The spirited sounds and stories of Charleston’s funk sensation, The Psycodelics, will reverberate through the iconic Terrace Theater Sep. 29 as it hosts the premiere of The Psycodelics: The Movie.
Directed by filmmaker and local business owner Cory Schwartz, this musical documentary takes viewers on an intimate retelling of the Charleston–based band’s evolution, capturing everything from their humble beginnings as young musicians to their current fame as artists moving and shaking the funk genre.
Schwartz’s connection with The Psycodelics band members reaches far deeper than the rivers lining the swampy Lowcountry. As the former owner of the popular James Island restaurant Cory’s Grilled Cheese, he provided a hub for budding musicians. Schwartz fondly recalled the band members’ initial foray into his world.
“They used to come and jam at my shop,” he said in an interview with Charleston City Paper. “I followed their career as they matured, and when I transitioned back into professional video work, I made a few videos for them. That personal connection and the archival footage I had been collecting for years made me realize I was uniquely suited to tell their story.”
The resulting indie doc captures more than the band’s musical journey. It also depicts their struggles and successes, as well as their profound and lasting impact on the Charleston music scene. Schwartz emphasized that the film focuses on the band’s roots — how their early experiences playing in church and formal music education shaped their talents and perspectives.
“I wanted to showcase their musical development and their approach to funk while ensuring that their incredible music took center stage,” he explained.
A few hurdles along the way
Filming the members of The Psycodelics was not entirely devoid of obstacles. One of the difficulties Schwartz had to surmount was recording in venues with huge crowds and still obtaining quality audio to do justice to the band’s energy.
“Getting up on stage to film their live shows was crucial,” he said. “Their chemistry as musicians is extraordinary, and you can feel their camaraderie in every note.”
While footage selection was a difficult process for Schwartz, he stressed the importance of portraying the band’s spirit.
“There were many moments that didn’t make it into the film, but it was clear that we needed to focus on their growth as musicians and the impact of their friendships,” he noted.
The premiere promises to showcase local talent and deliver an inspiring narrative about following one’s dreams. Those in attendance will have the chance to hear behind the scenes stories, as narrated from Schwartz’s distinct perspective.
He said he hopes the documentary will shed light on The Psycodelics’ contributions to funk, which Schwartz believes remains relevant in today’s culture.
“Funk is as fresh as it’s ever been,” he asserted. “The ’Delics are one of the most compelling bands in the genre to watch. I hope this film helps them reach a broader audience, and leaves a lasting mark on the music festival circuit.”
The film premiere — which kicks off with a red carpet and ends with a Q&A with Schwartz, The Psycodelics and music journalist Chelsea Grinstead — marks a momentous occasion both for the band and their fans. The result is much more than just a biopic about music and musicians; rather, it becomes a story of the power of dreams, passion and community.
This funky night with the band blasts off at the Terrace Theater 7:30 p.m. Sep. 29.
Find tickets for $30 and learn more at thepsycodelicsmovie.com.
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