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 will release the debut LP due out 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.

Your Tomb

Unreleased and unused song recorded for The Taint Soundtrack.

Sandy Song

Heaven Can Wait Mixtape Vol. I

This week on KILLER POV, your hosts Rob Galluzzo (FEARnet), Rebekah McKendry (Fangoria) and Elric Kane (Inside Horror) welcome a very, very special guest: Savage Steve Holland! He’s the filmmaker behind Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer, How I Got Into College, and the creator of “Eek! The Cat.” Although Savage has a background in comedy, he’s a huge horror fan & made for the ideal guest to talk about the thrill of hunting down horror titles! Among the latest movies discussed, the KILLER POV crew got to see both Big Ass Spider and Hatchet III. Rebekah’s vintage pick of the week is Pin: A Plastic Nightmare. And Rob G gives some “Sleepaway Camp 101″ after having revisited Return To Sleepaway Camp. On top of other titles mentioned like The Other, Terror On Tour, and White Of The Eye, the gang also talk the new Friday The 13th and Halloween Blu-Ray releases and Freddy In Space.com’s fun Ben & Jerry’s style horror ice cream flavors. Sit back and join in on the fun!

Airdate: 06/14/2013

Night Knight

Hot Convict

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