Psychedelic music, which began in the 1960s, is distinguished by the use of unusual sounds, instruments, and effects, as well as experimental structures and compositions. It is frequently connected with the 1960s counterculture movement and was frequently used to encourage or portray the usage of drugs such as LSD and psilocybin. This trippy music can combine elements from a variety of musical forms, such as rock, folk, jazz, and electronic music. It is frequently distinguished by the use of distorted or processed sounds, such as feedback, reverb, or phasing, as well as electronic instruments or effects, such as synthesizers and samplers.

Nature, spirituality, and political or social criticism are all prominent topics in psychedelic music. While this experimental music is typically connected with the 1960s counterculture movement, it has had a long-lasting impact on a variety of musical forms and remains a popular and important genre. It frequently seeks to elicit the altered states of consciousness associated with psychedelic substances, and it may employ unusual sounds, structures, and compositions to generate a sensation of confusion, expansion, or transcendence. Many psychedelic musicians have acknowledged the usage of drugs like LSD, psilocybin, or DMT as a source of inspiration for their music, and others have claimed that these substances helped them reach new levels of creativity and consciousness.

To make their live performances more immersive and transformational, psychedelic bands frequently employed extravagant stage productions and light shows. These performances could feature lengthy jams and improvisations as well as lasers, projections, and other visual elements.

In addition to its importance in the 1960s counterculture movement, psychedelic music has been employed in therapeutic settings to assist patients relax, meditate, or explore their inner landscape. It has been utilized by some therapists to assist patients in processing and integrating unpleasant emotions and experiences. Overall, psychedelic music is a broad and active musical trend that inspires new generations of performers and fans.