Love Spells: Heartbreak in Reverb

Under the dreamy moniker LOVE SPELLS is 20-year-old, indie-rock artist, Sir Taegen C’aion Harris. Harris hails from the musically diverse city of Houston, Texas, where he began his exploration of music in middle school. Since creating Love Spells, his dreamy blend of nostalgic guitar riffs and floaty vocals has earned him a spot as an opener on Sharon Van Etten’s North American tour. His EP, The Love I Showed You Was Yours To Keep releases on May 22nd, after the recent releases of his official music videos for tracks, “How?” and “Reach Out And Kiss Me.” Now creating from Los Angeles, he explores and looks back on some of the inspirations that have led up to this new release.

What was your introduction to making music? Did someone inspire you or was it an interest you took up on your own?

My intro to music was when I made this joke rap group with my homies in middle school. I only did like two or three songs before never touching the mic again until I was 17. I think, at that time, it was my friends who inspired me to even do anything musically in the first place.

How has the Houston music scene influenced your style/sound?

I think only just now I’m starting to let those things influence me a lot more—specifically rap music. At this time in my life, the musicians around me make me feel even more proud of Houston. 

Who are some of your musical influences?

At the moment— Mazzy Star, Outkast, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Lana Del Rey, Radiohead, UGK, Everything But The Girl, and Blood Orange.

How do you feel about your upcoming tour? What are you most excited or most nervous for?

I feel nervous to be on the road for so long— I’ve never done anything like this before, and that’s probably the scariest thing for me. But, I am really excited to see the faces of fans again. I still remember the smiles of everyone looking at me as I performed. Last time, I went on a three show run with Kacy Hill— it was unforgettable.

What is your favorite show you’ve played to date?

The LA show opening for Kacy Hill, for sure—the energy and love after the performance was amazing. I cannot wait to get back.

What is the inspiration behind your new single, “Reach Out And Kiss Me”?

I’d been listening to a lot of Cocteau Twins and Jeff Buckley, and I’d seen the Elizabeth Fraser and Jeff Buckley song and felt compelled by that guitar— it was amazing.

What can you tell us about your upcoming EP? 

This EP was definitely something I’ll remember forever because of the feelings I had during the time I was making it. I don’t think I’ve ever felt worse heartbreak, which made me write “Lovers Only” in the first place—and all of the other things plaguing my mind at the time. It was just a lot for me, and I’d done a lot of growing because of it. So I’m thankful it all went down how it did in the end, because I also have a sick-ass EP because of it.

What is your biggest goal in music as of right now? 

My biggest goal is to complete this tour and fully immerse myself in creating a body of work that truly represents who I am. I want it to feel so deeply “Love Spells” that when people listen, they start to understand things about me without me saying a word. I want it to be like a conversation, a confession—something so personal and raw that it resonates with others on a real level.

What is your favorite local spot in your hometown or where you currently reside, and why?

Honestly, I’d say my best friends Mariah and Lexi’s house. I’ll never stop feeling at home when we all get together over there and just talk or do whatever we do when we’re together. I feel like I’ve spent a lot of my life there most of the time.

Words: Alexis Marion