Devendra Banhart is an eccentric folk musician often credited with helping create the "Freak Folk" movement.

Banhart began writing and recording demos while attending the San Francisco Art Institute. After leaving school, Banhart traveled from San Francisco to Paris and finally ending up in Los Angeles. During this time, Banhart independently released his debut album, The Charles C. Leary.

Banhart released his album, Oh Me Oh My, in 2002 on Michael Gira's Young God Records. The album was a critical hit drawing comparison to Tim Buckley, Syd Barrett and Marc Bolan of T. Rex. Banhart released two more albums, Rejoicing in the Hands and Nino Rojo, before leaving the label.

His next two albums, Cripple Crow and Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon were released on XL Recordings.

The music video for Banhart's single "Carmensita" is a parody on Bollywood films. Banhart's girlfriend, Natalie Portman, appears in the video as a princess who is rescued from an evil king by a prince, played by Banhart. The single is the first to have a video off of the new album Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon.Rolling Stone: Natalie Portman Stars in Boyfriend Banhart's "Carmensita" Video (July 22, 2008)