By: Staff
Spectra's latest single, "Home," immediately captivates listeners with its intense piano introduction. Surrounded by the artist's powerful vocals, we knew this song was delivery destined to be an instant hit. Wasting no time, Spectra candidly expresses her physical and emotional pain through lyrics like, "You know that I'm wasted, I'm unconscious, holding on to nothing."Adding to the emotional depth, the infectious rock and roll beat drives the track forward, punctuated by captivating guitar fills and drops. Spectra's voice and the instrumentation blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious, almost symbiotic, musical duo that climbs higher and higher, building to a truly cathartic moment. The lyrics convey Spectra's raw emotions, and the passion compels the listener to bop along and sing in unison. The song reaches an even greater climactic peak with the addition of a synthesizer keyboard and ear-catching drum fills towards the end. We've learned that this powerful track was written 12 years ago, making its recent release more exciting. Kudos to the engineers who crafted such a clean and impactful mix and master, truly doing justice to Spectra's powerhouse vocals. Exploring the artist's Spotify profile reveals a versatile range, from R&B to gritty rock, guaranteeing that fans will not be disappointed. Stream, share, and add "Home" to your playlists today.
Wait, there's more!
We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist Spectra, for “The Cage” Music Blog, to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
When did you start making music? Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you that you feel is important to understanding why you create music?
-I started playing piano when I was about 10 years old through private lessons. I also took voice lessons and was in various choir and theater programs throughout elementary, middle school, and high school. About 2 years after graduating is when I really started putting out music to the world. I've always written my own songs since I was a kid, but I didnt actually release anything until 2014. So when I did that, I kind of thought, hey, this is cool and people like what they hear, I'm gonna keep doing this. I create and write music because not only is it a passion of mine, but because it is also a universal element in art that brings people together. I write so people can relate to something, so people can listen to that and go, wow, I really resonate with that. I also put a lot into my performance art and the shows in general because everything intertwines together: the music, the songs, the art, the performance, the set up, everything. I do this for them (the fans).
What first sparked the passion for creating music?
-Honestly it was when I started singing and playing piano at the same time. That was when I realized that maybe this is something that I could present to the world. Piano was my first instrument, and then voice, and when I started listening to pop music it sort of all came together. I was really into Gaga when I was younger, and I remember listening to one of her acoustic piano version of Poker Face. I immediately learned the music and sung along, and from there I just started doing all these different covers, and eventually started writing originals that way.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
-The songwriting process is so different for me for almost every song, at least right now. Sometimes it will start with a simple humming of a melody, and other times it will start at the piano, playing various chord progressions. I also write a lot of poetry and songs come to me that way as well. "Home" started with the lyrics and melody and then I added the piano to it. Actually, I wrote this song 12 years ago when I was 18, and just sat on it for a long time. It was always a special song to me because it comes from a deeply personal place in my life; I share vulnerable experiences and lyricism. I think a lof of people can relate to that. Ultimately, "Home" is about finding yourself through the traumas of life, and creating your own space for yourself in this world, in your home.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
The most challenging part was the mix. Chris (Errera) and I have been friends for a while, and I decided to have him listen to the rough mix I did with Tyer Ford (Park Street Recording Studios) to see if he would be interested in collaborating. I remember the first time I showed him the song, he said it had a bit of an old school 90's feel to it and I reminded him of early No Doubt. From there, we worked constantly on the project. We actually drove each other insane throughout the process - I mean to the point where I didnt know if we would even finish it. I was very particular about the mix, especially the vocals and guitars and the strings. We butted heads a lot during the course of mixing, that was the challenging part. But in the end we made something we are both so proud of. We joke now about about crazy we drove each other going back and forth. It was worth it.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
-The fans. Family. Support. Feelings. Emotions. My own endless thoughts. When I play a set and people come up to me and say hey, that was very different from what we usually see and I loved it - THAT makes me push harder. I love to be different.
What part of the music making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date etc?
-For me, the most stressful is production. What else can I add? What will make this better? What will make this POP? So many thoughts go through my head. I am also very hard on myself; I'm learning to ease up. I'm always running around asking for third and fourth opinions, getting other producers involved and sometimes that can get messy. Truly, I am still learning, and am still in the embryonic stages of my career, and really am just trying to figure out how everything works!
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
-Social media. It has changed everything. From just being a musician in general, to streaming services, to the reliance of your online following and presence, it is very difficult. When you see so many artists that go viral and launch these huge careers and it was because of social media. I do realize the need for it and the importance it plays as an artist, but I also feel there is so much pressure to perform on socials and constantly push content - it's draining. 20 years ago, we didn’t have such a pressure with that. But times change and we have to keep up!
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
-Piano/keys and vocals. I started with piano, and started voice shortly after. I sometimes feel more efficient in piano than voice. But singing is my favorite.
Please tell us about the last time you performed. Where was the show, and what was your experience?
-I just played a Lolla after at my favorite gay bar, Charlie's Chicago. I did two acoustic cover songs. Actually, Charlie's is the only gay bar on the strip that has live entertainment from original musicians. It's always such a beautiful time there. The gay scene is really where I feel most at home. Everyone sings along, everyone is so supportive and let's me be who I want to be. My fellow LGBTQ artists and musicians have welcomed me so openly throughout the years and I couldn’t thank them enough.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
-Oh, all the time. So many, many times. Throughout my career I have had quite a few ups and downs. There have been many lows to where I thought this just isn’t worth it anymore. Constantly having to put myself out there, keep my voice and body in shape, keep my skills up to date, and stay relevant with the ever changing music scene. It is stressful!
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
-Keep your head up, put yourself first,, and go with your gut, because you are your own identity and your existence in the universe matters.
What is your favorite song to cover?
-Right now I really enjoy This Love by Maroon5.
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
-Jimmy Fallon. He’s brilliant. I love watching his interviews. Topic of discussion: who is Spectra? Why is she here? What role does she play in today’s world?
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Spectra on Spotify & YouTube.
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