MP3: “You Should Close the Door” – http://www.thefader.com/2011/03/01/premiere-craft-spells-you-should-close-the-door-mp3/
In the cold and dreary winter of 2009, alone in his bedroom and hidden from the darkness of the world outside Justin Paul Vallesteros had begun working on something that would change his life forever. What began as a couple notes played in experimentation soon transformed into vibrant melodies that soon shook Vallesteros’ musical foundation to the core. Guitar chords laced over pulsating synth melodies and drum rhythms was a departure from Justin’s previous work; he began to create the dreamy nostalgic pop music that is Craft Spells.
Justin is a California native who now finds residence in Seattle, WA. The sound of Craft Spells is led by Justin’s blissful voice, backed behind beautiful guitar melodies over heavenly synths, pop basslines and looped rhythms. Captured Tracks has released the 7″ single for the song “Party Talk” and will release the debut LP, Idle Labor, due March 29th.
2011 is going to be a busy year now that Justin has set up a live band for future touring. Keep a look out for tour dates in Europe and US as the year progresses.
What the press has said about Craft Spells:
“Between widely accessible studio programs and the Internet, the bedroom is becoming a semi-pro recording studio and distribution center. If you haven’t noticed the positive effect this has had on prodigy songwriters yet, turn your ears to Craft Spells. Stockton’s Justin Vallesteros may not be Prince, but it’s quite an accomplishment that, at only age 22, he can create a near-perfect pop song like “Party Talk”. His Ian Curtis-influenced mutterings are a striking contrast for his twinkly instrumental soundscapes, making us optimistic for his first full length, Idle Labor, which is due in 2011.” – SFWEEKLY
“It’s a phrase that gets thrown into every blog post about an emerging act, but these guys really are a band to watch. I thought I was reaching my saturation point for “summery” music, but I really can’t wait for their debut record to drop.” – One Thirty BPM
“Craft Spells make ifantastic bedroom pop that is one part 80s New Romantic and another part Dream Pop. People enamored with Glo-Fi/Chillwave should also take note because their production and use of synths will be right up your alley if not entirely hanging ten on top of the Chillwave. “The Fog Rose High” wouldn’t be out of place in an 80s John Cusack movie, you know in that scene where he and the girl finally “fall in love”. Or “Azalea” which channels a fantastic Stephin Merritt (sans the baritone) at the beach in a most pleasant way. Really, really great stuff.” – Mishka NYC
CRAFT SPELLS
04/07 Stony Brook, NY – University Cafe (Stony Brook University) *
04/08 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg *
04/09 Brooklyn, NY – Glassands ^
04/13 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar *
04/14 Washington, DC – DC9 *
04/16 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas *
04/18 Winooski, VT – The Monkey House *
04/19 Montreal, QC – La Sala Rossa *
04/20 Toronto, ON – Parts & Labour *
04/21 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle *
04/22 Louisville, KY – Zanzabar *
04/24 Cleveland, OH – Happy Dog *
04/25 State College, PA – Chronic Town *
04/27 Allston, MA – Great Scott *
05/01 Tucson, AZ – Club Congress *
05/02 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar *
05/03 Los Angeles, CA – Echo *
05/04 Visalia, CA – The Cellar Door *
05/05 San Francisco, CA – Slims *
05/06 Portland, OR – Star Theater *
05/07 Seattle, WA – Chop Suey *
05/08 Vancouver, BC – Media Club *
* = w/ Beach Fossils
^ = w/ Cloud Nothings, Sundelles
Craft Spells
Idle Labor
(Captured Tracks)
Street Date: Mar. 29, 2011
1. For the Ages
2. Scandinavian Crush
3. The Fog Rose High
4. Party Talk
5. From the Morning Heat
6. After the Moment
7. Ramona
8. Given the Time
9. Your Tomb
10. You Should Close the Door
11. Beauty Above All
CRAFT SPELLS LINKS:
Label – http://www.capturedtracks.com/
Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/craftspells