Spencer Albee

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spencer Albee

Albee on tour in 2004
Background information
Birth name Spencer Aaron Albee
Also known as Frankenstein, Spencer
Born (1976-05-31) May 31, 1976
Dover, New Hampshire
Origin Portland, Maine
Genres Rock, pop, electronica
Occupations Singer-songwriter, musician
Instruments Vocals, keyboards, piano, guitar
Years active 1995–present
Labels Arista/BMG Records, Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records, Velour, A&M Octone, Universal Music Group
Associated acts Rustic Overtones, As Fast As/Rocktopus, The Popsicko, Space Versus Speed, Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia

Spencer Albee (born May 31, 1976) is an American musician, singer and songwriter from Portland, Maine. Albee has been a major figure in the Portland music scene for over two decades and is locally renowned for his songwriting and musical abilities. [citation needed] He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the depth and diversity of his work.[1] Previously, Albee fronted As Fast As and was the keyboardist and backup singer for the band Rustic Overtones. Albee released the solo album Spencer in July 2013.

Early life

Albee was born in Dover, New Hampshire, and raised in the town of York, Maine, where he was influenced at an early age by his grandfather, a banjo player and music enthusiast. Early groups that influenced Albee included Paul McCartney, Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson and David Bowie. In particular, Beatles bass player Paul McCartney left an indelible mark on Albee's musical development.

Albee was first introduced to the piano by his parents, and without much formal training picked up the instrument mostly by ear. From there he dabbled in guitar (playing right-handed despite being a natural lefty), bass, tuba, recorder, harmonica, and accordion. He also developed his voice by singing in his school's chorus.

Musical career

At the age of 18, Albee dropped out of the University of Southern Maine to join the regionally popular Rustic Overtones as their keyboard player. His relationship with the band would last several years and give him the opportunity to rub elbows and record with the likes of David Bowie, Funkmaster Flex and Imogen Heap.

After Rustic Overtones broke up, Albee formed a solo effort he dubbed "The Popsicko", under the pseudonym "Frankenstein". This was the first time his skills as a songwriter were showcased. Due to a variety of circumstances, the band Albee had assembled for the project only played a few gigs, and broke up quietly just months after inception.

Albee's next endeavor was the much more successful Rocktopus, which recorded two albums and toured extensively. Rocktopus' lineup was Spencer Albee, Haché Horchatta, Zach Jones, and Brian Higgins. After the band's second album, Something Fierce, Albee decided he needed a more serious image and changed the band's name to As Fast As.

Beginning in July 2007, Albee played with the reunited Rustic Overtones at concerts around New England following the independent release of Light at the End.[2] On August 15, 2008, the Portland Phoenix reported that Albee had parted ways with Rustic Overtones, telling the paper, "I need a change of pace, as well as clarity and perspective. Since 1995, I/ve been on tour and making records constantly, and now I find myself seeking respite."[3] He appeared at "The Clash of the Titans" at The Big Easy.[4]

Albee released the solo album Spencer in July 2013.

Discography

Studio albums

References

  1. ↑ http://cultureshock.bangordailynews.com/2013/07/16/rockin-out/years-in-the-making-spencer-albees-solo-debut-a-smart-melodic-pop-treat/
  2. ↑ http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/rustic_overtones/artist.jhtml
  3. ↑ Portland scene report: August 15, 2008
  4. ↑ "The return of The Clash of the Titans", Maine Today, Jaye Drew, June 6, 2008

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.