Spencer Barnett is a compelling 19-year-old multi-instrumentalist who is gaining traction thanks to his storytelling ability and sonic creativity. His new track, “Welcome to My Mind” drops today, serving as the first sound off Barnett’s final installment of his ambitious three-part EP series. We caught up with the rising artist to talk all about his new music.
What would you say about your sound to new listeners?
I like to think of my music as psychedelic pop–a blend of indie, rock, and pop. It’s really hard to describe music in terms of a specific genre nowadays because the lines have become so blurred, but that’s something I try and capture in my songs. I don’t think going into the studio and thinking to yourself “I want to make a rock song today” is helpful to your creativity. Instead, I like to think to myself “how can I capture this feeling” and with that you allow your creativity and originality to flow.
What is the inspiration behind your new single, “Welcome To My Mind?”
“Welcome to My Mind” came about as a concept long before it was turned into a song. I had been wanting to write a song that was very honest and raw, and when my friends and I sat down and began this project, it was the first song to get started and the last song that was finished. It fully set the tone for the rest of the project.
We hear you’re working on a new EP. What can you share about that project and what can listeners expect from that release?
Yes! I can’t wait to share the rest of the music, but I still need to add some finishing touches to some of the songs. This forthcoming EP is the third and final installment of the trilogy of EPs I started with ‘Reckless’ and then ‘I’m Fine.’ It’s my favorite work yet.
Is there anyone who you’ve been working with on this upcoming music that you’re particularly excited about?
I purposefully don’t have any features on this project, but I am always excited to collab with my friends Jackson Lee Morgan, Hoskins, The 23rd, Denis Kosiak, Jon Castelli, Daniel Borrero, and Bellamy Brewster. This song and project would not have happened without all of them. Working with people I know well is the best because I feel comfortable talking about real shit in the songs. I’m kind of shy around people I don’t know (haha).
How would you describe your songwriting process?
For “Welcome to My Mind,” we all got on a plane and went to this amazing studio in rural France for a week which was the most beautiful place to get away from everything and work on a record. We set up some cool vintage synths and I brought some of my guitars and we started everything from scratch. By the end of the week, the project was 95% finished.
What have you been doing to pass the time during quarantine and what’s the first thing you’re hoping to do once it is done?
I’ve actually just started working on a full-length album. It’s been great to take all of my energy and focus it on one project, but I’ve also been reading and drawing as well. I miss playing shows, but even more than that I miss going to shows, so the first thing that I would do is go to a festival. And hug my friends!
Lookout for Spencer’s forthcoming EP, and stream the new single, “Welcome To My Mind,” here.
