In this insightful podcast episode, we sit down with Aly Gomaa, a key producer behind the success of iconic music festivals like Levitation and Psych Fest. With years of experience in curating exceptional music experiences, Aly takes us on a journey through the evolution of Levitation Festival, from its psychedelic rock roots to its current multi-genre format that includes everything from experimental and Latin psych to ambient music. Join us as we explore the challenges, innovations, and behind-the-scenes processes that make Levitation such a unique and unforgettable experience for music lovers.

What You Will Learn:

• The Growth and Transformation of Levitation Festival:
  Discover how Levitation, initially focused on psychedelic rock, has expanded its musical offerings to include diverse genres. Aly shares how the festival continuously evolves to reflect the broader scope of psychedelic music, while maintaining its commitment to high-quality performances that showcase both emerging and established acts.

• The Shift to a Multi-Venue Format:
  In 2016, Levitation faced weather challenges that led to the transition from a single-venue to a multi-venue format. Learn how this shift improved the festival's logistical efficiency and allowed for a wider variety of performances. Aly reveals how the festival plans to blend the best elements of the past with an exciting new indoor venue format.

• Indoor Venues: Balancing Control and Creativity:
  Aly explains the advantages of hosting the festival in an indoor venue, including mitigating weather-related risks and offering more flexibility in stage setups. With a psychedelic theme at the heart of Levitation, the ability to create immersive environments enhances the overall festival experience for both artists and attendees.

• The Art of Booking Bands for a Festival:
  What goes into selecting the right bands for a music festival? Aly offers a candid look at the process of curating lineups, including the importance of balancing personal taste with what will resonate with festival-goers. Social media plays a role in discovering new talent, but the key to long-term success is ensuring artists can continue to evolve and build a loyal following.

• Aly’s Personal Journey in Music:
  Aly takes us through their journey from Cairo to Austin, sharing how their early exposure to music, involvement in college radio, and love for live performances shaped their career. Get an inside look at how these experiences fueled Aly's passion for producing live music events.

• The Curatorial Vision Behind Levitation Festival’s Lineups:
  In this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the curatorial vision that drives the festival’s lineups. Aly emphasizes the importance of developing talent and building cohesive lineups that represent different facets of psychedelic music while ensuring the audience stays engaged and excited.

• The Role of Live Music in Today’s Music Scene:
  As streaming platforms and algorithms continue to shape how we discover music, Aly reflects on the continuing importance of live music as a cultural force. Find out how Levitation is helping to highlight independent music and create spaces where music lovers can come together to celebrate their shared passion.

• A Sneak Peek at Levitation 2025:
  To close, Aly offers a glimpse into the exciting plans for the upcoming Levitation festival in April, including an eclectic mix of both traditional and modern psychedelic music.