Q&A: Spencer. Opens His Heart While Exploring All The Soundscapes with Debut Album ‘Are U Down
TOUCHING ON THE UPS AND DOWNS OF A RELATIONSHIP - Spencer. welcomes a new era of vulnerability with his latest debut album Are U Down. Written, recorded and produced by the 22-year-old, the 11 tracks in the album seamlessly bounces between different genres, primarily R&B, hip-hop, funk, indie, pop, and jazz. Mellow and sweet, the beats and chords linger and tingle inside your brain and body. Each track on the album has a unique feel, but all allow you to drift and disappear into Spencer.’s music. “Staywmecassette” leaves you in a haze with Spencer.’s gentle tone, “Heart Freestyle” begins with a mix of traditional R&B and ends with a romantic classical melody, “MyLuv,” a stand out hit from the album so far, is an oxymoron in that the song is calming yet upbeat.
We last spoke with Spencer. just about a year ago for our 13th issue of our magazine, and a lot has changed to say the least. Honing in on his sound and finally ready to present a full project, Spencer. has utilized this past year for reflection like many artists. Are U Down? tells a story of struggle in a relationship, yet what is most recognizable from Spencer.’s music is the fluidity between his smooth voice and the mix of genres that are present in his work. Are U Down? manages something special, the work speaks to a variety of people but still maintains an unheard of individuality. Read below to learn more about the album and what the rest of the year holds for Spencer.
LUNA: It’s been pretty much a year since we last chatted with you - how are you doing with things opening up and New York getting its energy back?
SPENCER: I've been feeling great. I've found more of my footing with the community here and the music scene starting back up. I was in Rochester for a couple of months in the depths of the pandemic but it's really great to be back and with my friends.
LUNA: The project blends a lot of different elements and really showcases how well you’re able to bring them all together. Sonically, what was your favorite element you got to explore?
SPENCER: I really love the drums on every single song and how different they are. In my opinion, they sound like they're from different projects but in context, it all fits together.
LUNA: On the lyric end, the album touches on the struggle of a relationship and allows the listener to hear a vulnerable side of yourself. Does the thought of strangers listening to your work ever impact your creative process?
SPENCER: Somewhat, I mostly think about it in the context of people going through similar things. I've had people reach out and say that it helped them and that motivates me to be honest with my writing.
LUNA: Which track was the most difficult to finalize, and why did you stick with it?
SPENCER: "Drop" was the last song I finished. I got super attached to the demo and it was just hard for me to add to it. I knew where I wanted it to be but also was content with the early version. I had to sort of take 1 step back to go 2 steps forward and get it done. I love where it's at now and I think it's the perfect ender to the album.
LUNA: There are so many sets of lyrics that got stuck in my head after just a listen or two - what set of lyrics are you most proud of?
SPENCER: I really love the "Luvs Me Not" lyrics, the flow of the words over the 3/4 beat is kind of unique and took a bit of extra thought. I'm pretty proud of that one.
LUNA: Describe the ideal setting to listen to the album for the first time.
SPENCER: Road trip or in a car somewhere for sure. When I first started making music I made demos to burn on CDs and listen to in my car. You can blast the music but have some privacy still and can scream the lyrics by yourself or with friends. I think it's the best way to listen to things.
LUNA: What color do you most associate with the album?
SPENCER: I like the idea of a lot of purples and lighter colors, like white. I think the cover represents it well. I swear I have the opposite of synesthesia. It's hard for me to associate color with music.
LUNA: The video for “Lonely As I Ever Was” is so vibrant and covers a lot of different scenes in NY. What can you share about the overall theme/direction of visuals for this project?
SPENCER: For Lonely a lot of the settings are places I'd normally be at with my friends. I guess the directions just came by working with people around me. They're all in the video and those are places we actually hang out. I made that one with Keith (Advisry) and the "MyLuv" video was with Matt (Fields). Even making the album with my brothers and Luke (Diamond)... I'm just using what I have access to.
LUNA: Now that live shows are a thing again I’m sure you’re excited to be back in it all! Is there a particular track you’re most excited to play?
SPENCER: I think it's a tie between "Heart Freestyle" and "Drop". I want to do Heart because I normally play the bass when I sing but that one is an 808 so I could really just hold the mic and do my thing. And then "Drop" for the opposite reason, it's very guitar-based and is just a cool one to rock out to. It feels very powerful and I'm excited to feel that on stage.
LUNA: Lastly, what’s the biggest thing you’d like people to know about Are u Down?
SPENCER: I produced everything. Hahaha. My mission statement was to do my debut album and it was a mountain of work. I can't believe it's out, finally.
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