Wicked For Days [LIVE] at MicroSessions
You've seen us play it acoustically, but here is one of our favorite songs to play, off our latest album Sinful Things, done with the magic and possibility of electric power ⚡
By the way, do yourself a favor and subscribe to our channel already! We're not stopping with the uploads anytime soon!
Black Sclera [LIVE] at MicroSessions
Last week we shared a vlog of our time performing at Microsessions in NYC. It was a great time and it we had 2 great performances result out of it. I always strive to make Spells and Curses more of a live experience than simply an auditory one. With that that said, I wanted to share with you a performance of our song "Black Sclera" (off our album SUADADE) that I feel is the definitive live version of the song. Enjoy
By the way, do yourself a favor and subscribe to our channel already! We're not stopping with the uploads anytime soon!
FULL INTERVIEW on WVMRNY
In case you missed it, here's video-graphic evidence of all the madness that transpired during our recent visit to WVMR Studios in NY for an interview with KatieKay on Monday Night RAWRR! We touched on everything from our name origins, teachers who influenced us, our shared history, the legalities of recreational marijuana use, dealing with labels, top 5s, the music from both albums, the future, and of course, Kanye West.
Watch below!
By the way, do yourself a favor and subscribe to our channel already! We're not stopping with the uploads anytime soon!
Announcing the Winning Shirt Design!!
If you recall, a few months ago we held a fan poll to determine the future of fashion AS WE KNOW IT. And after holding a week-long, fan-lead poll to decide the next shirt to lead us into this new era of fleek™, we can now FINALLY DEBUT THE WINNING DESIGN!
"Ooo la laaa!" - said all the boys & girls with eyes
Hand-printed in the warm bosom of Brooklyn on the softest of fabrics imported from local grass-fed artisans; we can finally look crazysexycool all while basking in its benevolent, cooperative glory TOGETHER!
Lyrics Added to Site!
After many requests, I've finally given in! All of the song lyrics to our songs are now made available via our site (this VERY site right here, actually)! Check up on our toolbar/menu, select the "Lyrics" tab, and then select whichever song from whichever album your heart fancies!
How many moons? How many stars?
Hello Dorothy,
How many moons? How many stars? It’s been quite a while, but here we are.
I find myself once again at a point where I have to explain myself to you. It seems that’s all I ever really do, but I don’t mind. I owe you that much for everything you continue to do for me.
What to address first? Perhaps the absence between correspondences? Yes, lets…
2015 was a magical year. The boys and I were just getting our footing into the world of live performance. We hit the ground running in our attempts to bring the music of SUADADE to the masses. There were no expectations, just the task itself and our undying will to best it. From our first show in April to our last in December, we noticed a steady increase in not only our turnouts per show, but our tightness as a group, as well as our overall effectiveness at conveying the message. That message was simply the musical portrayal of the emotions displayed throughout the story of SUADADE. We even ventured outside NY, playing shows in New Jersey and Connecticut. By the end of the year, our progress and ascent was at an all-time high.
We rang 2016 in with an epilogical performance of sorts for our run of SUADADE. It was held in none other than the legendary Bitter End. That show in many ways was the zenith of everything we were working towards for all of 2015. The crowd, the room, the energy, the sound; everything was on point. It may have been cold outside, but we warmed everyone up real nice in that room, and I can honestly say that it was a wonderful night that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
After that show, we went into recording mode for the new EP. Without getting into specifics, it was around this time that new methods were being experimented with. Methods not only for recording, but for planning and delegating a large part of the recording duties. Simply put, none of it bore the results I was expected. Before I knew it, it was April and the opportunity to play to an audience of 10,000 people fell onto my lap. Still being without any finished recordings, and perhaps due to some sense of frustration, I accepted the offer and lined up a few more shows for the year. I figured I’d be able to perform the shows and handle my recording duties in between. This turned out to be easier said than done.
I realized that our live shows, while being excellent, haven’t evolved to a point where I’d like for them to be quite yet. It’s one thing to be able to perform on stage with a band and hold an audience’s emotions in the palm of your hands, but it’s another to toss those very emotions all the way up through the heavens. I wasn’t satisfied with our shows just being great, I need for them to be the best. However I was unable to fully focus my time and attention on improving them the way I saw fit due to my recording responsibilities. That’s when it dawned on me that I’ve reached something of an impasse; essentially, I’d be unable to re-tweak any aspect of my live performances if I’m also operating in a frame of mind for songwriting/producing. These are two very different neural pathways that I access, and with both duties on my plate, I'd be unable to give one the attention it deserved without having it take away something from the other. Now I think those same improvements we made in our live performances were further improved upon this year, but again, that’s not enough for me.
So with that said, I can confidently say that I’ll be going back into recording mode 100%. There are too many songs on the queue waiting to be recorded and released (because while performance + recording need to take precedence over one another, songwriting is a light that’s never turned off). This means there most likely won’t be any big show to announce until we have an EP release party. There are other implications as a result of this; I might be a bit more radio-silent on our social media than usual. If you’ve been following Spells and Curses on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., you’ve probably noticed how there has been at least one post a day pretty regularly. This won’t stop entirely, but it will slow down significantly in order to focus + expedite the recording process a bit more.
Additionally, there will be more content coming out than simply music recordings + music videos. There is more being worked on than simply improving our stage shows + live sound. There will be major restructuring within Spells and Curses dealing addressing a range of topics from the music, to live shows, to the business side of things, and more. All will be revealed in due time, but just know that the next time you will see Spells and Curses, it will be a v2 upgrade. While I anticipate us being offered a show here and there (one that we might even accept if the price is right), know this: YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU SEE VERSION 2 INITIATED. #TheV2Initiative
2017 will be a new year and a new start for Spells and Curses. Everything will either fruitfully multiply, or fail + die miserably in a pathetic, burning wreck of a grave, and I have no intention of letting the latter happen. On this journey there are chances to take, and those chances have significant risk. Yet I take those chances not only to improve on my craft, but to deliver to you the experience of a better class of art from a further realized artist that you deserve. But again, all in due time…
I shall maintain correspondence with you on a regularly basis once again.
I shall remain,
theRave
We Missed You...
Things have been kinda quiet here, haven't they?
Well I assure you, that's perfectly normal.
This is what's to be expected when new music is being made 😉
Though we're recording our next batch of EP's, we still can't seem but miss playing live for you. That's why back in April we made our (somewhat) surprise announcement that we'd be playing the opening night of the 2016 Queens Night Market (which had 10,000 PEOPLE in attendance! YIKES!).
A few months of recording later and we're still getting that itch.
So here's the scratch:
We'll be returning to Desmond's Tavern's to introduce you to some of the new songs! So drop by and join the party as we set forth a night filled with new melodies, riotous jollity, and tasty libations.
Desmond's Tavern 433 Park Ave S, New York, New York 10016
Sat. Aug 6th / $8 / 7:30pm / 21+
cya then
"Sexual Healing" [LIVE at The Bitter End]
Here's a clip of us "putting on the lotion" at our show The Bitter End.
Special thanks to Marsin Digital for capturing this beautiful moment!
Join Spells and Curses on YouTube ► http://goo.gl/gG53G2
End of Tour, New Recordings on the Way
Dearest Dorothy,
2015 has been one hell of year! For starters, the winter leg of the SUADADE Tri-State Tour has come to an end.
Just of a few of the things we did on this tour:
Successfully invaded and occupied Manhattan's Lower East Side from September to December!
Held secret shows all over NY! (sign-up for the newsletter + be the 1st to hear about any in the future)
SUADADE got it's very 1st official review by an online magazine!
Set imaginations ablaze at Arlene's Grocery, The Bowery Electric, Pianos, and Rockwood Music Hall!
Ventured out to New Jersey and Connecticut for the first time, and were welcomed by great crowds!
Capped the tour off and rang in the New Year with a SOLD-OUT show at The LEGENDARY Bitter End!
Not too shabby considering we've only been playing live since last April! That's only 10 months! HOLY COW.
Truly, it was a learning experience for us in many ways. Best of all, it brought us even closer together as friends. We've already begun honing in on our strengths, so that we can focus our best efforts into making the next batch of recordings something truly special.
Speaking of which... NEW RECORDINGS!!! That's right, baby!
If you were lucky enough to catch us on this tour, then you most likely heard some of the new songs that are going to be on the next release. This isn't the time nor place to go into further detail but rest assured, the work has already begun! All I can say is that you haven't heard nothing yet.
Alas, this is where I must leave you. These songs won't record themselves ;D
Yours Always,
theRave
Announcing the SUADADE Tour
At long last, here we are.
After almost 6 months of playing, we're about to embark on the most defining moments any artist or band can ever go through. We are very proud to announce that we're taking the show on the road, but will first take baby steps. In addition to playing New York, we're hitting up Connecticut and New Jersey for the first time!
Also, if you haven't noticed... we're ending the show at the ever legendary Bitter End. So you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll cap it all off with a bang. Mark your calendars and get your tickets!
*Any additionally added dates will be included in our live section*
Be sure to follow up on our facebook, twitter, instagram, and newsletter to keep up to date on any additional (and secret) shows!
Acoustic Series Video 3/3 – If Only You Knew
To celebrate SUADADE's 1-year release, we decided to give the acoustic treatment to 3 songs off the album. Each song was done in one take, re-arranged, and put together to be brought to you.
The third and final video of the series, features "If Only You Knew".
Shot by Rey Santiago Cut by Alfred Ying
Treatment for Blackbird's Music Video
Dearest Dorothy,
In celebrating 6 months since the release of the Blackbird music video, I've decided to once again give you a peak behind the curtain.
Here it is, the very informal (and crudely written) video treatment for "Blackbird". This final revised treatment was written on July 13th, 2013. That explains why some of the links included are dead today.
It's about as detailed as you'd expect from me. This was written directly for the video's director, Alex S. As you can see, I had Kanushree Jain in mind for the lead, and boy am I glad she joined the project.
Enough chat. Without further ado, here is a small peak into how my mind works, I guess:
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
"Blackbird" Music Video Treatment
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑
Acoustic Series Video 2/3 - Illunga
To celebrate SUADADE's 1-year release, we decided to give the acoustic treatment to 3 songs off the album.Each song was done in one take, re-arranged, and put together to be brought to you.
This is the second of the series: Illunga [Acoustic]
Shot by Rey Santiago Cut by Alfred Ying
3 Part Acoustic Video Series
To celebrate SUADADE's 1-year release, we decided to give the acoustic treatment to 3 songs off the album.Each song was done in one take, re-arranged, and put together to be brought to you.
This is the first of the series: Black Sclera [Acoustic]
Shot by Rey Santiago Cut by Alfred Ying
Spells and Curses Worldwide
You read correctly.We've gone INTERNATIONAL! This means that Suadade and all future releases will be available worldwide, from all online major music retailers.
Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself:
iTunes //// Spotify //// Google Play //// Amazon //// Tidal
Heck, you could even SHAZAM Spells and Curses now!
This opens the door for many possibilities, but above all, bringing the music to the people.
Here's to a sexier 2015.
BACK TO WORK!
"Blackbird" Music Video
The music video for “Blackbird” has finally been released!It may have taken a while, but I feel this to be the best initial step into the visual realm of music.
The experience of creating the music video was pretty extraordinary. I remember when I wrote out the treatment, I listed exactly what I wanted for this video. I had everything sketched out from the look of the video, the locations, and wardrobe, to the lighting, the feel, and most of all, the story. Everything you see for this video was exactly as I had pictured it in my brain. Same shots, same camera angles, everything right to the last frame. That's the genius of Alex S. He delivered in the most important way. He was able to take what I had written on paper, bring it to life visually, and edit it together so that it all makes sense.
THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is what a director that's dedicated to getting the shot looks like.
Then you also have the talent of our two actresses; Kanushree and Vidushi Jain. Kanushree (our main character) showed a dedication and professionalism to the project that I am truly thankful for. I recall telling her that a significant portion of the video would feature her in sweats, while jogging with no make-up. Now I don’t know how most girls would have felt about doing any of that (while being filmed, no less), but she never once complained or had any doubts; just a dream to work with.
It’s been a blast hearing people’s interpretations of the video! A lot of them were pretty far from what my original story, but they still made sense (I love when great art does that)! Here’s a 2 tidbits about the video from my side of the fence:
What the heck is it about? It’s a story that’s happening within 3 concurrent yet alternate timelines/realities. Without getting too specific, after bottling her emotions for so long, we witness a girl having a breakdown. During this breakdown, she breaks through to alternate reality where she is with a person she lost. However, she is comatose because her being doesn’t belong in that universe. As soon as she snaps out of it and returns to her own reality, she realized that her body has been jogging mindlessly for hours. In a nutshell, it was an attempt to display what it looks like to experience the utmost echelon of an emotion, and in this case, the emotion was despair.
Why did you release it on 02/03/15? As you may remember from previous posts, numerology has a way of factoring into my decisions, one way or another. Simply put, it made the most sense. There were actually a ton of reasons that pointed to this date, but in my never-ending haste, and because I didn’t log any of them down, I can’t remember a single one. If you’d have asked me a week ago when I still had them fresh in my brain, I would have had an answer, but a week is a lifetime for a musician. Rest assured though, that there were quite a few signs. I’ll edit this post if I recall any. (They were really deep too =/)
I hope you guys enjoyed the video as much as the team and I enjoyed creating it. If you haven’t seen it yet, well, what the heck are you waiting for?!
What's In A Name?
Dearest Dorothy,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Not gonna lie; I have a feeling that these letters will get few and far in between. But that’s only because I have a feeling that 2015 is going to be a busy year. I’ve got a brand spankin’ new calendar and everything! You’ll see what I’ve got down the pipeline soon enough.
Getting back to business…
My last letter to you got a bit dramatic, didn’t it? I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean for that to happen, I was just writing from the heart. Regardless, I stand by every word. However, I should note that in a most serendipitous way, it ties-in rather nicely with what I’m writing about today.
I want to tell you about me. I want to explain myself to you, clarify why I do what I do, and why I shall continue to do so for as long as I am able.
Are you willing to take a peek behind the curtain, Dorothy?
Good. I knew you would be.
To understand me, you need to understand my name. What’s in a name, anyway? The answer, as you should already expect from me by now, is EVERYTHING.
Spells and Curses spellsandcurses spells & curses
Regardless of how you stylize it, one must wonder; why “spells and curses”?
Dora, this answer ties into the very philosophy behind my art (which I’ll also get to into). The simple answer is that I believe for all music to be modern-day spells and curses. How can anyone deny this? Who hasn’t listened to a song while in a funk, only to feel a little better afterwards? Or have a song help them get through the last set in the gym? Or perhaps vent some frustration in a scream-along with a metal song? Maybe get transported to another place or time? Be put in the middle of a very tense or dramatic scene? Vividly see someone you love and miss when they’re not around? Vividly see someone you don’t love or miss but can’t stop thinking about?
We’ve all had songs conjure up experiences for us in some way, shape, or form; experiences that are more than just hearing sounds. Listening to music can change our mood, keep our focus, heighten our senses, or even diminish them.
Ok, so songs are like spells and curse. Why the name yourself that?
Because I want to be the best conjurer in the world. I want to help people who feel lonely summon a friend through my music. I want to help people with terrible days, or broken hearts through their troubles. I want to augment the experience for anyone wanting to feel or express love, beauty, friendship, desire, anger, sadness, longing, etc. I want to help people through my music, by being there for them, and offering them my homemade brew of spells and curses, like a present-day Henry J. Fate.
You ever hear that Screamin’ Jay Hawkins song, “I Put a Spell on You”? It was also in the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus? Well there’s a scene in the movie where the Sanderson sisters sing that song to a large audience during a dance and in the process “enchant” them.
I was put on this earth to do the same thing, except you can rest assured that I lack their nefarious intentions. I’m here to enchant, elevate, inspire, and motivate those who need it. Be it the dreamers or the downtrodden; I want to offer something that would enhance their lives.
How would I go about doing that?
Here is where the philosophy behind Spells and Curses comes in:
As I’ve already mentioned, I believe that things happen for a reason. Whether that reason is of our own accord, or simply the work of “the divine” is up to you to decide. I tend to believe the truth in both, because think about this; if we can make sense out of random chance, isn’t that in its own way divine? But I digress…
When I started to create music (and I mean REALLY take songs apart, examine them, and put them back together), I realized that all my favorite songs had one thing in common. They all had the ability to transport me to somewhere exclusive; to a place where only that song could take me to. But while they opened portals to different worlds, the key with which they opened said portals were the same. Made from the same quality, these keys were the visceral essence of each song. That visceral essence was inimitability of each artist. That’s why you always go back to your favorite artists, songwriters, musicians, and singers; because the very essence of their humanity (with which they created their music) has also made an impression on you. It had connected with you to show that you’re not alone, and that someone is going through what you’re going through. It’s the closest step towards benevolence and understanding.
I find this to be even more so the case as a songwriter. When writing a song, I never have a set intention for what I want it to sound like. I’ll get into this with more detail some other day, but let’s just say that when writing a song, it never starts off about someone or something. However, only a few months after the song’s release do I start developing a relationship with it from a listener’s perspective. What the song was about to me would change as I relate its subject-matter to my life. Perhaps it’s my subconscious speaking. Either way, the same thing happens: I reflect. From there, I can be the outsider looking in on the situation I relate the song to, and from that birds-eye view, I understand the groundwork of events. Everything is illuminated; motivations, emotions, consequences, everything. That leads to the benevolence and understanding.
So I guess you could say that I figured I might as well put in the elbow grease to create with the aural-playgrounds where people’s imaginations can run free. Perhaps then the listener can also stand outside themselves, with the vigilance of an eagle, and replay the events, thoughts, or emotions that they need the song to help them through. That’s what all the best songs do. So as you can imagine, in my journey of becoming your personal Merlin, I take all my spells and curses very, very seriously.
Sincerely,
theRave
Evolution and The New World
Dear Dorothy,
As I mentioned in my last post, on this letter I'll be taking a break from my usual subject matter (myself, hehehe), in order to address a topic of discussion that's made quite the buzz amongst certain circles.
It is a statement that has apparently shattered the lives of many. A statement that has destroyed some people's entire belief systems. A statement that has caused mothers to sacrifice their first-born out of hysteria. Oh yea, it's THAT severe apparently. Haven't you heard? The earth-shattering ramifications of 3 simple words have made everyone lose their grasp on reality!
So what it is? What is this Pandora’s box of all proclamations? Which 3 words can be strung together resulting in everyone losing their minds? Well, it's actually quite simple... are you ready?
Here it is:
ROCK IS DEAD.
Wait... what?
Rock is dead?
Hmmm...
Well...
Is it?
Is Rock music dead?
Well, I for one sure fucking hope so.
Oh boy, here we go.
You see, over half a century ago, somewhere between a white boy from Memphis shaking his pelvis, and a black boy from Macon banging his piano, Rock n' Roll was born. Along with it, came an entire industry that would last up until the early part of the new millennium.
During this time-frame the music industry had its fads and trends, but the one steady and reliable cash-cow was rock music. While it wasn't their only money-maker, it was perhaps the only thing that was as culturally influential as it was profitable. From Brits in bowl cuts and suits, to Californians with hairspray and spandex; rock would rule the airways, arenas, and album sales for 50+ years. Now that's a pretty long time for things to run one way.
But all good things must come to an end. Everyone closed their eyes and expected Y2k to be the end of days, but when the clock struck 12 AM on Jan. 1st, 2000, they instead opened their eyes to a new world. A new world where kids figured out how not to pay $15 for a 12 track album that only had 2 good songs on it. A new world where consumers have access to all media, in all formats (eventually), in an instant. Since then, this brave new world has been developing.
So has rock music lost its place in this new age? Well, that depends on who you ask...
The mainstream strives on content, and in this digital age, it's more cost-effective for someone to create out of a laptop than it is for 5 guys in a band to inhabit a recording studio for a few months to record. Both take a great amount of time and skill, but declining revenue in music makes one option more likely to produce a follow-up sooner than the other. Due to that and the lack of promotion for good and original rock- based content, the public eye has been weaned off from it. Thus it's not mainstream anymore; at least not in the way it used to be.
So rock is dead, right? Well, again that depends.
You see, for a lot of people, rock music was never about selling albums or being popular. It was about celebrating the spirit of rebellion. It was about being different than what was accepted. It was music for the person who when presented with a fork in the road, goes up the middle of both because fuck you. That's not something that can ever die, and that attitude is VERY much alive today. From the most amazing bands and artists you've not yet heard of, to even popular artists like Lorde and Kanye (that's right, Lorde and Kanye).
That's MY rock, and it's very much alive and kicking.
There are some however, who would have you think that there are no more "rockstars", nor any rock albums that sell in the millions, and therefore it doesn't matter anymore. Do not be fooled, for these individuals aren't referring to "rock". Because the same machine that allowed 4 New Yorkers to paint their faces, and put on a theatrical/musical show that captured the imaginations of 7-12 year olds back in the 70s, is still up and running for 5 British lads wearing tight clothing, and putting on a theatrical/musical show for 7 to 12 year olds in 2014.
Additionally, it should be mentioned that the metrics of success within the music industry have changed so drastically, that nowadays album sales of less than 100,000 can no longer be considered a failure. However, in reality, albums sales can't count for diddly-squat. Music has moved from being a commodity, to a basic human right; everyone's got an digital music player with music to listen to. Just look around the next time you're using public transportation.
Is there more noise out there to sort through, in order to find the diamonds in the rough? Yes. Is it harder now than it was 20 years ago to make a living off of music? Not really, it's always been difficult.
Ok, so wait. You're basically saying it not dead.Then why the hell are you saying you hope it IS dead?
Simple; I want for the ones who DO make a living from rock music, to be successful because they deserve it. I want for new minds to take rock to where it hasn't been before, without having any regard for what is "allowed" and what isn't. In short, I want the old style of “rock” to die, so that the new can come in. Evolution has to happen, and rock needs to catch the hell up to the times, as every other mainstream genre has. There are some awesome rock bands and artists out right now that are pushing the envelope too. You just haven't come across them yet. It was roughly a decade ago that everyone was saying hip-hop was dead until BAM! Weezy F., Kanye, Drake, Kendrick, etc.
There are the Charlie Browns that ask, 'why would anyone even bother to pick up the guitar?' To that all I have to say is, hopefully they won't. If you pick up a guitar (or any instrument for that matter) with any expectation other than learning to play music, then you're expecting way too much. You play for yourself. You play to enjoy it. Anything else that comes along with it is icing on the cake.
But that doesn't mean it's hopeless to share your music with the world. Your song might mean a lot to you and your friends, but someday it might mean the world to… well, THE WORLD. To deny humanity of your genius just because of someone else's opinion is simply a cop-out.
Old guys discouraging you from doing what they did when they were young by blaming "the current state their industry" is THEIR cop-out. It's their way of not having to admit to themselves that either their shit stank, or just that no one cares anymore. Fact of the matter is that rock is one of the hardest genres to write for, because you've got 50 years of some of the greatest songwriting ever to live up/be compared to.
Therefore, if you think you can roll with the big boys, you go all in. If you'd rather play it safe, you move onto something else (professionally speaking, of course). End of story.
For some of us though, it's never been a question. Answering that is like answering why a moth flies to flame. Just because. For some, it's all they know. For others, it's all they love.
And then there are those crazy motherfuckers who don't have just one reason. Maybe, like a moth, they just want people to watch them burn. Why? Because fuck you.
Yours Truly (as always),
theRave
To New York, My Hometown...
This is because of you. This is for you.This is from me.
It took a bit longer to make than the other tracks in the CYAF series, but it was worth it. I worked hard on having the arrangement take this song to a new zip-code, while still maintaining the same grey skies as the original. I'm pretty proud of this mix too; it's a step in the right direction for me.
Sometimes you overwhelm me. I hope this gives you some insight as to why.