Spencer Albee
Encyclopedia
Spencer Aaron Albee is an American musician, producer, and front man of the Maine
-based rock band Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia. Previously, Albee fronted As Fast As
and was the keyboardist and backup singer for the band Rustic Overtones
.
, Pink Floyd
, and The Beatles
. In particular, Beatles bass player Paul McCartney left an indelible mark on Albee's musical development.
Albee was first introduced to the piano by his parents, and without much formal training picked up the instrument mostly by ear. From there he dabbled in guitar (playing right-handed despite being a natural lefty), bass, tuba, recorder, harmonica, and accordion. He also developed his voice by singing in his school's chorus. He also watched a lot of Doctor Who and was really pleased to learn of the show's recent revival.
to join the regionally popular Rustic Overtones
as their keyboard player. His relationship with the band would last several years and give him the opportunity to rub elbows with the likes of David Bowie
and Funkmaster Flex
.
After Rustic Overtones broke up Albee formed a solo effort he dubbed "The Popsicko," under the pseudonym "Frankenstein." This was the first time his skills as a songwriter and front man were showcased. Due to a variety of circumstances the band Albee had assembled for the project only played a few gigs and broke up quietly just months after inception.
Albee's next endeavor was the much more successful Rocktopus which recorded two albums and toured extensively. Rocktopus's lineup was Spencer Albee, Haché Horchatta, Zach Jones, and Brian Higgins. After the band's second album, Something Fierce
, Albee decided he needed a more serious image and changed the band's name to As Fast As
, which it remains today. Brian Higgins left the band and was replaced by Andrew Hodgkins.
Starting in July 2007, Albee played with the reunited Rustic Overtones at concerts around New England following the independent release of Light At The End
. Albee also continues to play shows with As Fast As, and worked with Amos LeBlanc-Simpson until the latter found Portland, Oregon more to his liking.
On August 15, 2008 the Portland Phoenix reported that Albee had parted ways with the Rustic Overtones telling the paper, "I need a change of pace, as well as clarity and perspective. Since 1995, I’ve been on tour and making records constantly, and now I find myself seeking respite." He appeared at "The Clash of the Titans", at The Big Easy.
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
-based rock band Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia. Previously, Albee fronted As Fast As
As Fast As
As Fast As is an alternative rock band from Portland, Maine, which includes former Rustic Overtones keyboardist Spencer Albee, who along with Haché Horchatta and Zach Jones were members of the power pop group Rocktopus. Their debut album, Open Letter to the Damned was released on Octone Records in...
and was the keyboardist and backup singer for the band Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones is a rock/jazz/funk band from Maine active from 1993–2002 and 2007–present. They were the first group to perform live on XM Satellite Radio, and their 2007 album Light At The End was the fastest-selling local disc ever in the state of Maine....
.
Early life
Albee was raised in the town of York, ME where he was influenced at an early age by his grandfather, a banjo player and music enthusiast. Early groups that influenced Albee included The WhoThe Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
, Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
, and The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
. In particular, Beatles bass player Paul McCartney left an indelible mark on Albee's musical development.
Albee was first introduced to the piano by his parents, and without much formal training picked up the instrument mostly by ear. From there he dabbled in guitar (playing right-handed despite being a natural lefty), bass, tuba, recorder, harmonica, and accordion. He also developed his voice by singing in his school's chorus. He also watched a lot of Doctor Who and was really pleased to learn of the show's recent revival.
Professional development
At the age of 18, Albee dropped out of the University of Southern MaineUniversity of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine is a multi-campus public urban comprehensive university and part of the University of Maine System. USM's three primary campuses are located in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston...
to join the regionally popular Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones is a rock/jazz/funk band from Maine active from 1993–2002 and 2007–present. They were the first group to perform live on XM Satellite Radio, and their 2007 album Light At The End was the fastest-selling local disc ever in the state of Maine....
as their keyboard player. His relationship with the band would last several years and give him the opportunity to rub elbows with the likes of David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
and Funkmaster Flex
Funkmaster Flex
Aston George Taylor, Jr. better known as Funkmaster Flex is an American hip hop DJ, rapper, musician and producer on New York City's Hot 97 radio station and host of the hit MTV show Funk Flex Full Throttle....
.
Albee's next endeavor was the much more successful Rocktopus which recorded two albums and toured extensively. Rocktopus's lineup was Spencer Albee, Haché Horchatta, Zach Jones, and Brian Higgins. After the band's second album, Something Fierce
Something Fierce
Something Fierce is the second album by Rocktopus. The songs "Vacation" and "Something Fierce" received airplay on New England rock radio stations such as WFNX...
, Albee decided he needed a more serious image and changed the band's name to As Fast As
As Fast As
As Fast As is an alternative rock band from Portland, Maine, which includes former Rustic Overtones keyboardist Spencer Albee, who along with Haché Horchatta and Zach Jones were members of the power pop group Rocktopus. Their debut album, Open Letter to the Damned was released on Octone Records in...
, which it remains today. Brian Higgins left the band and was replaced by Andrew Hodgkins.
Starting in July 2007, Albee played with the reunited Rustic Overtones at concerts around New England following the independent release of Light At The End
Light at the End
Light at the End is a 2007 studio album by the Portland, Maine, band Rustic Overtones, the first album by the band since its break-up in 2002. The album was recorded in spring 2007 and released on July 24, 2007. It has become the fastest-selling local disc ever in the state of Maine...
. Albee also continues to play shows with As Fast As, and worked with Amos LeBlanc-Simpson until the latter found Portland, Oregon more to his liking.
On August 15, 2008 the Portland Phoenix reported that Albee had parted ways with the Rustic Overtones telling the paper, "I need a change of pace, as well as clarity and perspective. Since 1995, I’ve been on tour and making records constantly, and now I find myself seeking respite." He appeared at "The Clash of the Titans", at The Big Easy.