Introduction
Alex Spencer is a rapidly growing artist from Manchester. Transitioning at ease from busker to one of the UK’s most exciting indie artists. Opening for the Black Keys was just the start for his journey. Today we talk about that journey, his musical roots, recommendations and brand new EP!
Interview
Your songs are almost a documentation of you growing up in real time… Have you ever listened back to an old song/lyric and completely disagreed with the person who wrote it?
Tbf, I haven’t. Id say my music over the last few years has documented my journey in real time, and I’m honestly so grateful for the way it’s unfolded. Every song has represented where I was at that moment, so I don’t regret any of it. My music is always evolving and growing with me, and I think that’s what’s so special about looking back, it’s an honest reflection of who I was then and who I’m becoming now.
If your spotify wrapped could expose you to the world right now what is the embarrassing habit it would roast you for?
HAHAHA probably listening to my own songs (sometimes shh) or I love listening to those nostalgic sped up/reverb tik tok bangers
You have gone from playing local gigs in Manchester to building quite the national reputation quickly! What changes have you noticed in yourself from when you started?
I think of course on a technical level, everything gets more professional from the setups to the crew, logistics etc, theres more than just turning up to my gigs now than back in the days turning up with just my guitar and mic stand haha, I still get nervous right before going on however as soon as im on that stage I relax and honestly am in my happy place.
Kinda reaching my zone with it, for some reason I found it scarier and more intimate playing infant ion 10 people compared to 10,000 people however I guess thats how I built my confidence and craft. Ive also learnt that you meet so many people and that the music industry is so connected, so youve gotta be nice!!
Your track “Nightmares” hides some real heavy emotions beneath that incredibly catchy chorus. How hard is it finding that balance between dark lyrics and pop inspired hooks?
There was something quite special about taking a deep or emotional feeling and turning it into something more upbeat and catchy. I think it makes those emotions a little easier to connect with, and sometimes even easier to process. I guess its something thats come naturally with my songwriting, turning something quite negative and emotional into an indie BANGER.
If your future self sent you a text from 10 years time. What would you hope the text said?
We did it, we just walked out to 60,000 fans at your headline show at the Etihad stadium, keep working at it bro. i promise those late nights and hard work was worth it haha
You have just released brand new EP “”These Will Be The Days” tell us all about it. What songs do you think people are going to LOVE?
I think people are gonna love the new track on it ALL OF THIS WILL BE GONE, it’s an indie banger that’s upbeat but taps into the lyrics emotionally!!
Also masks with it’s meaning around mental health, it’s already resonated with so many people and I hope it continues to grow
Obviously Manchester has produced some legendary artists. Does that history inspire you, or does it feel a bit intimidating when you’re writing?
I find it alot more magical and exciting than intimidating. I’m so incredibly grateful to have my roots in Manchester because of its rich musical history, culture and vibe of the city. I always say I definitely wouldn’t be making music or have started if it wasn’t for this city.
Growing up, I listened to my dad playing Manchester classics by Oasis, The Stone Roses and The Smiths, and that’s what inspired me to pick up a guitar. That eventually led to me busking on Market Street in the city centre every weekend when I was 12 which is where everything really began for me.
Over the years, I feel like Manchester and the people have really gotten behind me and my music, there’s something special about this place and the upcoming music scene that doesn’t stop growing It motivates me to keep pushing myself, make my city proud, and then hopefully one day become part of its musical story too.
Sticking local, what band would you recommend that are local to you and what song should we start with?
Ooo there’s so much amazing talent locally in the scene at the moment but id have to say off the top of my head, firstly a good friend of mine lily Rae grant, she’s breaking through the scene at the moment with her soulful Americana music.
As well as her on more the indie side of things im loving the lads The Cases, Freight, Arkayla,ik you said local but as well as them, some insane upcoming artists and bands I love are Nieve Ella, Aaron Rowe and Florence road, always have them on repeat.
Can you describe to us the most unforgettable moment you have had while performing?
Ahhh wow theres been so many, but sometimes it’s hard to beat a headline show. Back in feb at my sold-out Academy 2 show in Manchester something really special happened during my song Masks. It had only been out for a short time, and it’s a song that’s very close to my heart because it’s about mental health.
The fans had organised a huge project, where everyone lit up the room with little blue lights attached to their phone torches. Then they sang every single lyric back to me. It was such a powerful and emotional moment, and I’d never experienced anything like it on stage before. LITERAL GOOSBUMPS AND TEARS THAT NIGHT
It’s moments like that that remind me it’s the fans who make every show unforgettable.
If you could have a “one way ticket” to anywhere in the world , where would it be and why?
See you later !! !I’m off to South America, it’s my dream to go and tour there, also can speak and sing my native language over there!!
Who would you love to be stuck in a lift with? And what music would you want to be playing?
Oooo you know what, Chris Marin from Coldplay, I reckon if we had guitars on us we’d jam out and chat about life haha.
What is the one totally unnecessary item that you HAVE to take on tour with you?
Haha well Harrison my keyboard player always brings wayyy to many games and movies for the van rides + a huge old school dvd player and we rarely end up watching any movies so the dads just make a mess of the car but I wouldn’t change that for the world, theyre the best times.
If every song in your back catalogue existed as a photograph. Which one would capture your life most accurately right now?
Oh by far these will be the days, summing up coming of age, growing up, getting out there living life making memories this summer.
Finally what is your biggest fear as an artist?
Id say my biggest fear, like a lot of artists I can imagine, is not achieving the goals I’ve set for myself or not ending up where I want to be in my career or in the future, But if I’m gonna honest, something I’ve struggled with even more is comparing myself all the time.
Last year, I spent far too much time doing that, and it really affected my mental health and confidence. It then taught me that everyone’s journey is different, and comparing yourself only takes away from your own. I read this quote I likes ‘ comparison is the thief of joy’ A lot of the inspiration behind this new EP came from working through those feelings, so in a way, something difficult ended up becoming something really positive.
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