Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Spencer Jo
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My mom’s alarm clock would go off for what seemed like hours sometimes. lying awake, I would make songs to that rhythm and sound.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I guess I just wasn’t getting everything I wanted from the music I loved. I decided to maker the music I wanted to hear.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
When I started playing music, I was learning punk songs on my electric guitar, and Irish songs on my acoustic. I joined a band with my electric and went out on the street with my acoustic. My solo project came from my early busking days. When I learned I could take my acoustic guitar on the road, and explore the world all by myself, I started doing that as much as I could.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Folk music with a bit of grit.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned early to write what I know. I also learned early that I don’t know much. So, I started seeking the experiences I wanted to know something about.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I keep notebooks and pens, or pencils, in all my travel gear. I love to visit stationery stores all over the world.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Mon Rovîa – Heavy Foot
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
The only way to make authentic art is to create from experience. I explore the world to be able to do this.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my hard songs inspire action. I hope my soft songs inspire healing.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music taught— and is still teaching— me to listen. Through it, I have found a way to be a part of the world, and to move through it.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’d love to play my hometown’s folk festival one day.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Woody Guthrie inspired a lot of change with his music. I’d have loved to boot around with him for awhile.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://www.instagram.com/spencerjomusic
https://spencerjo.bandcamp.com
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’m living my dream right now. In the spring, I’m going on tour, making music with amazing people and wonderful friends. In the summer, I’m going to do more of that with my punk band Quit It! I guess I’d love to get back to mainland Europe soon. I did a tour there a couple summers ago and am longing to return to my friends and communities over there. I still have a lot of exploring to do.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope my music challenges them in a way that is good for the world.
