NATL PARK SRVC, a 7-strong Minneapolis Orchestral Indie Collective, has just dropped their sophomore record MAGICIAN right in time for Halloween. Shrouded in a dark, cinematic feel, the album explores occult rock, glittering pop, and enchanting synths. This is laid overtop themes of self-reflection and acceptance of both the body and the spirit.
To celebrate MAGICIAN’s release, the band decided to put together a playlist that showcases mystical songs fit for the spookier season. They’ve also included a few words from different members of the group that have extra special meaning for them.
NATL PARK SRVC are:
Dylan Woytcke: vocals, guitar, synthesizers
Nathan Zillmer: bass
Sam Tudor: violin
Sage Livergood: drums
Wes Muilenburg: saxophone
Joe Keyport: slide guitar, lap steel, trombone
1. Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Beyond Belief
2. The Steve Miller Band – Abracadabra
“This is a Halloween party essential for me, just as long as no one is really listening super close to it. The synthesizer is highlighted over the lyrics here, unlike in MAGICIAN where the lyrics are a little deeper but the synth is just as rich.” – Nathan
3. The Police – Can’t Stand Losing You
“Something very sinister about the lyrics in this one, and behind them, one of the coolest dance rock songs ever. Stewart Copeland is a beast on drums. My second favorite drummer, behind Sage. Pick any great Police song and it fits perfectly in the cool fall evening air. Sunglasses on at night.” – Dylan
4. WU LYF – We Bros
5. Emma Ruth Rundle – Light Song
“Most of my musical contributions to MAGICIAN involved trying to play into the vibe or filling out the emotion. I found myself scouring albums from artists like Emma Ruth Rundle to pull bits of inspiration that could be pieced into NATL PARK SRVC’s pop-based musical center.” – Joe
6. Tom Waits – Hoist the Rag
“As soon as it becomes Fall, Tom Waits becomes a staple in my rotation. His lyrical abilities and the wonky compositions in his work are perfect Halloween music.” – Joe
7. Tim Hecker – Ghostwriting Pt. I
“This song is like a hovering shadow, a cloud of doubt with a lattice of hopeful light poking holes through it” – Wes
8. M83 – Graveyard Girl
9. Joe Walsh – A Life Of Illusion
“Fried slide guitar, introspective lyrics. What’s not to love?” – Nathan
10. Tyler, the Creator – NEW MAGIC WAND
“There’s such creative production choices on this song, and Tyler’s always had such a huge influence on me musically. A song perfect for fall weather.” – Sage
11. Fleetwood Mac – You Make Loving Fun
“The lyrics in this song uses mysticism and the occult to convey a deeper meaning that I find fascinating.” – Sage
12. Ben Folds – Magic
“Title speaks for itself, but it also has this melancholy feel that reminds me of some of our stuff lyrically. Also, this is one of those rock songs where the orchestral elements feel completely natural.” – Sam
13. Black Midi – Welcome To Hell
“I don’t have any examples of direct influence this had on the record, but I listened to it constantly around the time we were writing parts. It definitely contributed to some of the parts I wrote (specifically in Hypnotize and Outro) having absolute chaos within the harmonic structure of the song” – Sam
14. Culprate – Whispers, Pt. 1
15. Blue Oyster Cult – (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
“Truly the ultimate October song. Do me a favor, grab three friends and drive around during a cool October night, windows down with this song blasting. You won’t regret it.” – Dylan
Twitter: @NATLPARKSRVC | Instagram: @natlparksrvcband
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
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