Spencer Seim

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Spencer Seim is best known as the guitarist in the band Hella. He is also the drummer in the Nintendo music cover band called The Advantage. As a guitarist, he is known for quirky riffs featuring notes bent in and out of dissonance as well as a rapid picking style, as well as fret-board tapping, all of which are utilized in practically undefinable time signatures, preferring to use phrases which are cut down or added on to. His composition style is mode heavy, a surprising fact as he has no formal musical training. He has been practicing on and off with Zach Hill (Hella drummer) since they both started playing music and both have been influencing each other throughout their musicianship. Playing for The Advantage, Spencer employs percussive methods such as repetitive doubles on a single bass drum and quick cymbal muting. Spencer's style also often incorporates complex time signatures, well evidenced on Chirpin' Hard and recordings by the Advantage

Contents 1 Equipment 2 Discography 2.1 with The Advantage 2.2 with Hella 2.2.1 Albums 2.2.2 EPs 2.2.3 Split Releases

[edit] Equipment

Spencer's musical abilities aren't just limited to guitar or drums; on some of his more recent work, such as Hella's Chirpin Hard album (written and performed by Spencer), Spencer also utilizes keyboards, synths, drum machines, and other instruments in his music. He is very proficient with drum programming, the opening track of Hold Your Horse Is, "The D. Elkan" being a good example. Spencer also enjoys the technical aspect of recording and producing.

The guitar featured in the above-right picture was designed and built for Spencer by guitar designer Scott French. The model name is SF0SS. It features a nut pickup, a built-in amplified egg shaker, and individual outputs for each string pickup. The finish is neon green and is embedded with Spencer's beard trimmings. Scott French claims that it is the most interesting guitar he has ever made. In February 2006 Spencer bought another Scott French guitar, made of eucalyptis and grafted walnut, it measures 1/2 inch thick around the outside edge of the guitar's entire body. This is the only guitar Spencer used on Hella's 2007 release There's No 666 In Outer Space.

[edit] Discography

[edit] with The Advantage

• The Advantage (April 6, 2004) 5 Rue Christine Records
• 2004 West Coast Tour CD (February, 2004) Self Released
• 2004 US Tour CD (October, 2004) Self Released
• Elf Titled (January 24, 2006) 5 Rue Christine Records
• "Underwear: So Big!" 2006 Tour CD-R (August 2006) Self Released

[edit] with Hella

[edit] Albums

• Hold Your Horse Is CD/LP (2002, 5RC)
• The Devil Isn't Red CD (2004, 5RC)
• Church Gone Wild/Chirpin' Hard 2xCD (2005, Suicide Squeeze)
• There's No 666 In Outer Space CD (2007, Ipecac Recordings)

[edit] EPs

• Leather Diamond CD-R EP (2001)
• Falam Dynasty 7" (2002, 5RC)
• Bitches Ain't Shit But Good People EP (2003, Suicide Squeeze)
• Total Bugs Bunny On Wild Bass EP (2003, Narnack Records)
• Acoustics EP (2004 & 2005, Toad Records (Japan); 2006, 5RC (US) with additional songs)
• Concentration Face/Homeboy DVD/CD EP (2005, 5RC)

[edit] Split Releases

• Live 2xCD (Sick Room, October 10, 2003) (with Dilute)
• Hella/Four Tet Split 7" (Ache, March 12, 2004) (with Four Tet)