Separated at Birth: Vega/Neon Indian

Vega: Friday, March 19, Malverde, 12mid

Neon Indian: Friday, March 19, Club de Ville, 11pm

At Waterloo Park last fall for Fun Fun Fun Fest, Alan Palomo pulled a one-two punch, the capstone to a year that saw the former Ghosthustler storm the blogosphere with two different projects: Vega’s Well Known Pleasures (Vogue College) and Neon Indian’s Psychic Chasms (Lefse). The latter’s title seems particularly appropriate given Palomo’s split personalities in dual outfits. “The process of compartmentalizing tracks usually seems to be dictated by my state of mind,” he offers on separating the creative impulses of the two outlets. “Given the approaches in production are so distinctly different for each project, I usually have to decide beforehand what I’ll be delving into, if even writing for these two particular projects. Definitely a mood thing.” Though Neon Indian initially emerged as a chilled-out, synth-coiled spin-off to Vega’s 1980s glam grooves, Well Known Pleasures has thus far won the greater share of attention. Yet with Vega signing to Fool’s Gold for its 2010 follow-up, neither project shows any signs of slowing down.

This article appears in March 12 • 2010.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.