There are not many one-man bands out there that can cope up with the stellar performance that Spencer Maybe delivers. The one-man London-born musician, artiste, composer and cabaret superstar can get a crowd grooving for hours with just his acoustic guitar, harmonica and the deep, baritone voice with which he commands harmonies with ease. Combine that with his eponymous named band, that plays what he fondly calls ‘Beach Side Country’, and you have a music memory that will have you tripping for years.
Playing this weekend at bFlat, Spencer brings a music experience moulded from penning lyrics, composing songs and honing skills for over 20 years. A testament to the range of inspirations he draws from, his music spans everything from stunning acoustic love songs to trippy rock tunes.
With Spencer fronting the band on vocals and acoustic guitar, the rest of the globetrotting troupe comprises award-winning electric guitarist and composer Peter Tegner from Sweden, acclaimed bass player Denis Petukhov from Moscow, and accomplished drummer and percussionist of Indian origin, BunnyB from New York.
On his fourth visit to India, the Englishman says he simply loves coming back here.
“I thoroughly enjoy playing with my fellow musicians here. Each time we come back, more things seem to open up for us. It’s always an exciting experience.”
Spencer recalls that he first came to India with his mother eight years ago. “That was, pretty much, a cultural eye-opener. We visited temples and did tons of sightseeing, so we got to experience much of the real India. With the band, it’s more a musical encounter we have so it’s a different experience altogether. Apart from that, I’ve always fancied Indian food. I can easily say it’s my favourite cuisine,” he chuckles.
When he’s not entertaining packed crowds with his feel-good songs, Spencer spends much time on a different stage – burlesque! Performing his music alongside innovate routines to some classics, he is a trailblazer in the male burlesque scene.
Apart from four original albums, Spencer took a one-man comedy burlesque mixed media music show to Edinburgh and also illustrated books and designed town murals.
High notes
Coming back to talking about his music, the multi-talented artiste says he’s always surprised by what he hears in his feedback. “The other day, there was a young girl, about 15 or 16-years-old, who came backstage after a gig and said how amazing the gig was. I’m 45 and it is lovely to connect with younger people. That doesn’t happen every day. It is always a surprise what makes a strong connection with people.”
Spencer continues: “That is what I have always wanted to do — make people dance and move them. As a songwriter who pens down emotive songs, I would also love to make people cry, which I do,” he laughs and adds: “It just happens. It’s amazing. It’s also got a lot to do with this band. They’re quite enabling of that kind of sound–sonic experience which transports people.”
Pointing out that he has been writing for over 20 years, Spencer affirms there is no one thing that defines his musical inspirations.
“I wanted to be a musician because of its immediacy in connecting with people. The point of any artiste is to connect with people, while keeping your integrity, staying true to the universe and, at the same time, creating something beautiful and memorable.”
On the set-list for the gig, Spencer says, will be a lot of songs from his latest album Wait and Patience , which they recorded in Goa and mixed in London. “It is my fourth album and we will do songs from each of them. Also I am not playing the guitar in this tour, so I can strut around a little more,” he laughs. Known for their high-octane, all-original repertoire, the audience can expect a highly captivating sound and a live act that shuffles between soaring vocals, cinematic guitars and an explosive rhythm section.
Personal soundtrack
Spencer looks back and says there are a couple of moments in his life when he knew music was what he was meant to do. “From the age of five, I wanted to play the guitar. I didn’t actually start playing it till I was 20 though. When I first got behind the microphone in a studio to record some vocals – that was the moment I decided to continue doing what I love. It felt ‘at home’ for me. I’ve definitely gone through a lot of choices and know for sure I have no regrets.”
The musical journey, he adds, has been a colourful and eventful one. “It is just getting more interesting and exciting. There are several new possibilities with more venues opening up. We will continue what we are doing as long as it takes.”
An in-the-moment guy, Spencer says: “The one thing I’ve definitely learnt coming to India is to not have any expectations. I do whatever comes my way.”
Check out Spencer Maybe live at bFlat, Indiranagar, on March 24, 9 pm onwards. Tickets on insider.in. Call 25278361.
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