On the 26th July, rising star Spencer Barnett returned to the music scene with a bang, releasing his highly anticipated single ‘Lost Boy’. This track, described by Barnett as a "labor of love", encapsulates the frustration of repeatedly finding oneself stuck in the same place. As his first release of the year, ‘Lost Boy’ sets the tone for an exciting new chapter in Barnett's career as a budding singer-songwriter.
Listen to ‘Lost Boy’ below:
Speaking on the release, Spencer Barnett shares; “This song started as a few lines I jotted down a while ago when I felt like life was constantly moving one step forward and one step back. A few months ago I was in Stockholm working on some music and laid down the main guitar part. My friend Frans threw some really great drums on it and finished writing the song. Once I got back home I recorded my vocals and added a few new parts to finish the song. Lost Boy from the start just felt good – it felt like something you want to walk down the street to, dance to, something to celebrate. And so the lyrics shifted in meaning from a fear to a point of excitement and confidence for me. I’m so so glad that it’s finally out in the world.”
Somewhere in between warm familiarity and relatable all-American charm lies Spencer Barnett. With his own unique blend of soulful melodies, indie rock leads, and bedroom inspired guitar riffs, Spencer’s Nostalgic songwriting encapsulates youthful abandon. Born in New York in 2002 Barnett grew up in Manhattan and the San Francisco Bay Area. Interested in music from a young age, he began writing his own music in his early teens, inspired by artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Bon Iver and others.
‘Lost Boy’ features an upbeat alternative sound with a punchy indie-rock undertone. Complete with a 60s psychedelia-inspired vocal, Barnett has delivered a track built on catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, articulating the universal feeling of being lost. The track exemplifies Barnett's expanding creative vision and his talent for blending genres to craft a sound uniquely his own, perfectly aligned with his distinctive style.
Since the release of ‘Lost Boy’, Barnett has captivated listeners with the song's infectious energy and relatable themes, resonating deeply with his ever-growing audience. This single marks a significant milestone for Spencer, solidifying his place as an artist to watch in the indie music scene.
With lots more in store soon for this rising talent,
More on Spencer Barnett…
Beyond presenting a living and breathing musical hybrid of alternative, indie, and psychedelia, Spencer Barnett fashions an entire world of his own design. He anchors his ever-evolving vision in expressive live instrumentation, evocative lyrics, and emotionally charged vocals. As such, his songs invite total immersion, fitting as comfortably as your favorite jacket. Moreover, he’s consistently pulled audiences and tastemakers into the firm grip of his embrace, generating millions of streams and earning praise from BILLBOARD and PAPER, to name a few.
However, he never lets go on his upcoming 2024 EP and much more to come.
“I’m very focused on building out a world,” he affirms. “I care about the music in terms of an entire body of work—rather than just singles. That was definitely true for this EP. There’s a layer of maturity. It has a raw, organic nature. When I’m honest, I pull back the veil even more. It’s scary to put yourself out there, especially when you’re disclosing personal experiences. I’m giving you specifics though; I’m showing you who I am."
Born in San Francisco, Spencer learned piano and guitar at barely eight-years-old. Inspired by everyone from Alabama Shakes, Big Thief, and Toro y Moi to Phoenix and George Harrison, he penned his first songs in junior high. He cycled through vibes and genres, absorbing lessons and energy from a myriad of collaborators a la Stephan Jenkins [Third Eye Blind], DJ White Shadow [Lady Gaga], and Jon Hoskins [Khalid]. During high school, he formally introduced himself with “17,” reeling in over 5 million streams and paving the way for his fan favorite debut Reckless EP. Completing an EP trilogy, he maintained this momentum with 2020’s I’m Fine EP and Welcome To My Mind EP.
Simultaneously, he incited tastemaker applause. LADYGUNN praised how “Spencer tackles storytelling with bold moves and confidence,” and EUPHORIA. professed, “Barnett creates music that people can connect with.”
Along the way, Spencer pieced together his next sonic chapter. COVID and New York in the dead of winter saw him weather a season of loneliness and isolation. However, he poured these experiences into his artistry.
“When I did the first EP, I was still in high school,” he recalls. “I had just graduated on the second EP, and I moved to L.A. where I didn’t know anyone. On the third EP, I was settling in and figuring out who I am a little bit more as a human being and as an artist. For this one, I wanted to take a step back, experiment, play around with different ideas, and iterate a more methodical process of making a record.”
That process proved more organic than ever before. He opted to root the music in live instrumentation, including bass, drums, analog synths, guitars, and vocals.
In the end, Spencer’s world welcomes all.
“When you listen to me, I’d love for you to identify a shared experience,” he leaves off. “Maybe you’ll find connection and community, and hopefully you’ll have fun. I’m still figuring out who I am, but I have a newfound confidence. I’m excited to share what I have to say.”
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