PREMIERE: Spencer. Finds Love in a Record Store on “Automatic”

The new sound of 4AD is alt R&B from Rochester, NY.
PREMIERE: Spencer. Finds Love in a Record Store on “Automatic”

The new sound of 4AD is alt R&B from Rochester, NY.

Words: Scott T. Sterling

photo by Mark Underwood

October 01, 2019

While 4AD is most famous for the proto-Goth sounds of Bauhaus and Cocteau Twins, the legendary UK label is finding new inspiration in modern American soul. Case in point: Rochester, New York native Spencer. Yes, the period is part of his name.

“I wrote this song earlier this year with Beshken and José Benjamin Escobar,” Spencer. shares of the song premiering below. “It was my first time meeting them, and was one of my first collaborations ever. They already had that addictive drum loop playing before I walked in the room, and it was easy to tell from the beginning that we’d vibe together. Although the lyrics are somewhat melancholic, it definitely came from a fun place that day.”

The video echoes that same melancholic vibe, with Spencer. finding love by following a woman into a record store. The track’s loping and melodic groove finds common ground between Thundercat and early Basehead. Watch the clip below.

 

Spencer. is set to take his alternative R&B sound across the country on tour, with dates kicking off tonight in the rock city of Detroit. See the full itinerary below.

Spencer. Tour Dates:

10/1 – DETROIT, MI @ The Majestic
10/2 – MILWAUKEE, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom
10/4 – CHICAGO, IL @ Metro
10/6 – ENGLEWOOD, CO @ Gothic Theatre
10/9 – SEATTLE, WA @ The Showbox
10/10 – PORTLAND, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
10/14 – LOS ANGELES, CA @ Fonda Theater
10/15 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/18 – LAS VEGAS, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/19 – SANTA ANA, CA @ Yost Theater
10/20 – SAN DIEGO, CA @ SOMA
10/21 – PHOENIX, AZ @ The Van Buren
10/24 – DALLAS, TX @ Canton Hall
10/25 – AUSTIN, TX @ Mohawk
10/26 – SAN ANTONIO, TX @ Paper Tiger
10/27 – HOUSTON, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/29 – NEW ORLEANS, LA @ Republic NOLA
10/31 – TAMPA, FL @ The Orpheum
11/01 – ATLANTA, GA @ Terminal West
11/02 – NASHVILLE, TV @ The Basement East
11/05 – CHARLOTTE, NC @ Amos’ Southend
11/07 – BALTIMORE, MD @ Rams Head Live!
11/09 – BUFFALO, NY @ Town Ballroom
11/10 – NEW YORK, NY @ Webster Hall
11/12 – PHILADELPHIA, PA @ Union Transfer
11/13 – PITTSBURGH, PA @ Stage AE
11/15 – BOSTON, MA @ Royale
11/16 – ASBURY PARK, NJ @ Asbury Lanes