Spencer Albee
| Spencer Albee | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Spencer Aaron Albee |
| Also known as | Spencer Albee |
| Born |
May 31, 1976 Dover, New Hampshire |
| Origin | Portland, Maine |
| Genres | Rock, pop, electronica |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician, producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards, piano, guitar, drums |
| 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.[1] He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the depth and diversity of his work.[2] 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. As Fast As released the critically acclaimed Open Letter to the Damned on Octone/A&M and toured steadily behind it, criss-crossing the U.S. and Canada from 2004-2007.
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.[3] 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."[4]
After the dissolution of As Fast As and his departure from Rustic Overtones, Albee recorded and released "Candy, Cake and Ice Cream" under the name Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia, followed by Space versus Speed's self-titled record. Then, in 2013, he released his first "solo" record "Spencer".
Currently, Albee is working on an LP ('Mistakes Were Made', to be released January 2015) following the recent release of Love Is Not Enough EP (November 2014)– both highly anticipated departures from Albee's previous body of work.
Discography
Albums
- Long Division (1995) (Rustic Overtones)
- Rooms by the Hour (1998) (Rustic Overtones)
- The Popsicko Vol. 1 (2000) (The Popsicko)
- ¡Viva Nueva! (2001) (Rustic Overtones)
- I Love You! Good Morning! (2002) (Rocktopus)
- Something Fierce (2003) (Rocktopus)
- Open Letter to the Damned (2004) (As Fast As)
- Open Letter to the Damned (2006) (As Fast As) re-release
- Light at the End (2007) (Rustic Overtones)
- Destroy the Plastique Man (2008) (As Fast As)
- AFA for Effort (2009) (As Fast As)
- Candy, Cake, & Ice Cream (2009) (Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia)
- Space Versus Speed (2010) (Space Versus Speed)
- Spencer (2013)
EPs
- Love is Not Enough (2014)