Interview: Spencer Annis
Spencer Annis has just released his second full length album 'Safe Place'. Louder Than The Music chatted with him to find out how it all began, the inspiration behind his album, and how he wants people to seek God through his music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
My name is Spencer. I am a 26 year old living in Lynchburg, VA, with my wife and soon to be baby boy. I lead a worship team at a church called Breakthrough Church, and work a 9-5 as a civil engineer to make ends meet. I actually started writing original music around the age of 12 when I got my first guitar. Throughout high school I tried to make music with various bands made up of friends of mine, but it wasn't until college that I had the heart to write and release music into the world.
Tell us about your new album 'Safe Place' and what the inspiration behind it was?
All of the music I release is a direct reflection of what I am learning, or even just the season I am in. "Safe Place" was a combination of songs that came from a new and deeper personal revelation of who God is as a father. He is our place to hide and confide in when we are under spiritual attack or when we need peace and rest from the chaos of life around us. I started to see God more as a friend who wanted nothing more than to be near to me, even when I was straying from Him. The title track and theme of the album comes from Psalm 46, where the psalmist is declaring God as his place of refuge in this broken world.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
My favorite track is "In Your Arms". It's probably the most intimate moment I share with the world on this album. I was really struggling to feel valued or loved in that moment, but in the end, I grabbed hold of the truth, and I thanked God that I am his child. We are of infinite value to Him, and I just desire to dwell in that mind blowing reality from now on.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I would like people to know what a deeply personal God we have. I would want people to seek him in the quiet place, and come to know who he really is. There is such a false perspective of God growing in my generation, and I would love to help re-shape that false view.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I would say some sort of chill pop with a bit of RnB influence. I feel like my musical influences are constantly changing, but right now I'm liking this new wave of 70's and 80's indie pop.I think I am becoming more of a "synth-head" than I ever thought I would be.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Great question, I would love to work with Kevin Garrett. Not a Christian artist, but I so respect his songwriting skills and the way he creates progressions and grooves to frame such deep lyrics. I think if I was to work with him he could help me deliver what I am wanting to say in a more profound way.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I'm not there quite yet, but success as an artist to me would be when God is speaking to people through my songs and I would be able to work on music full time.
What is your favorite album of all time?
This is such a hard question for me... My favorite album is also always changing. I think maybe Kally-Faultlines?? Some of those songs really resonated with me, and I think the production is really cool.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Not sure any song has given me as much peace as "PEACE" by Hillsong Young and Free off their "III Studio Sessions" album...so that one.
What does the next year hold for you?
Mostly pushing Safe Place, but I will also be hitting the studio to record some other new songs later in the year. I would love to do a small tour this year as well... just been figuring out how to navigate covid regulations.
Thank you so much for the chance to answer some questions. I really appreciate it. If you are reading this and are interested in checking out the new album "Safe Place", you can buy or stream it now wherever you listen to music online. Also follow me on instagram for news and updates. Merch is on my website spencerannis.com as well. Hope you like the album! Thanks again and God bless!
