’m The One, which even received David Bowie’s seal of approval.
Marfa Myths has proven to be a standout festival in a sea of oversaturated music markets aimed at the masses. Where else can you attend a festival with Connan Mockasin as the Painter in Residence, witness Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox serenade Vivien Goldman mid-set and see the mystery lights?
Only in Marfa.
