There’s perhaps no better instrumental space rocker in the music underground today than Astral Construct. It’s a one-person band led by Colorado-based Drew Patricks, who distills his love of space into beautiful, long-form stoner jams.
I’ve written a lot about Astral Construct recently because Drew will soon release a new album, Traveling a Higher Consciousness, on August 25th. I got to listen to and review the new record a little while back (see the review here), and I can say it’s heavy psychedelic music that many will enjoy.
I wanted to talk to Drew more in-depth about the Astral Construct project and go behind the scenes, as it were, to see what inspires him, what it’s like being a one-person band, and other things I was curious about. So, strap in for the following interview, where we’ll learn more about Astral Construct.
Interview With Astral Construct
Third Eye: Can you introduce yourself and Astral Construct? When did you start the project, and what inspired it?
Astral Construct: I am Drew Patricks, and I created Astral Construct in 2020. A few years prior to establishing Astral Construct, I decided to change the course of my musical journey. After years of trying to play like other guitar players and do cover songs, I realized that was not my musical path and committed to writing my own music. The result was my first album, Tales of Cosmic Journeys. The inspiration came from a fascination with space and a desire to paint a picture of what I imagined space to be, hoping to take the listener with me.
Third Eye: What’s it like being a one-person band? And why did you choose to have Astral Construct as a one-person/solo project?
Astral Construct: Forming a one-person project was not initially a conscious decision. Throughout the process of writing, I just got lost in it and did not want to stop to find the right people. The whole thing was incredible from the perspective of it truly being my creation, but I am looking forward to and I am in the process of making this into a full band.
Friendships in the music scene
Third Eye: As I write this, you’re getting ready to release your second full-length album, which I loved. How do you think Astral Construct’s sound has evolved from the first to the second record?
Astral Construct: I am excited about the second album, Traveling a Higher Consciousness. There is a definite progression from the first album with the addition of keyboards, more pronounced bass lines, and a growth in my guitar playing, which has allowed me to add more depth to the journey. I used more layering, and I particularly enjoyed adding the keyboard parts. They provide more of a droning sound rather than complex lines. The end of “Interstellar” is one of the best examples of it and really creates a darker atmosphere.
Third Eye: What’s the coolest thing that has happened to you since starting Astral Construct? The most memorable experience?
Astral Construct: It is difficult to nail down one moment that has stood above all others, as there have been so many great experiences. I guess one might be the first time I heard a song of mine being played on internet radio. Always an adrenaline rush to hear someone else broadcasting your music.
Although moments like that are amazing, the greatest part of the last three years has been the people I have met and developed friendships with. The scene in Colorado is so rich and full of amazing artists, and because of the internet, the reach to people in other parts of the country, as well as faraway places such as New Zealand or Germany, makes it so rewarding.
A mindset of exploration
Third Eye: Your music and the thematic elements of Astral Construct are heavily focused on space. What is it about space and space exploration that fascinates you so much?
Astral Construct: With space, it is the unknown and the amount that is still left to the imagination. There are so many questions still unanswered. I think the idea of space and space travel also gives us a chance to connect emotions to it. Things like loneliness, anxiety, fear, wonder, etc. The idea of the solitary traveler very much mirrors life. Although we are always around people, we must still largely navigate it ourselves.
Third Eye: What do you think makes a song or album psychedelic? What are some defining features of the psych genre, in your opinion?
Astral Construct: Pysch is creating a mindset of exploration. It pushes the listener to escape daily life and look further. Hopefully, it creates a sense of wonder. The music provides layers and many directions that keep the listener guessing what comes next when they first hear it. As they get to know the music, the listener develops their own way of “seeing” where they want to be taken. Like all art, it is all in the eye of the beholder, and I see my role as providing the path to seeing what they want.
Third Eye: What’s one record you can’t stop spinning right now?
Astral Construct: Another tough question!! One would have to be the debut album by Megatheria. They are an amazing band from Denver. The new Apex Ten album, Aashray, is really good as well. I also keep going back to Messa’s Close, which is absolutely brilliant!
Taking people on the journey
Third Eye: I imagine you like tons of metal and heavier genres. But what’s one offbeat genre you love that may surprise some people?
Astral Construct: Old blues and jazz. T-Bone Walker, Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith, etc.
Third Eye: What’s going on in Colorado Springs? What’s the music scene like out there?
Astral Construct: I think it is coming up. There are more venues and more bands pushing original music. Very grassroots now, but I believe there is so much potential, and I love how national acts, as well as bands in Denver, are looking to make Colorado Springs a place to be.
Third Eye: Last question – what are the short and long-term plans and goals for Astral Construct?
Astral Construct: Keep growing in the way that I communicate my music. Find more ways to take people on that journey. Get this into a live setting with an incredible visual experience which means working with people who fit the vision and take it further by what they bring to it. I would also like to collaborate with other musicians. I had such an incredible time making the single Solis in Stellis with Blake Carrera of Aiwass. I would like to do more of that because it also ties into one of the best parts of this experience, which is being a part of a community.
Support Astral Construct by following him on Bandcamp or social media (Facebook, Instagram).
Parting words: “Insanity is relative. It depends on who has who locked in what cage.” – Ray Bradbury
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