Interview:

On Tuesday 17th February, I had the pleasure of interviewing 19-year-old indie artist Alex Spencer. Birmingham was the third night of his UK tour after Edinburgh and Sheffield. Coming from Droylsden, his music completely embraces his Manchester roots, however simultaneously he leans into his Spanish heritage within some of his songs, enabling him to develop an even more artistic approach.

Before the interview, I happened to meet Alex’s mom, who is also his tour manager. She hinted at some amazing new music coming our way. In no time at all, I was joined by Alex himself, and so the interview commenced. In response to an initial question about music influences, Alex shared that originally Oasis and The Beatles were some of his classic inspirations, but since then he has delved further into an eclectic range of music. When outlining his ideal four headliners for a festival, Alex gave Catfish And The Bottlemen, Dominic Fike, Sam Fender, Sombr, Inhaler, Dave, The Cases, Arkayla, and himself (of course)! So much for four headliners!  Yet he seemed genuinely passionate about each of the artists he mentioned, so I had to let him off.

The interview took a more reflective turn as we addressed Alex’s song ‘Masks’, which deals with deep themes revolving around mental health. Upon asking him about the motivation for him to share personal reflections on his Instagram regarding this song, he gave an in-depth and poignant answer. ‘I’m so glad you asked me this question. ‘Masks’, obviously, it’s a song about mental health and the stigma that people don’t speak up about their emotions enough. I was going through a bit of a sh*t time last January and February and I just really wanted to write how I feel and the concept we’re told to brush away and man up, to push it down when we’re feeling sad and sometimes that weight can get on our shoulders. And I guess it’s a song for anyone who is struggling and life’s getting to them. It’s saying as well, you shouldn’t have to keep it in, express it, ‘cuz at the end of the day we’re all humans and we all have emotions. I put it to music, it’s a sad song, it’s something I’d never done before, but it’s gone down really well.’

Then, he delved a bit deeper into the relationship with his family.  ‘I think the bond properly started when I started touring. I’d be getting involved with my music and my dad helps me manage stuff. My mum’s my tour manager; she sells the merch. I think that’s how all the bonds get there.’ It was clear that that the Spencer home is one full of encouragement and enthusiasm for Alex’s work.

We moved on to exploring his Spanish identity. ‘That side of music is beginning to inspire me more to write more lyrics in Spanish. I feel like no one’s really doing it. Obviously, Spanish is my second language and one day I was writing and then I just started thinking in Spanish and I wrote some lyrics and that became ‘Nightmares’.’ This is in reference to his song that made it on to the FC 25 video game.

Looking a bit closer to home, I asked Alex about his visits to Birmingham when touring. He had been twice before. Once with Dylan John Thomas, and once with Corella. Although he hasn’t had much time to explore the city (but he promises he will on his next visit), he managed to look around the Bullring, which to be fair, is a key staple of any Birmingham visit. 

When it came to his favourite songs of all time, ‘Mardy Bum’ by the Arctic Monkeys came up instantly. Additionally, Alex mentioned ‘Brazil’ by Declan McKenna, and ‘Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House)’ by Inhaler. Finally, we discovered that Wunderhorse’s ‘Teal’ was his favourite song from last year. 

Upon asking him if he had any regrets within his music journey so far, he gave a very thoughtful answer. ‘There are things that could have gone a different way, but everything happens for a reason, I think. I’ve never been asked that in my life, that’s very unique. I never have any regrets, everything happens for a reason.’ ‘I could have been on a different path, but I wouldn’t have been here where I am now and I’m happy where I am now.’ 

My favourite answer was probably the one Alex gave to my last question of where he would be in ten years’ time. ‘In ten years’ time, we’ll be on the Pyramid Stage in Glastonbury, we will have sold out the Co-op Live in Manchester, we will have done an arena tour. On the 17th Feb 2036, we will be playing the BP Pulse Live in Birmingham. In ten years’, time I want to be a household name that people look up to, and people are inspired by and I want to have a number one album out and tour the world.’ That level of ambition is so admirable that it finished the interview off in a perfect and wonderfully positive way.

Alex Spencer is one of the most personable people I have ever met. He conducted himself with a grounded confidence, which explains so clearly why he will continue to rise on his inspiring music journey.

Live Review:

As I found myself in the intimate underground of the Sunflower Lounge, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the backing music, creating just the right ambiance before the gig commenced. Firstly, Leah Wilcox fought her way through the crowd to the stage (as amusingly, that was the only way for the musicians to reach it) and belted out some beautiful tunes. Her powerful voice enabled her to captivate a lively audience, much to her credit.

Then came The Cases who were fantastic. They had such a natural stage presence, yet they interacted so casually with the crowd, that they could almost have passed for audience members themselves. This balance of humility and talent created a perfect combination, as they sung some really exciting songs, getting the best reaction for ‘Where Is It (That You Wanna Go)’. I even noticed Harry acknowledging one of his biggest fans of the night, who was recording him at the front of the venue, by smiling down at him specifically, which felt like a nice touch. 

From the moment he stepped on stage, Alex had the crowd thoroughly engaged. He brilliantly orchestrated tone transformations, from upbeat bangers to deep, reflective moments. As expected, he put emphasis on ‘Masks’, adding another layer of meaning to the song. In a world where harmful expectation tied up with shallow definitions of masculinity still linger, to see such a raw and emotional side of Alex was truly a remarkable part of the gig. The crowd seemed fixated with chanting his name every time there was a silence, which can only ever be a good thing! 

Another nice moment was in the form of a simple gesture. Part way through the gig, Alex’s mom battled her way through the crowd to bring him a drink. Personally, I felt like this maternal act was an apt reminder that Alex is still so young – at a typical university age himself – yet he is so confident and such a positive role model.

The highlight of the gig for me personally was the very end during ‘One Way Ticket’, when Alex joined in a mosh pit that seemed to include almost all of the excitable crowd. In contrast to many of the mosh pits I have been in before, this once seemed so inclusive (not just dominated by rowdy lads), which gives testament to how welcome and comfortable everyone felt.

There was such a buzz going out of the venue; if his other crowds in the various cities he is touring have a similar reaction, I can see big things on the horizon for Alex. Get that Glastonbury date fixed in your calendars! 

Enjoyed reading this? You might also like:

Redbrick Meets: Whitelands

Live Review: The Twang

Live Review: The Wombats