It’s a cold and stormy night in Seattle, WA  and what some might believe to be quite fitting for a Prayers show. I walk into a dimly illuminated bar moments in time to hear the words “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!” echo throughout the venue. The hauntingly synthesized beats vibrate through crowded bodies  packed onto the dancefloor. It is a powerful and commanding war cry, and also the opening lyrics to Prayer’s song “Blood on the Blade”, which [lead singer] Lefar Seyer candidly revealed to me as the opening to all of his performances. The energy filling the room is electrifying, and through sleek black leather clad fingers, Leafar grips his vintage microphone and the crowd is buzzing. They are transfixed on each and every one of his movements. Leafar’s stage presence is captivating!

Rafael Reyes (Leafar Seyer) and the heavily bearded Dave Parley make up the cholo goth duo, Prayers. Founded roughly around 2013 in San Diego, CA. Leafar’s gang affiliation is no secret, and was made quite evident when the band made their powerful jolt onto the music scene with their Cholo-Goth Movement. Prayers showcased glimpses into their neighborhood life in their now infamous  NOISEY interview. The video spread like a wildfire via social media outlets like Facebook, and Instagram back in 2015. Up until that time, gangsters and goths were two very different dynamics. Both of which Seyer has effortlessly encapsulated in his art and music.

Prior to the evening's performance, I had the opportunity to send over a brief Q&A to lead singer Leafar Seyer and this is what he had to say...

THW: Hi Leafar, Aside from being a musician you are also a visual artist. Esoteric and occult  imagery stand at the forefront of your work.  Are you an initiate of any specific spiritual/ pagan traditions

Lefar Seyer: I've been initiated and excommunicated from two mystery schools for placing my true will above everything. I am the followed not the follower.

THW: What does ritual mean to you?

Seyer: The layman uses a vision board to communicate with their subconscious and the magician uses Ritual to put that communication into action. Like masturbation, ritual serves the individual and only the individual.  

THW: What are some of your pre-show rituals?

Seyer: I humbly embrace and kiss Dave Parley.

THW: What albums were important to you growing up?

Seyer:Theatre Of Pain By Christian Death and Killer Lords by The Lords Of The New Church.

HW: One thing that I  admire about you, is your ability to balance masculinity and femininity in your personal style (Very Leo). For example, we literally have the same black stiletto shaped fingernails, haha so I was curious to know if you’ve always been this open with incorporating what many would consider more “feminine” aspects i.e lipstick and nail polish with your more masculine cholo style?  

Seyer: Yes, always! People are imprinted with their essence, an apple seed will grow to become an apple tree.

HW: As a woman of color who grew up in a predominately black and latino neighborhood in Los Angeles, and prior to social media sites like Tumblr. Being openly pagan was not “edgy” or “cool”. I faced  lots of adversity from family and peers. I know that you’ve also mentioned facing harsh scrutiny in your Noisey interview.  What are some words of encouragement that you wished you would have received and that you would like to share with our readers who may also have feelings of being shamed for their perceived differences?

Seyer: Let their words start a fire and let that fire consume you. For they speak without knowing for they know not what they do.

HW: What exciting projects does Prayers have coming up that we should know about?

Seyer: We are releasing our new single Black Leather ( featuring Kat Von D ) off our new EP Baptism Of Thieves. Accompanied by a new musick video. Sit back and watch me manifest for success is my proof that my magick is unmatched.  

Check out more information about Prayers and their upcoming tour dates at CHOLOGOTH.COM and PRAYERS