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Spells and Curses
A man standing up, playing guitar during a rock show with his band
theRave as Spells and Curses
Background information
OriginNew York City, New York, U.S.
Genres
Years active2012–present
LabelsDMD Records
Members
Websitewww.spellsandcurs.es

Spells and Curses is the alternative rock project of American multi-instrumentalist theRave. In the recording studio, theRave writes, records, performs, and produces all of the project's music. As a touring act, Spells and Curses currently consists of theRave (vocals, guitar, synthesizer) and a variety of musicians. Spells and Curses releases music through their own label, DMD Records.

theRave originally conceived the project in Queens in 2012. After a series of online covers song releases, Spells and Curses' debut studio album, SUADADE, was released in 2012 and was well received by critics. theRave's 2017 follow-up, Sinful Things, was also acclaimed, allowing Spells and Curses to tour nationally. Spell and Curses' upcoming third album, is a double-album currently being released in parts; one single (and music video) at a time.

History

[edit]

Early Career and SUADADE (2012-2014)

[edit]

The origins of Spells and Curses can be found in the New York City music scene.[1] It emerged in 2012 as a home-recording project created by theRave.[2] The loss of a parent further spurred him to process his emotions by recording cover songs that he'd post to Soundcloud.[3] In 2014, he followed by releasing a collection of original music online, which would later become his debut album SUADADE.[4] All aspects of the album's recording and production were handled by theRave in an "empty basement".[5] He released it under the name Spells and Curses because he "...believes for all music to be modern-day spells and curses.[6][7] This generated interest from local musicians eager to transfer these recordings to a live setting. theRave enlisted the help of Digiprana (bass) and theProfessor (drums) to begin performing at local gigs.[8]

SUADADE (2014-2016)

[edit]

As Spells and Curses began playing more shows in support of SUADADE, their dynamic live performances began cultivating a local following.[9][10] Around this time their shows would get noticed up by local news and music blogs.[11][12]

The band went on tour in support of the album for most of 2015 and into 2016.[13] One of their stops was the opening day of the Queens Night Market, where they performed for over 10,000 people.[14][15] After ending the tour with a sold-out show in NYC's legendary rock music venue, The Bitter End, theRave went to work on the next album with theProfessor providing drums and percussion.[16]

A rock band performing on stage with red lights
Spells and Curses performing: (L) Dr. Pez, theRave, theProfessor, SupaBass (R)

Sinful Things (2016-2018)

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Early 2017, Spells and Curses enlisted SupaBass on bass (with Digiprana leaving a month prior) and Dr. Pez on keyboards to fill out their live sound. Ben Schigel (Chimaira, Machine Gun Kelly, Drowning Pool) was hired to handle the mixing of the upcoming album.[17]

Sinful Things was released on June 2, 2017 to wide-spread acclaim and significant press attention.[18][19] It was released to present the SUADADE "spellsy"-sound with a more "live-rock band" energy.[20] They toured to support the album, opening for Wyclef Jean and Gary Lucas on different dates.[21]

QNL, Acoustic Tour, and New Music (2019 - present)

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On June 2019, Spells and Curses were handpicked by 3x-Grammy Award winning producer Marc Urselli (U2, Kesha, Les Paul)[22] to produce new music.[23] Together they recorded the single "The Love That We Make"[24] at Eastside Sound Studios and filmed a documentary to capture the process, releasing both in August of that year.[25]

During the 2020 Pandemic, with touring not a possibility, theRave decided to livestream solo performances in a series called "Quarantine Night Live".[26] A companion Discord server was made for the Spells and Curses community to check in on each other's mental health during the global COVID lockdown.[27]

After 3 years of no performances in front of a live crowd,[28] Spells and Curses went back on tour. He toured from the east to west coast of America for 2022 into 2023.[29][30] Additionally, Spells and Curses spent most of 2021-2022 recording new material for an upcoming double-album as well as 4 additional albums.[31] On September 2023, Spells and Curses began releasing songs from the upcoming album, one single at a time, with the intention of releasing a new song with a music video once every 2 months.[32]

On February 2024, Spells and Curses announced a solo acoustic of Southeast Asia where he'd perform in Bangkok and Singapore, with stops in Phuket and Hong Kong as well. The tour was sponsored by Enya Guitars.[33]

Musical style and influences

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Guitar player performing with his custom built guitar that is covered in silver sparkles
theRave performing with his custom-built guitar "Stella"

Spells and Curses cites Nirvana, Guns N' Roses,[34] Jeff Buckley,[35] Deftones,[36] John Mayer, The Fall of Troy, Kanye West,[37] Prince[38], Usher[39], George Michael, Miguel and Cigarettes After Sex[40] as influences.

Spells and Curses' musical style has consistently evolved throughout the duration of the project. As a result, they have been categorized under several genres of rock and pop, primarily indie rock,[41], ambient,[42] alternative,[43] hard rock,[44] emo rock,[45] goth rock,[46] math rock,[47] jazz fusion,[48] instrumental,[49] electronic,[50] dance pop,[51] folk,[52] trip-hop,[53] alternative metal,[54] soft rock,[55] soul,[56] psychedelic[57] and r&b.[58]

theRave discussed how the guitar is the main vehicle through which he understands music. Due to this, he is fascinated by all things guitars, amps, and pedals.[59] Going so far as posting guitar gear review videos to YouTube during the pandemic.[60] Additionally, theRave has built his own custom guitar whom he affectionately calls "Stella", due to her silver sparkle color.[61]

theRave has also spoken at length about how numerology,[62] dreams and meditation supercharge his creativity and songwriting.[63][64]

Members

[edit]

Studio

[edit]
  • theRave – all vocals and instruments, production (2012–present)

Live

[edit]
  • theRave– lead vocals, guitar (2012–present), occasional synthesizer (2021–present)
  • SupaBass – bass guitar, backing vocals (2017-present)

Former live members

[edit]
  • Digiprana– bass guitar, backing vocals, synthesizer (2014–2016)
  • theProfessor – drums (2014-2018)
  • Dr. Pez – keyboards (2017– 2018, 2019)
  • Antwon Dixon – drums (2019-2021)

Activism

[edit]

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

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Ever since experiencing the loss of a loved one to suicide, theRave advocates for mental health checks.[65] During a few "Quarantine Night Live" livestream performances[66], he would raise awareness for suicide prevention while also urging viewers to donate to To Write Love On Her Arms.[67]

Discography

[edit]

Studio Albums

[edit]
Album Details
Title Album details
SUADADE
  • Released: March 11, 2014
  • Label: Self-Release
Sinful Things
  • Released: June 2, 2017
  • Label: DMD Records
Infatuation League
  • Released: TBD
  • Label: DMD Records

Singles

[edit]
Single Details
Title Album details
Bewitching Pool
  • Released: April 26, 2019
  • Label: DMD Records
Love That We Make
  • Released: August 9, 2019
  • Label: DMD Records

Videography

[edit]
  • "Blackbird" (Self-released, Feb 3, 2015)[68]
  • "Mercedes" (DMD Records, April 20, 2017)[69]
  • "Bewitching Pool" (DMD Records, May 10, 2019)[70]
  • "Wicked For Days" (DMD Records, July 23, 2019)[71]
  • "Love That We Make" (DMD Records, September 2, 2019)[72]
  • "Saturday Night, Sunday Morning" (DMD Records, October 18, 2023)[73]
  • "Strangerous" (DMD Records, December 13, 2023)[74]
  • "Our Lives Tapestry" (DMD Records, February 7, 2024)[75]
  • "Witch Hazel" (DMD Records, April 4, 2024)[76]
  • "Leaving London" (DMD Records, May 29, 2024)[77]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Insights, Stories & (2023-11-09). "Meet theRave". CanvasRebel Magazine. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  2. ^ "Spells and Curses — Spells and Curses - Bio". Spells and Curses. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  3. ^ "Spells and Curses". SoundCloud. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  4. ^ "Spells and Curses — Ideas in Motion". Spells and Curses. 2014-07-11. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  5. ^ "Spells and Curses — Ideas in Motion". Spells and Curses. 2014-07-11. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  6. ^ "Spells and Curses — What's In A Name?". Spells and Curses. 2015-01-19. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  7. ^ #39 Spells And Curses..., retrieved 2024-02-10
  8. ^ Spells and Curses [FULL INTERVIEW] MNRAWRR @ WVMRADIO New York, retrieved 2024-02-10
  9. ^ "404". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved 2024-02-10. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  10. ^ Martin, Ryan (2016-03-22). "The Test Drive: Spells and Curses - Suadade - Audio - Jammerzine". jammerzine.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  11. ^ "AOR MELODIC ROCK PROG HARDROCK INDIE SINGER SONGWRITER". 2016-06-25. Archived from the original on 2016-06-25. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  12. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  13. ^ "Spells and Curses — End of Tour, New Recordings on the Way". Spells and Curses. 2016-02-23. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  14. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  15. ^ "Queens Int'l Night Market | Interviews | QNSMADE". 2021-09-21. Archived from the original on 2021-09-21. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  16. ^ "Spells and Curses — How many moons? How many stars?". Spells and Curses. 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  17. ^ "Ben Schigel Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  18. ^ Interviews, Giorgio Mustica (2024-02-05). "An Interview with Spells And Curses: Hitting … Below The Belt?". The Aquarian. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  19. ^ "‎Territorial Noise: Episode 2: Spells and Curses on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  20. ^ #39 Spells And Curses..., retrieved 2024-02-10
  21. ^ "Spells and Curses — Announcing the SINFUL THINGS TOUR!". Spells and Curses. 2017-10-01. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  22. ^ "Marc Urselli Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  23. ^ "Spells and Curses — Recording with 3x Grammy award-winning Producer Marc Urselli". Spells and Curses. 2019-06-17. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  24. ^ Spells and Curses - Love That We Make (Official Music Video), retrieved 2024-02-10
  25. ^ Recording at Eastside Sound Studios with 3x Grammy winning Producer Marc Urselli, retrieved 2024-02-10
  26. ^ "Quarantine Night Live - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  27. ^ "Unveiling Dreams and Desires: An Exclusive Interview with Spells and Curses". The Show Last Night - some occasional music bits. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  28. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  29. ^ "Spells and Curses — Solo Acoustic Tour Dates Announced". Spells and Curses. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  30. ^ "Spells and Curses — More Dates Added To Fall 2022 Acoustic Tour". Spells and Curses. 2022-11-10. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  31. ^ Spells and Curses (2021-05-05). It was only a matter of time. Retrieved 2024-05-16 – via YouTube.
  32. ^ "Unveiling Dreams and Desires: An Exclusive Interview with Spells and Curses". The Show Last Night - some occasional music bits. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  33. ^ "Spells and Curses — Southeast Asia Tour Announced!". Spells and Curses. 2024-02-12. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  34. ^ Spells and Curses [FULL INTERVIEW] MNRAWRR @ WVMRADIO New York, retrieved 2024-02-10
  35. ^ "Spells and Curses — Jeff Buckley Tribute Concert + Me (Updated)". Spells and Curses. 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  36. ^ "Ryze Up | Album Review | SPELLS AND CURSES – Sinful Things EP". 2017-06-05. Archived from the original on 2017-06-05. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  37. ^ Spells and Curses [FULL INTERVIEW] MNRAWRR @ WVMRADIO New York, retrieved 2024-02-10
  38. ^ #55 Interview: Spells and Curses, retrieved 2024-02-10
  39. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  40. ^ #55 Interview: Spells and Curses, retrieved 2024-02-10
  41. ^ Jeff Buckley - I Want Someone Badly (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  42. ^ Buckethead - The Ghost Part 2 (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  43. ^ Adele - Hometown Glory (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  44. ^ Nina Simone - I Put A Spell On You (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  45. ^ Spells and Curses [FULL INTERVIEW] MNRAWRR @ WVMRADIO New York, retrieved 2024-02-10
  46. ^ Spells and Curses - Bewitching Pool (Official Audio & Lyrics), retrieved 2024-02-10
  47. ^ Spells and Curses - The Callout (Official Audio & Lyrics), retrieved 2024-02-10
  48. ^ "Ryze Up | Album Review | SPELLS AND CURSES – Sinful Things EP". 2017-06-05. Archived from the original on 2017-06-05. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  49. ^ Please, Be Carefull, retrieved 2024-02-10
  50. ^ Spells and Curses - LasVegasAngeles [Visualizer], 7 September 2020, retrieved 2024-02-10
  51. ^ Spells and Curses - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (Official Audio), 19 September 2023, retrieved 2024-02-10
  52. ^ Bruce Springsteen - Lift Me Up (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  53. ^ Polica x Sade - Lay Your Cards x Cherish The Day, retrieved 2024-02-10
  54. ^ Slipknot - Prelude 3.0 (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  55. ^ Spells and Curses - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (Official Audio), 19 September 2023, retrieved 2024-02-10
  56. ^ Soul Ballad Medley 1957-2006, retrieved 2024-02-10
  57. ^ "Ryze Up | Album Review | SPELLS AND CURSES – Sinful Things EP". 2017-06-05. Archived from the original on 2017-06-05. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  58. ^ Maxwell - Pretty Wings (Spells and Curses), retrieved 2024-02-10
  59. ^ #39 Spells And Curses..., retrieved 2024-02-10
  60. ^ "Vlogs & Reviews - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  61. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  62. ^ "Spells and Curses — Easter-Eggs and Clean Chakra". Spells and Curses. 2014-10-23. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  63. ^ #55 Interview: Spells and Curses, retrieved 2024-02-10
  64. ^ "Spells and Curses — Yes, It's Really Me (... sorta)". Spells and Curses. 2014-11-11. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  65. ^ Please Don't Kill Yourself, 30 December 2019, retrieved 2024-02-10
  66. ^ Quarantine Night Live: Suicide Prevention Month pt 1 [Livestream EP 12], 13 September 2020, retrieved 2024-02-10
  67. ^ Spells and Curses (2020-09-27). Quarantine Night Live: Suicide Prevention Month pt 2 [Livestream EP 13]. Retrieved 2024-05-16 – via YouTube.
  68. ^ Spells and Curses - Blackbird (Official Music Video), 3 February 2015, retrieved 2024-02-10
  69. ^ Spells and Curses - Mercedes (Official Music Video), 19 April 2017, retrieved 2024-02-10
  70. ^ Spells and Curses - Bewitching Pool [Music Video], 10 May 2019, retrieved 2024-02-10
  71. ^ Spells and Curses - Wicked For Days (Official Audio & Lyrics), 23 July 2019, retrieved 2024-02-10
  72. ^ Spells and Curses - Love That We Make (Official Music Video), retrieved 2024-02-10
  73. ^ Spells and Curses - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (Official 4K Music Video), 18 October 2023, retrieved 2024-02-10
  74. ^ Spells and Curses - Strangerous (Official Music Video), 13 December 2023, retrieved 2024-02-10
  75. ^ Spells and Curses - "Our Lives Tapestry" (Official 4K Music Video), 7 February 2024, retrieved 2024-02-10
  76. ^ Spells and Curses - Witch Hazel (Official Music Video) HD 4K. Retrieved 2024-04-09 – via www.youtube.com.
  77. ^ Spells and Curses (2024-05-29). Spells and Curses - "Leaving London" (Official 4K Music Video). Retrieved 2024-05-31 – via YouTube.
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