Spotlight: Devendra Banhart
Just another dirty hippie?
August 30, 2008
Sporting long luscious locks all over his head and face, and a funky, androgynous choice of clothes, I cannot help myself from falling for this Venezuelan-American stud.
Devendra Banhart, born in Houston, Texas, is best known for his new folk beats and psychedelic music videos. Lyrically, he tends to muse over an animal’s thoughts, like in “Little Yellow Spider,” or over war in “Heard Somebody Say.” I find no theme in his words, just sporadic thoughts and bizarre comparisons. But surprisingly, the literal meaning of his lyrics are understandable, especially in my favorite tune, “I Feel Just Like A Child.” Still, much of Devendra's appeal lies in the fact that his messages are indecipherable not only to his audience, but maybe even to himself.
With XL Recordings on his back (a la M.I.A., The White Stripes, and Beck. Hello people!), Banhart is going in the right direction for fame. But I really have to question, what is this character about? Dating Natalie Portman, changing the name of his band from Vagina Burglars to Power Minerals, dressing up in a beaded belly shirt and grape panties, and drowning in Twiggy style eye-mascara and geisha painted face make up? Devendra, are you trying to out-culture the counter-culture?
Though Banhart grew up in Caracas, I find myself noticing some South Asian flavor in his look. In the music video for “Carmensita,” the stunning short-haired babe and lova’ Natalie P. screams 1960's Bollywood and Punjabi goodness. Imitating the stories of Hindu philosophy, Banhart sings in Spanish about his one love. What's more, his name means “king of gods” in Indian mythology. For more, check out his latest album Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, released in September 2007.
Though I find Devendra Banhart quite eclectic in his sound, lyrics, and lifestyle, and oddly visaged with his thin physique, bearded face, and bindi studded forehead, I’ve simply concluded one important thing: I’d totally hit that – or at least go gay for his girlfriend.
You can find out more about Devendra Banhart by visiting his website: http://www.devendrabanhart.com
Do you want to get to know the Arabian Princess who authored this review? E-mail Simran at sjsingh@brynmawr.edu
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Download Devendra's Music.
- Little Yellow Spider
- Heard Somebody Say
- I Feel Just Like A Child
- Carmensita
Just click the link.