Manchester’s own up and coming star, Alex Spencer, recently went on his headline UK tour and I was given the chance to speak to him and ask a few questions about his gigs and his new singles.
There have been many iconic venues along the way on the tour, they act as evidence for his growing success as his talent is attracting masses of new fans and crowds who are excited to witness it all live. “London last night was just insane […] sold Camden Assembly out basically, the whole place was bouncing and it was just a dream come true.” To then comment on the highly anticipated Glasgow gig at one of the most legendary venues in the country, “I was really nervous when my agent said we were playing King Tuts, I was saying, “should we really be playing this iconic venue yet?” Because honestly we aren’t that big but it’s on the bucket list and you’ve got to do it.” The venue is filled with history and has been at the beginning of many artists’ success stories, and it will no doubt be the exact same for Alex Spencer.
Whilst touring is many artist’s favourite part of their job as they get to share the joy of live music, many artists don’t discuss the harder part of touring and how it can often be challenging, “The venues have been so amazing and it’s fun on tour. It can be tiring, you may not sleep or eat well but it’s a right laugh with the band and it’s a good time. Super excited for Leeds then Glasgow and Newcastle. Excited to go back to Glasgow, since that was a memorable gig for the band last time.” Alex Spencer was open about both sides of touring and it’s easy to respect that. By being honest about the experience, it highlights how much passion he puts into his gigs and his love for what he does with the positives outweighing the negatives every time.
The leadup to tour is hectic for every band, the pressure is on as no one wants to disappoint a crowd and most importantly, they all want the best gig possible for everyone involved.”Building a new set, getting loads of stuff ready for the tour and it’s paid off because the set is sounding so much bigger now. I’m so excited for our Glasgow King Tuts show next week.” It’s clear that the Glasgow gig is well anticipated as the crowds are known for their energy that they bring to every gig and the expectations for the gig were high. The name Alex Spencer has been popping up everywhere on bills lately, whether its festivals, headlines or support slots, and it’s impossible not to miss his growing presence in the scene so I was curious to know about the difference between playing a support gig and a headline one. “Support shows you’re not as nervous and you’re playing to a brand new crowd, I love playing to brand new crowds since you can talk to them and win them over so that’s new fans there. But playing to your own fans […] you’re getting the whole crowd singing back to you and nothing beats that feeling. There’s a balance, I love both of them but the headline shows that’s the winner.”
With his newest singles being released recently, ‘Bucket List’ and ‘Wake Me Up’ the reception the songs have received has been incredible as Alex Spencer begins to explore more avenues with his music as it continues to grow and evolve. “It’s evolving, I’m always writing and I’m slowly finding my sound. I’ve not found it yet- I’m still getting there but I’m experimenting with lots of new sound. Some new tunes coming with the electronic element. I want to head in the indie-pop/ alternative direction.” Without the songwriting process, there would be nothing for us to listen to. It’s a unique process that every artist experiences differently. “If i get a little idea, I’ll get it down in the voice notes or I’ll write it down and then start humming a melody, I’ll start writing around that and the song comes together nicely.” The wide range of influences is seen clearly in his music, it exemplifies why he has had so much success as Alex Spencer manages to forage his own path and put a unique spin on everything he creates. “Began listening to Oasis and The Beatles when I was young and took a lot of inspiration from them. I started listening to Catfish and The Bottlemen type stuff, Sam Fender. I listen to a lot of rap and pop too – I listen to a bit of everything” One song that has always stood out to me was ‘Nightmares’ which features a Spanish verse that immediately showed him cementing his place in the industry and making himself known to everyone. It’s his choices that set him apart as he dares to do what people aren’t creating and the passion that is poured into his work is clear.
It was a joy getting to speak to Alex Spencer and having the opportunity to discuss the behind the scenes of the hectic yet rewarding touring life. He promises an exciting gig which I can’t wait to attend and review, it’s guaranteed to be a night to remember.