Sonic Spells: Musicians + Music Lovers on the Magic of Music

Compiled & edited by Ritualist owner and former music publicist Dana Cooper, Sonic Spells is a collection of personal essays, anecdotes, and conversations that explore the intersection of music and magic. Featuring contributions from a diverse mix of musicians and industry members — from indie rock icons to celebrated journalists — it takes an honest and intimate look at the ways in which music can serve as a tool for healing, transformation, and connection.

Sonic Spells features submissions from sixteen music makers and music lovers — including John Dwyer (Osees), the members of Speedy Ortiz, Jessie Carter Clavin (Bleached), Mark Shue (Guided By Voices), Michael Azerrad (author of Our Band Could Be Your Life), and Patrick McNamara (co-founder of Oh My Rockness) — along with a Q&A with Hudson Valley-based tarot reader Lizz Truitt and a heartfelt introduction from the editor. In their own unique voices, contributors touch on everything from pre-show rituals to tools for staying grounded while creating and performing, sharing a behind-the-scenes peek into their own personal practices and the intimate relationships they've developed with the art form that they love the most.

Sonic Spells features cover art and illustrations by Mike Zimmerman. Paperback; 58 pages.

Full list of contributors:
Anika Pyle, Erika Spring (Au Revoir Simone), Jeff Berner, Jeff Moore (Glimmer), Jessie Carter Clavin (Bleached), John Dwyer (Osees), Laura Carbone, Mark Shue (Guided By Voices), Michael Azerrad, Nicole Yun, Patrick McNamara, Shana Falana, Speedy Ortiz, Stephanie Gunther (Desert Sharks), Taraka Larson, Lizz Truitt

Find a playlist featuring music from contributors' various projects here