Q&A: Craft Spells Find Comfort in Getting Away
Encountering Justin Vallesteros, otherwise known as the primary visionary of indie alternative band Craft Spells, is a refreshing experience. 
With him, there are hugs instead of handshakes; thoughtfulness instead of egocentricity; and vulnerability instead of scripted bravado. He feels like the real deal.
When Riffyou.com caught up with Vallesteros in Toronto not too long ago, he’d spent the earlier part of his day playing songs at a GAP department store. Admittedly it was strange for Vallesteros, but by no means a struggle.
You see, Vallesteros knows real artistic struggle, having taken four years between full-length albums. During that chunk of time he got a little too inside of the Internet, couldn’t relate to his new surroundings in San Francisco, and developed a killer case of writer’s block.
But, here we are in 2014 will Craft Spells’ new album, Nausea, a product of dealing with discomfort and understanding that sometimes you just need to get away.
RY: It’s been four years between albums for you. Why was there such a gap?
Justin: “I feel like it’s really important to take your time with your artwork. The world is a bit rushed and over-saturated, so it’s nice to let someone grow. So much happens in three to four years – you pile up a lot of stuff that you can work with. I like to look at my music as my journal, or the mark of my life. I didn’t want to re-play everything or look back. Whatever’s present at the time [of writing and recording], gets encapsulated. There’s also that time [you need] to level out after touring so much.”
RY: I was reading that some writer’s block struck you once you moved out to San Francisco. What was that period of time in your life like? Was it tumultuous and frightening?
Justin: “It’s not a friendly city. It’s hard to make friends and you get lonely. I bounced out of there and went to my parents’ house for four months in Lathrop, California and wrote there. I got away from the noise, and all of my old friends were there. It was nice to relax and unwind…and enjoy my alone time.”
RY: Did you feel stuck in a bubble in San Francisco and that’s why you chose to retreat?
Justin: “Yeah, my car was also Lathrop and that helps me unwind too. I can listen to mixes I did that day on a drive down the I-5, and just get away. In San Francisco, there wasn’t any area where I felt calm. I just felt anxiety that entire time.”
RY: Is it tough having that anxiety and introverted nature when you’re a songwriter and someone who has to go out and tour an album?
Justin: “When I’m with likeminded people who get it and understand where I come from…or if they’re loners too, it works out. A lot of musicians, producers, or studio engineers get it. It’s really easy for me to get on with those folks. I’ve stayed away from touring for so long, that I now have a lot to catch up on. I’ve enjoyed playing in front of people with this new record, which is great. I was really nervous that this new record was going to be too boring, but people seem to respect the atmosphere for it, so that’s a good thing.”
RY: Did those personal struggles you had between albums teach you something about yourself?
Justin: “Yeah, most definitely. I fell in love with my alone time…it’s good to know who you are. So much shit is going on with everyone these days, and it’s tough to find a clear pallet when everyone just wants to hang out. It’s nice to catch up on books you haven’t read, movies you haven’t seen, and have some time with your parents and old friends. That helped me come back to reality…the real, real reality. [Especially] after touring, and the Internet…it was good for me”
RY: The world’s a little too connected at times isn’t it?
Justin: “[The world’s] important to me, but there’s a time where you have to step away, and I think I needed it for that writer’s block…and myself. Being too focused is bad.”
RY: Yeah, that can get you second-guessing yourself too often.
Justin: “Yeah, but of course there was no pressure from anyone but myself. I look up to Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), as a perfectionist. I tend to go that route too, so I understand working on something for a long time. I want to be proud of it.”
-Adam Grant
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