San Diego-based Glass Spells recently released “Mirrors”, a dancy indietronica tune reminiscent of Au Revoir Simone, The Faint, and many other electronic acts. The track starts with a compelling 80’s sounding sounding synth-bass rhythm then bursts with piercing synth layers and arpeggiators. It moves into the verse with simple Tegan and Sara-like vocals that build effortlessly into the fun and catchy chorus. The “wake up now” hook is energetic and extremely danceable. Glass Spells have been making a name for themselves in the industry. They have supported acts such as Alice Glass, Prayers, Moving Units, Van She, Closeness, members of The Faint and others. Additionally, they have performed for KROQ (L.A.), Stateside Presents (Phx), Sand Diego Music Thing, and the Mexicali Music and Arts Festival. Their music is a fusion of post-punk, indie, and electronica. It is no doubt that their sound is unique and characteristic, and that appeal has been gaining attention from many press outlets as well as enthusiastic fans.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Glass Spells, and here is what they had to say:
Q&A with Glass Spells
Your music is super fun, compelling and catchy! Who are your biggest influences musically?
Thank you so much! You are so kind. Tania: Some of my biggest music influences are Chvrches, Chromatics, and Phantogram Anthony: Thank you! Tough question, to narrow down my influences I would say, The Faint, New Order, and Siouxsie and the bansheees.
Your melodies and production are mesmerizing. What was your creative and recording process in making “The Truth”?
Tania: Anthony normally sends me a demo of the music and I listen to it and wait for the inspiration to strike to add lyrics and we send demos back and forth. “Mirrors” in particular came to me at a time when I was trying to find my own personal style to add to the band. I wanted to make it sweet, but vicious at the same time. Anthony had sent the lyrics, “I see you through the broken mirror,I see your reflection broken apart” and I added my own personal take on the meaning and just took the rest from there. Anthony: After I wrote the bass line, I laid out the drum beat, created a piercing lead and added the main synth melody to it. From there I kept building the song. I wanted the song to sound full so I added a synth pad, echo-y keys on the pre-chorus and an Arp to the chorus. I try not to “overdo” it and keep a certain amount of layers so everything balances out. We recorded this in a studio in San Diego and Los Angeles.
What was the inspiration behind “Mirrors”?
Tania: The inspiration behind “Mirrors” comes from a couple of different things. When I thought of “Mirrors” it made me think of the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman, which is where the “Did you see the evil in her smile” part came to me. I also drew inspiration from the experience of a fun night out, capturing a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and just trying to reach that place of composure, to “wake up” from your intoxicated state. Anthony: Inspiration for me recently has been movies and shows like DARK, Stranger Things, American Horror Story. When I wrote the lyric: “I see you through the broken Mirror” ” I see your reflection, broken apart” ” Shattered glass on the floor” I envision a scene of a movie, someone in a dark alley walking by broken glass.
How is the music scene in San Diego?
Tania: I think the music scene in San Diego is pretty tight nit, I feel like we are all connected in some way shape or form. With the current Covid situation its been a bit tough to make new connections with other bands, but overall I feel like we are very supportive of one another, from what I personally experienced. Anthony: When I first moved to San Diego, CA in 2014, there weren’t many bands using synthesizers. I think we were one of the only ones at the moment. Or maybe I just didn’t know of any, but mainly we were sharing the bill with surf garage rock bands. I feel like now there is more diversity and the scene has been evolving. San Diego has some great local bands. There’s also a great radio station 91X. that supports local music.
Are there any new projects in the works that we can look forward to?
Tania: We just released a new EP named after title track “Mirrors”. We are already working on our next collection of songs. So far we have something like 6-7 songs in the works, but it does take a long time to finalize everything. Anthony: Yes! Our new 5 track EP is out. We’ve also been really busy working on new material. No release plans yet but we are excited for these new sounds.
Any parting words to your supporters out there?
Anthony & Tania: We want to send a huge thank you to those who have been streaming our music, buying our merch and spreading the word. It truly means so much to us that people go out of their way to show their support. For any potential supporters, do check us out and we truly hope to see you guys at a show soon whenever this pandemic is over.
