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 pulse sating 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 the mid-size town of Stockton, the heart of
California. Craft Spells is the epitome of the recent uprising of the DIY
music scene. Coming from a place not known for its musical history or
impact on music culture it seemed destined for Craft Spells to stay as a
bedroom pop project with no final destination in sight. But soon the shear
amount of blog volume his work began to generate was unimaginable.
Sites like Weekly Tape Deck, Pasta Primavera, No Modest Bear and
Pitchfork’s Forkcast took notice and thus began the never ending
worldwide posting and re-posting on blog after blog of Craft Spells. The
sound is led by Justin’s blissful voice, backed behind beautiful guitar
melodies over heavenly synths, pop basslines and looped rhythms.
Captured Tracks has released 7” single for the song “Party Talk” and
the debut LP in Spring 2011 called Idle Labor. 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 come the new
year. In no time at all, Justin has been able to move out of Dave Brubeck
and Pavement’s shadow to create something his own which he shares
with the ever continuing admiration of the world.”