Happy Spring Everyone!
Wow, it seems like yesterday that I wrote a journal entry with the same headline! Well, if time flies, you might as well travel in first class! I can't tell you how happy I am that spring is here! Actually, to be honest, I seem to have successfully avoided ever having winter this year, since I moved to Malibu (Topanga Canyon) this fall. I've definitely been taking advantage of what Southern California can offer, and have hiking and swimming at the beach all throughout January and February. Lately, however I haven't been home too often since I've been out doing some amazing gigs. I suppose the most notable one I had recently was opening for one of my Favorite songwriters, Rufus Wainright at the Napa Valley Opera House. It was a huge honor to play there and now the opera house has gracious enough to give me my own night headlining, December 6th.
As always, I'm on the lookout for new music that inspires. Here are some of my recent favorites.
Noe Venable- Beautiful singer/ songwriter that reminds me of Kate Bush, Tori Amos and Stephen Sondheim all at the same time.
Company (2006 Revival)- Speaking of Sondheim, this new cast recording from the musical is fantastic.
Radiohead- In Rainbows. It's been on repeat in my car for the last 6 months!
Rufus Wainright- Release the Stars. Great songs and the production is just sublime.
Peace and Love,
Spencer
Hello friends,
I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season and I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Despite the ubiquitous appearance of people who don't seem to know how to handle their liquor, New Year's Day is still my favorite holiday. To me, it remains the most optimistic day of the year and is an event celebrated by almost every country in the world. (I'm not quite sure when New Year falls in the Mayan calendar). 2007 was an amazing year for me, a challenging year too, but each obstacle I have faced has provided me with an incredible opportunity to learn more about myself. I know the news headlines have caused us all a great deal of concern but I hope that our excitement for change will overpower the grim political situation we find ourselves in. So let's look ahead to a year filled with love and opportunity. Oh yeah, and less consuming, more recycling!
Wishing everyone the best in 2008.
08'ing change!
Spencer Day
Greetings everybody!
I've been spending a few days visiting with my family back in Arizona before heading back out on the road again. My family lives up in the White Mountains at 7,000 feet in a tiny town which couldn't be more different from Manhattan, the place I have been calling home for quite a while now. It has been very healing to be with my family in the country for a spell.
I fall in love with New York every single day, but lately, her faults (which she has never tried to conceal, and I love her for that) have been a little harder to ignore. She keeps me awake at night with her siren snoring and sometimes she has a mean streak that reveals her superficial side. But then she turns around and is more dynamic and sincere and beautiful than any place I've ever known. New York is like Noah's Arc for people, there's two of every kind. And while I crave the fresh air and nature, I also need to interact with all the beautiful and diverse types of people that the Big City offers and take in all the art and energy that it provides.
Maybe this is evidence of the yin/yang in the universe. Some new creative opportunities have come up, so I'm happy to say that I will be relocating back to Southern California, to a lovely and inspiring place in Topanga Canyon. The recent fires are terrible to watch and we all send our good thoughts and love to the many folks affected. My friends Nanci and Jim's place was fortunately spared and I'll be settling in very soon. Two or three interesting collaborations are in the works. I'll be sure to let you know more as they develop. Stay tuned! All of you in So-Cal, be sure to look me up, and keep an eye open for some upcoming local gigs!
In the next month I have some fantastic engagements. I especially want my Bay Area friends to know that I'm playing again at the Herbst Theater (November 3, SF Jazz Festival) with some of the Bay Area's finest jazz musicians. I'm really excited to be incorporating Django-style "Gypsy Jazz" along with some of my more contemporary recent compositions. Should be big fun.
My Youtube addiction continues. Bo Burnham and Miss Carolina (and her many imitators) are my two favorites this week. Till I write again, I hope you are all having a beautiful fall.
Peace and love,
Howdy y’all! Hope the dog days of summer are treating you all as well as they are treating me. I’ve been holding up in some great digs, writing some new songs and working on a new musical that I’ve got brewing while still putting some final touches on some new recordings. When I haven’t been working on music I have also been spending unhealthy amounts of time searching for anybody and anything on YouTube. Just when you think you’re on the fringe of pop culture, somebody like Tay Zonday steps up to remind you that even some real “outsider” music can have mainstream appeal. I realized this when I saw Tay performing his opus “Chocolate Rain” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I was simultaneously happy for his success and also mourning the loss of what I thought was a hipster’s secret. Well, obviously not TOO secret, millions have seen him on YouTube. This has been similar to watching Andy Samberg catapult to fame after being a fan of the comedy troupe “The Lonely Island” for years prior. Oh well, I guess I’m not as avant garde as I hoped. It doesn’t make watching “Chocolate Rain” any less of an experience.
Speaking of experiences, I’ve got a great residency gig coming up back in the Big Apple at one of my favorite venues, the Living Room, plus an early evening set at the Rockwood Lounge. Best part of all, I’ll be playing duo with Yair (on guitar and cello) and these shows are FREE! If you are in town the week of Labor Day (sadly, I will be missing Burning Man this year) or September 5th, come on down to the Lower East Side and join us! After that it looks like I’m off to London and then who knows where?! Will write more soon.
SLD
Flying back to New York to finish the mixing/editing on the new tracks I have been recording. I had a great time this last week in SF and was happy to see so many of my friends and do several great gigs. Really looking forward to my gigs at the State Theatre and the Triple Door in Seattle. I haven't been to either venue yet but have heard nothing but great things! Like everybody else, I'm getting a little frustrated with air travel these days (and I know it's only going to get worse and more expensive!) but once I get to my seat I have to say I love flying. It's one of the few times I allow myself to finish a book and really listen to some music (thanks to my noise canceling headphones!!). So I thought I would let you guys know about some of the artists and songs that are inspiring me lately. I hope you like them too!
"Fan Dance" Sam Phillips
Sublime production and her lyrics are amazing. A brilliant blend of traditional Chinese instrumentation and classic folk elements.
"Germany Before the War" Randy Newman
Classic older Randy Newman. One of the best songs I've heard for really creating a mood. I want to thank songwriter Cliff Goldmacher for turning me on to this one. Randy's gorgeous melody creates an ominous tone but the lyrics make no references to war or any of the atrocities that are to come, which makes it even more eerie. I think it's just brilliant.
"My Moon, My Man" Feist
Great production and interesting groove. Great walking song.Very simple and very groovy. And her voice is just so sexy and gorgeous. I love Feist! She rocks (in a fine and mellow way!)
"Back to Black" Amy Winehouse Brilliant blend of "Supreme-like" piano/bass parts and then a darker instrumental and chorus courtesy of haunting harmonies and a bell tolling in the background. This track almost sounds like something from a Spaghetti Western. I feel like Tarantino would have used this for Kill Bill (had it been out at the time).
"Travellin' Prayer" Dolly Parton Opening track from Dolly's "The Grass is Blue" is a straight up Bluegrass jam. The musicians are amazing and maybe because I've been traveling lately, this one really resonates with me.
"Daphnis and Chloe"- Maurice Ravel I went through a period a few years ago where I had a very unhealthy obsession with "Bolero" so I thought it was time to find a new piece of Ravel's to stalk. This one is it! Dramatic, weird and wonderful!
I also want to give a shout out to GAUCHO, an amazing Bay Area band that does a regular gig at Amnesia in S.F. every Wednesday. They play authentic Django Reinhardt style gypsy jazz with a very modern sensibility. If you're in San Francisco, go check em out! You won't regret it!
Hello all! I have just finished an intense weekend of studio recording. It’s been pretty exhausting— long hours but the end result is going to be fantastic. I’ve been working with Scott, Yair and Jon again and everyone is at the top of their game. All of the playing we have done together has also been really apparent and really comes off in the recordings, which are live and full of energy. I’m just excited to have something new recorded! It’s been way too long and I am excited to have some new music up for y’all to listen to. I’m off to NYC tomorrow morning to finish laying down some more tracks (if anyone knows a good sitar player in NYC, let me know!) and then back to the West Coast for a string of gigs. Will write more then.
Hello Everybody,
I am back from an amazing trip that took me to three continents. First, I was in Brazil visiting some friends and taking in some awesome music. I have been to Rio several times but this was my first time there for Carnival. I was prepared to dismiss it as an overblown tourist trap but nothing could be further from the truth. It was one of the most culturally vibrant and exciting events I have ever attended. The music and the energy were totally contagious and my friends (as always) were kind and generous hosts. After that, I went back to New York for a few to decompress and then headed off to Israel with a good friend of mine. I had a great time partying in Tel Aviv and scuba diving in Eilat but could have used a little more time in Jerusalem (I was only there a day) just to process how ancient it was. Once I was inside the ancient city walls, I was overcome by very profound emotions, but also very sad ones. It was impossible for me to be there and not think of all the violence that has become so synonymous with this holy place.
On the way back, I stopped in Paris for three unbelievable days. It was my first time there and, at the risk of sounding cliché, will say that I absolutely “fell in love with Paris!” I walked around the city with my jaw dropping and thinking to myself, “So, THIS is what they were all talking about!” The sense of style, aesthetic, design and beauty are present everywhere. I also loved the people (contrary to many embittered Americans who warned me I wouldn’t) and found everyone to be incredibly warm and gracious. I played a great gig in a Café in Montmartre and am counting the moments till I can go back!
Now I am happy to be back in the States and to be beginning the process of recording some of the 30 new songs I have written! I guess this has been long overdue. Along with seeing all of my friends, that should keep me pretty well tied up till the next time I write. J I hope you are all having a beautiful spring. I’ll see you soon.
Happy Holidays everybody!Seasons Greetings from the Big Apple! I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday season. I wanted to send out a special thanks to everyone who came out to my most recent shows. I have been thrilled to have received such positive feedback about my latest songs and performances and I know the best is yet to come!
It's been exciting to be back in New York after a series of great shows in the Bay Area. New York is its same old fabulous self. Dirty, hectic, dazzling and wonderful, and the weather has been unseasonably warm. I have truly never worked this hard in my life and it has been so rewarding. Getting up and rehearsing every day, collaborating with some top notch songwriters and seeing shows every night. Saw "Spring Awakening" (Duncan Shiek's new musical) for the second time last night and going to see "The Drowsy Chaperone" tonight! It really has been a magical time here for me and I feel so fortunate for all the opportunities I have been given. I wouldn't have any of these amazing experiences and opportunities if it weren't for all of you who have believed in me all these years, so THANK YOU!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.Peace, love and light
Hello there,This will be the second month I am spending as a full time resident of New York City and it has been absolutely amazing. I have been collaborating with some fantastic songwriters and creating what I hope will be some very exceptional tunes. Thanks to Decca Universal, I have been able to take advantage of some incredible performance coaching and training, and I’m busy writing every day. It would be perfect if only the summer didn’t have to end. I can’t think of any place I’d rather be: the free concerts, the outdoor cafes all bustling with activity on balmy nights. No matter how hot and humid the day gets, it’s worth it all for a mysterious, warm night. But come late January, I might not be so enthralled - for me, the only thing worse than snow is filthy black snow. So I am happy that I am going on my longest tour yet for the whole month of January, in the Midwest! (which ain’t gonna be the tropics either, but nevertheless I am totally excited about it).
Next week I am really happy to return to California and head up to Burningman with my brother and dear friends. Hopefully I will see some of you there.
I’ll be playing an acoustic show with Yair Evnine at the Café Du Nord on Monday, September 11 at 9 PM. I’ll be debuting some of the new tunes I’ve been writing in New York. Should be a lot of fun.
Wherever you are, I hope you are having a beautiful end to your summer.Peace and love,SLD
Hi, everyone:
First and foremost, I wanted to send out a special thank you to everyone who attended our Herbst Theatre performance in San Francisco. I was very happy so many of you came out; I really appreciate your support! I have been in New York for the past few weeks and it's been beautiful here. There is a feeling of optimism in the air. I have been having a great time and have been taking in some of the great art and culture that make this city so special. I saw the newest production of "Sweeney Todd" in which all of the actors/singers also double as the orchestra. It was incredibly ambitious and I loved that they took so many chances. Patty Lupone was a true star and the entire cast was exceptional. If you’re in the mood for a deep, rich (and quite disturbing) musical experience, look no further!
I return to San Francisco at the beginning of May, just in time to catch a fantastic art show I thought I would let you all know about. Jordan Eagles, an amazing artist, who also happened to design my poster for the Herbst Theatre show (autographed copies still available), is having his first Bay Area art opening. Jordan Eagles has gained notoriety for using blood in his multidimensional art to explore the physical and intangible connections between the body-spirit and the Universe. Eagles’ art has been described as “luminous and magnifying” (The New York Times), “Brilliant light refracting art…glimmering 3-D images” (Philadelphia Weekly), and “striking,” (Miami New Times). Not only is he a close friend of mine, but he’s also an amazing talent. This show also features several other fantastic artists. Come on down!
For a more in-depth view of Jordan Eagles’ work, please see: www.JordanEagles.com and www.urbis-artium.com
Contact:
URBIS | ARTIUM Gallery
49 Geary St.
Suite 202
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.369.9404
OPENING RECEPTION WED MAY 3rd, 2006, 5:30pm - 8pm
Well, that’s all I have to report for the moment. I hope all of you are having a very happy spring. Till our paths cross again....
Hello, Friends-
I’m writing to you from the plane back to San Francisco (after a very successful gig at Joe’s Pub in New York City). I wanted to thank everyone who has come out to our most recent shows and to all of you who continue to support me, my music and my fellow musicians. Your love, energy and faith has been invaluable and continues to help me grow as an artist.
Things have really been going well for me lately. Yair and I have been traveling back and forth across the country. I will be returning to Australia in a few weeks and then back to San Francisco to play with the incredible Turtle Island String Quartet at the Herbst Theatre on Saturday, March 18 – my biggest show yet! We are also in negotiations with several major record labels and, hopefully, we will be back in the studio recording a full-length album soon.
That’s it for now. Thanks again for being a part of this exciting period in my life and for all your continued support. Be good to each other and keep spreading peace and love, we need it now more than ever.
Faithfully yours,
Just returned from Minneapolis, which was really great. I was really pleasantly surprised by what a sophisticated, friendly and liberal (you all know how important that is to me) city it was. We played at the Dakota which was beautiful, great sound and great musicians who I am looking forward to playing with again.
Things have been moving pretty fast now. My next CD has gone to print, Just played Cafe Du Nord and am leaving in a few hours for New York! Everytime I think about New York I get a little glide in my stride and a dip in my hip (I'm sure P-Funk does as well). I just keep thinking about dancing all night, meeting incredible artists and listening to incredible music everywhere I go! I love the summer heat, the smell and even the stink of the city. I just got an Ipod (I'm such a leming!) and am really excited about taking my friend on a walking tour of Midtowns deco masterpieces (ie. Rockefeller Center, Crystler building,etc.) accompanied by the music of George Gershwin (Rhapsody in Blue of course), Quincy Jones (Original "Summer in the city" groovy!) and more recent bands like the Ya Ya Ya's, Nellie McKay and Aqualung.
Well I'm off to the airport, will write again when I'm back from the Big Apple.
Hello everyone!
Every year around my birthday, things seem to go incredibly well for me, I dont know if anyone else can relate to this phenomenon, but this year, is no exception. I am in the final stages of mixing a new EP and am excited to be heading back to New York at the end of July (ahh..nothing like summer in the city!). Speaking of, I just discovered Quincy Jones groovy late 70's version of "Summer In The City" and highly recommend it. Also just bought Rufus Wainrights "Want Two" which was fantastic and am really looking forward to the new Fiona Apple. Well what else can I say, things are great, gotta run and party! The next time I write I'll be a year older!
Happy Spring Everybody! I hope you are all doing well. I always feel better once I can say so long to the winter blues! My regular gig at Brunos has been going great, the band is sounding better and better and its been a wonderful place to try out new material and jam with some great guests. I am really excited we have been extended there through July.
I just saw a fantastic movie called "MILLIONS" which is by the director of "Trainspotting" but is his version of a childrens story. It was incredibly sweet story (which I don't usually fall for) and the cinematography was beautiful. The type of movie that leaves you walking out of the theatre wanting to do some good for the human race. Check it out if you get a chance!
Thats all for now, hope you are all doing great!
Hello Lovelies,
I hope you are all having a beautiful Valentines Day, whether you've found someone special, are still on the lookout or are happilly flying solo! I want to thank the incredible group of people who came out to show their support for my show at The Independant. The show was an incredible success and hopefully just the beginning of many wonderful things to come. I hope you all can make it out to Brunos to hear me and a full band in a fantastic, intimate setting.
Happy new year! I hope you all had a wonderful time. I spent this New Year with my best friend Brian high above Copacabana Beach partying with Ana Carolina, one of Brazils biggest pop singers and her wonderful friends. Everything has been great here and I have been hearing a lot of incredible music. Excited to get out of Rio and into the country again. Its great to be back in Brazil.
Ate logo!
Spencer has released a new album!
Hey Everybody,
I am back after an amazing month of music and exploration in Brazil and have some great news. First, our album is nearly completed and should be available within the next few weeks! Second I have some great shows coming up I hope you can make it to.