Love Spells’ swoon-worthy bedroom pop

The Houston-born artist makes music for falling in, and out of, love. Get to know him in this week’s Opener interview.

The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.

Sir Taegen C’aion Harris, the Houston artist better known as Love Spells, feels the ups and downs of romance like a rollercoaster. His melancholic songs dwell on burgeoning connections and their bitter ends, conveying his intense feelings towards every aspect of a relationship. A cockier star might be the one pulling others in with his gaze, Love Spells swooning dream pop sounds like someone hypnotized by their spiralling emotions.

Inspired by the vintage indie rock of artists including The Sundays and Mazzy Star, Love Spells’ latest EP The Love I Showed You Was Yours To Keep is a swooning and then shattered recollection of a brief encounter with a woman in Los Angeles. On “Wish I Didn’t Love You,” meanwhile, he struggles to shake the residual feelings on a track that would sound at home on Lana Del Rey’s next album.

Though he might sing about heartbreak and isolation, the Love Spells extended universe is a busy one. This year he appeared on multiple tracks on Kevin Abstract’s latest project, Blush. The album was made in their mutual hometown of Houston with fellow collaborators Dominic Fike, Danny Brown, and Quadeca rolling through a busy AirBnB while things came together. Abstract has subsequently credited Love Spells with helping him “find my artistic soul” after a challenging creative period.

We asked Love Spells for some photos from behind-the-scenes of his recent show live show at L.A.’s Moroccan Lounge, and got his opinions on a life changing Khalid performance, his dream video cameo, the perfect movie to fall asleep to, and other hot topics.

Describe the first show you ever went to.

The first show I ever went to was at the rodeo in Houston, where I saw Khalid. Watching him perform for so many people felt unreal. I went home that night with a fire in my chest, knowing I had to chase that feeling for myself. It changed me in an insane way.

What was the last movie you watched, and give a short review.

2046. It was the fifth time I’d seen it. I usually put it on when I get home early so I can fall asleep with it still lingering in my head. To me, it’s one of the most beautiful films ever made. The way it details how no matter who you’re with, or for how long, it doesn’t matter if your heart already belongs to someone else it’s devastating and comforting all at once.

What’s a motto that you think everyone should live by?

To live and die with romance is the point.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

My godmother always told me to stop sucking on my bottom lip as a kid.

What’s your favorite song to play live right now and why?

“Lovers Only.” I love dancing to it like I’m drunk but my feet are the only part of me that’s sober. That song feels like surrender, and I love letting my body tell the story.

Describe the best show you’ve played this year so far.

The L.A. headline show [at the The Moroccan Lounge]. It was the most intimate and the most memorable night I’ve had on stage. One of my closest friends opened for me, and from the second I stepped on stage I felt completely wrapped in love. Meeting everyone after made it even more unforgettable.

What’s the best thing you’ve bought yourself recently and why?

Bell bottoms because I love hitting the splits

What was the last creative idea you had that made you ask, ‘Can we do that’?

Getting Taylor Russell in a video. It felt impossible and perfect at the same time, which is exactly why I want to make it happen.

Forward us the last meme that made you laugh