PureVolume

Members: Devendra Banhart

Devendra Banhart (b. May 30, 1981, in Houston, Texas) is a Venezuelan-American folk rock singer-songwriter and musician. Banhart's music has been classified as indie folk, psych folk, freak folk, Naturalismo, and New Weird America; his lyrics are often surreal and naturalistic.

Though born in the U.S., Banhart was raised in Caracas, Venezuela from 2 to 13 years old. [1] Years later he gained popularity while living in San Francisco after attending the San Francisco Art Institute and further gained popularity when he subsequently moved to New York City to record under Young God Records, based in New York City. Banhart currently lives in Los Angeles.

Banhart was 'discovered' by Michael Gira of Swans, who released his Oh Me Oh My... and a few subsequent albums on his own Young God Records label beginning in 2002. In 2005, Banhart (along with Andy Cabic and Revolver USA) created Gnomonsong record label. In 2006 he helped to curate an edition of the British All Tomorrow's Parties festival.

Banhart's most recent tour of the United States saw him perform with his full band, which is currently known as Power Mineral. Power Mineral included Andy Cabic (Vetiver), Greg Rogove (Priestbird), Noah Georgeson, Luckey Remington, Pete Newsom, Otto Hauser (Vetiver, Currituck Co., Espers, Nick Castro), Kevin Barker (Currituck Co.), and others. The band claims to rechristen itself when a name comes to them, and has previously been known as Fried Hummingbird, Vagina Burglars, Hairy Fairy Band, Las Putas Locas, Stoner Boner, Spiritual Boner, Bummer Hummer, Brain Taint, Love Fart and Bathhouse Of The Winds, among other names.

Banhart was the first artist to contribute a design for the Yellow Bird Project.

Banhart's song "There's Always Something Happening" appears on a FINCA benefit compilation put together by Natalie Portman on iTunes.

A collection of original artwork by Banhart was exhibited alongside the works of the late Swiss painter Paul Klee through February 24, 2008 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The show was titled "Abstract Rhythms".