Instrumental by David Jonathan and Nicholas Mavresis

Created by: David Jonathan, Nicholas Mavresis

Instrumental is a groundbreaking music-based mentalism trick where a spectator freely selects a song from a custom deck of karaoke cards, and that exact song plays on their phone through Spotify without any apparent manipulation. The trick uses a clever combination of the deck and Spotify's native features, allowing for a seamless and baffling prediction effect. It works with both free and premium versions of Spotify, though premium enhances the experience by playing the song instantly. The deck is disguised as karaoke cards, making it versatile for various mind-reading music effects. The trick is suitable for close-up, parlour, and stage performances, and includes over two hours of tutorial content covering main routines and bonus ideas.

Key features

Predict any song a spectator thinks of using a phone.
Deck disguised as karaoke cards with hidden features.
No magic apps or technology required.
Works with both free and premium versions of Spotify.
Includes extra cards and access to a Facebook group for new ideas.
Versatile for various mind-reading music effects.
360-degree angles and instant reset.

Pros

No force involved; spectator has a genuinely free choice.
Works on borrowed phones, making it more convincing.
No magic apps or technology required; uses native Spotify features.
Highly versatile with multiple routines possible with the same deck.
Strong audience reactions and engagement.
Includes over two hours of tutorial content.
Compact and easy to carry.

Cons

Free version of Spotify may have ads, delaying the song reveal.
Some songs in the deck may not resonate with younger audiences.
Requires a table for optimal performance.

Effect

Instrumental is a music-based mentalism trick where a spectator freely selects a song from a deck of karaoke cards. The performer then reveals the exact song playing on a phone (either theirs or the spectator's) without any apparent manipulation. The song starts playing as if predicted, creating a baffling and engaging experience.

Full Details

Deck of Karaoke Cards: The deck contains 36 different songs from various genres and eras, disguised as karaoke cards. Each card features a unique artist and song.
Spotify Integration: The trick works with Spotify (free or premium) or YouTube/Vimeo (for iPhone users). No additional apps or technology are required.
Hidden Features: The cards contain a hidden design element that allows the performer to control the music prediction seamlessly.
Bonus Routines: Includes additional effects like Out of This World, playlist creation, and instant card identification.
Tutorial: Over two hours of video instruction covering multiple routines, handling tips, and performance ideas.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Mentalists: Ideal for performers who want a strong, music-themed mentalism effect.
Close-up Magicians: Works well in walkaround or table-hopping settings.
Stage Performers: The audio reveal makes it suitable for parlor or small-stage shows.
Tech-Savvy Magicians: Those comfortable using smartphones in their routines will find this especially effective.

Difficulty

Ease of Use: The method is straightforward and mostly self-working. No complex sleight of hand is required.
Key Practice Point: The only challenging aspect is mastering the proximity-based interaction with the phone, which takes minimal practice.
Reset: Instant reset allows for repeat performances.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Toca: Calls it "one of the best music-based mentalism effects on the market," praising its deceptive simplicity and strong audience reactions.
David (Magic Orthodoxy): Highlights the organic feel of the trick, noting that it works natively on Spotify without any suspicious app installations.
Alex Kirk (Monster Magic): Describes it as "possibly one of the tricks of the year," emphasizing its clean method and borrowed phone compatibility.
Craig Petty (Magic TV): Calls the method "insanely clever" and praises its versatility for different performance settings.

Instrumental is a highly practical and baffling trick that combines music, mentalism, and modern technology for a powerful audience experience.

What people are saying about Instrumental

magicorthodoxy says...

For magicians: If you want real-world workers with clean methods, David’s releases are a must.

magic-tv says...

Instrumental is a Spotify-powered miracle with endless presentational flexibility.

monstermagicshop says...

Instrumental is possibly one of the tricks of the year for its clean method and borrowed phone compatibility.

penguinmagicshop says...

This is an extremely fun trick and it's got a method that you are going to love it's shorefire and it really does give the impression that you were able to guess what song somebody was just thinking of.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

Instrumental is a versatile mentalism trick that uses karaoke cards to reveal a spectator's chosen song through their phone's Spotify app.