Some days ago we presented the amazing song "
Fire Inside" by Aaron Spencer, today we proudly present himself in a short Q&A. One of Liverpool's up and coming artists and definitely a promise for the future.
Aaron Spencer
... is an artist who is quickly gaining traction having launched himself as a solo musician in 2020. Successful releases 'Sticky Dancefloor', ‘Flower’ and ‘Where Are You Now?’ have received wide praise from a number of blogs including CLOUT, RGM and Tongue Tied Magazine as well as getting added to ‘Best New Bands’ Spotify playlist curated by This Feeling.
Influenced by the likes of Pulp and John Cooper Clarke, Spencer holds up a mirror to the grittiness of reality. Taking inspiration from growing up and living in the North-West of England, Spencer’s regional-strong vocal delivers working-class tales of drunken nights out, glad-it-happened heartbreaks and social commentary.
Proud of his Cumbrian roots, Spencer left his small town of Whitehaven for Liverpool to pursue a career in music.
Spencer is one to watch on the live scene as 2021 has seen him play the Main Stage at the Boof Festival before The Sherlocks and The Snuts, with a headline show coming up at Jimmy’s in Liverpool on the 24th of November.
Social MediaQ&A
Aaron Spencer is...?
Aaron Spencer is an Indie-Rock Singer-Songwriter based in Liverpool. Taking inspiration from growing up and living in the North-West of England, writing about drunken nights out, glad-it-happened heartbreaks and working-class social commentary who tends to find beauty in the grittiness of reality.
Who inspired you to make music in general?
The most profound moment was seeing Courteeners in 2013 at the Manchester Area. I walked away from that gig with a fire lit inside me, I knew I wanted to be in a band and write songs that would resonate with people.
It was quite a special moment because there wasn’t any bands or artists that I felt like I could identify with. I see a lot of myself in them as a teenager – I know a lot of young lads from the North-West of England do. They were the underdogs of British Indie-Rock who proved mainstream media wrong, it’s something I take a lot of inspiration from.
...and especially to the song "Fire inside"?
More recently Sam Fender is an artist that has inspired me. I remember hearing ‘Borders’ for the first time and it struck a chord with me. That song was influential for me writing about things I just didn’t want to touch – childhood trauma, family issues and mental health.
I used to think ‘no one wants to hear about this’ and I never want to portray myself as a victim because that’s just not how I choose to view myself. However recently, during the lockdown I’ve found it to be extremely cathartic writing about these subjects. As much as you go through struggle in life, there is always growth and that’s the underlying hopeful message in my songs.
‘Fire Inside’ wrote itself during a period of reflection during lockdown. It’s a message to my younger self to say, ‘Don’t try to fit in, chase your dreams and that past events do not limit your future.’
What is your creative process like?
It usually starts with a sequence of chords and then lyrics seem to flow with the feeling of the music. Sometimes it’s an easy process, sometimes it’s anything but. Lyrics are written down all the time but when I pick up the guitar it all seems to come together at once.
Usually, it begins life on the acoustic guitar, I then take it to my electrical and my band. The songs become a lot more dynamic, and they can take creative turns like ‘Incredible’ did.
What is the most useful talent you have?
The ability to see things from other people’s point of view. It avoids a lot of arguments!
What do you prefer, a live gig or a studio session?
Live gig every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Nothing beats people singing your songs back to you. I do love the studio though.
When do you decide that a song is ready for a release?
It’s usually just a feeling. My whole music career and decision making has been based on what feels right.
Do you remember the first ever Rock/Pop/... song you listened to?
It would have to be Eton Rifles by The Jam. My earliest memory of music is a cassette that was played in the car by my parents. I must have been 5 years old but the cassette was brilliant, it was a compilation of 80s New Wave music.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Damon Albarn, he’s a master collaborator and unbelievably creative with an impressive back catalogue. He’s somebody I’d like to be around to learn from and see how they operate.
How do you feel the Internet (especially Social Media platforms) has impacted the music business?
I think the Social Media has made the music industry a lot more decentralised. Artists have the power in their hands to build fans bases independently without the need of a major label or media backing.
There’s a virtual place for fans and artists to socialise. It’s easier to reach new audiences, as fans they get to see behind the scenes content. On the whole I think social media adds to the experience.
What’s next for you?
My first headline gig in Liverpool at Jimmy’s on the 24th of November!
Photo credits: Luc McClachlan
