Artist Interview: Spells and Curses
- Tara Lakatos
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Photo credit: Alexander Just
Interview with theRave of Spells and Curses.
What first got you into music?
Music was always around me growing up, but I think the real turning point was when I picked up a guitar and realized I could make sounds that felt like emotions. That was the moment everything clicked—I wasn’t just listening anymore, I was part of it.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
It’s like if Deftones, John Mayer, and George Michael got stuck in a dream together. Dark, atmospheric, emotional—but with a pulse that hits you in the chest. It’s introspective, but it also makes you move.
Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?
Yeah. I had always been writing songs for fun and sending them to friends via email. After going thorugh some life stuff, I wrote new songs to get over some pain, and after emailing them to a few friends, a lot of them responded saying that I should release them publicly. One bandcamp and a few tours later, and here we are.
Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?
Mostly from what-if scenarios of the late-night thoughts that keep you up. A lot of my songs come from things I don’t say out loud. I let the music speak where words fail (and they fail me often).
How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?
I think the two go hand in hand. The more honest I am in my music, the more people connect with it. If I were to chase trends or try to second-guess what people want, it loses its soul. So I focus on making something real—if I feel it, I trust that someone else will too.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
Every time someone tells me a song of mine helped them through something, that’s the best reward. Knowing that something I created became part of someone else’s life in a meaningful way—that’s everything. I've had quite a few people talk to me about how my music helped bring them back from the edge, so to speak. It can get dark, but I don't mind being of service in that way.
Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?
Honestly, a life goal of mine would be to make it onto the cover of Guitar World magazine. It was my favorite thing in the world as a kid. It would mean I've really done it, ya know?
How do you prepare for a show or tour?
Rehearsing, obviously. But beyond that, it’s about getting into the right headspace. I find that comes naturally as a by-product if I just do my vocal warm-ups.
What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?
One time, we went on stage to perform and the band before us were this goth rock act that were doing stuff with animals. Suffice it to say, they left a dead mouse on stage for right. Right in the middle. We were able to catch that on video though. That was, odd. Another time, before hitting the stage, the promoter kept emphasizing multiple times throughout the night to "not make any gang signs". That was kinda funny. ha.
Can you tell us about your latest project or release?
I’ve got a single coming out called “Just Like That”—it’s a rock track about being willing to drop everything to be back with a person again. It sounds like if Chris Cornell poured his soul into writing a heartbreak song with The Beatles as his backing band.
Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?
I’m always open to collaborations, but I’m really particular about them. If I work with someone, it has to feel right, not just forced for the sake of exposure. So yeah, there are things in the works, but I’d rather let the music speak when the time comes.
What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?
That it’s okay to feel. Whatever that means for you—pain, love, nostalgia, frustration. Music is one of the few places where you can be completely honest with yourself. If my songs help someone embrace that, then I’ve done my job. My music was always meant to be modern-day spells and curses.
Who are you listening to right now?
A mix of things. Deftones is always in rotation. Lately, a lot of Steve Vai, because I’ve been toying with the idea of an instrumental album. Some 80s pop, some electronic stuff. I like to keep my ears open.
How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?
I want to keep pushing boundaries and make some weird sounding stuff — experiment with new sounds while staying true to what makes Spells and Curses Spells and Curses. Maybe incorporate more cinematic elements, explore different textures. The goal is always to evolve without losing the soul of it.
How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?
Integrity comes first. Always. If success comes with that, great. If not, at least I can stand by what I create. The moment you start making music for the sake of numbers instead of emotion, you lose what made it special in the first place.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?
Aside from “Just Like That”, I’ve got a lot of music in the vault—some of it already planned for release, some of it still waiting for the right moment. Live shows are definitely a focus, hence why we'll be going on tour this summer and hitting up the EU for the first time! There’s just no better way to connect with people than in person.
Anything You'd Like Your Fans to Know.
If you’re reading this, thank you. Whether you’ve been here from the start or just found Spells and Curses yesterday, I appreciate you. Keep listening, keep feeling, and keep making your own magic.
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