From music to videos and even children’s shows, trippy scenes tend to make their way into our lives one way or another. The eye-popping art and colorful scenes are completely captivating, and it’s crazy to think that these images came from someone’s imagination. But you don’t have to be a hippie in the sixties to see these visuals—there are plenty of videos on YouTube that can provide them for you. Here are 6 trippy videos with equally trippy music, offer entertainment during homework breaks, and perhaps even be an inspiration to make art of your own.
"Off the Air" (series)
This adult swim show was introduced to me by my friend. I still remember glancing over at her screen and seeing a bizarre array of animations and clips. “showcase of surreal footage,” it’s a cool way to expose people to artists, animators, and musicians. Some of the scene are clever and interesting, others can be disturbing or odd, and most involve complex animations set to electronic music.
Blockhead - "The Music Scene"
Speaking of showcasing artists, “Off the Air” introduced me to this music video of Blockhead’s “The Music Scene.” The animation, done by Anthony F. Schepperd, is brilliantly done. Everything seems so chaotic, yet every part melts together seamlessly.
Tame Impala - "Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control"
Tame Impala has truly made a name for themselves, drawing comparisons to the Beatles, gaining success with their album Lonerism, and receiving critical acclaim for their newest album, Currents. But if the only two songs you know by them are "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" and "Elephant," then you need to expand your TI catalogue. Not only do they have another album from 2010 and some EPs/singles that are often overlooked, but there are some gems on Lonerism that everyone should know about. This song seems to draw influences from Pet Sounds while still sounding original and amazing.
Winnie the Pooh - Heffalumps and Woozles
For the most part, Winnie the Pooh is all about a loveable, huggable, honey-loving bear and his friends. But in the movie Pooh's Grand Adventure, his human friend Christopher Robin goes "missing," and the Winnie the Pooh group must find him. They realize that he has gone away to the dreaded "school," and they must face heffalumps and woozles (some version of elephants and weasels) in order to rescue him. After an overindulgence of honey (what else?), Pooh falls asleep and has a bit of a nightmare about the heffalumps and woozles. Must have been some honey...
Dan Deacon - "When I Was Done Dying"
This song might appeal to you Animal Collective fans. This is actually a compilation of different animators’ works that create a beautifully seamless video. At the end, time gets warped and everything is reversed, for an even trippier effect.
Sunbeam Sound Machine - "Cosmic Love Affair"
I'm not sure when I first heard about Sunbeam Sound Machine. Like Tame Impala, they hail from the land down under, and they have a psychedelic sound. This song is perfect for just listening to on your bed, chilling out.