At just seventeen years old, Alex Spencer’s rise from busking on the streets of Manchester to becoming one of the most exciting indie talents in the UK has happened at a rapid pace. Signed to Modern Sky UK, Alex has received acclaim from various radio stations including BBC 6 Music and XS Manchester, attracting national attention with live performances appearing across social media and television outlets. His debut EP was released in the autumn of 2023, ‘One Step Forward’ showcasing promising songwriting ability backed by electrifying live performances.
Now, fresh off the back of supporting Jake Bugg, The Lathums and Jamie Webster Alex unveils his latest project, high-energy EP ‘There’s Gotta Be More’, bringing his nostalgia-drenched youthful exuberance to the forefront of indie music once again. Opening with the vibrant pining of ‘Love And Let Go’, Alex sets out songwriting rooted in optimism. Even when delivering lines about losing his most recent romance, the artist laces his performances with bright joyfulness. ‘Nightmares’ is the second track, and is supercharged by a furious riff, pulsing through the atmosphere as other guitar layers ring out with twinkling counter melodies.
The title track, ‘There’s Gotta Be More’, takes a more vocal-led style, with the layers between Alex’s wistful chanting delivering an army of harmonic interest. The subtle bounce plods forward, echoing the themes of bland day-to-day and gloomy surroundings as it tries to break free into a more excitable tone. That buzz comes with the final track ‘Fear Will Kill The Future’, letting the boundless optimism boil over into an attitude of “take your misery, replace it” to find freedom. Across the whole project, the seventeen-year-old battles with an uncertain future, but finding contentment in the journey more than makes up for it.
“My latest release contrasts childhood innocence with adult realities,” Alex adds. ”Based on personal experiences, the raw and introspective writing evokes nostalgia and reflection. The project aims to connect deeply with listeners, highlighting life’s complexities and the search for meaning.”
