It’s rare for a teenager to be so razor-focused on their career, but Spencer Barnett has been honing his craft for years now. Since he was just 14 years old, the rising musician has been working with some of the industry’s biggest producers to hone his signature sound. His work has paid off: the New York native has already built a sizable following of dedicated fans across streaming platforms thanks to his early singles and EPs, which he sporadically released as an independent artist, allowing his fans to get a personal look at his development as an artist.

His work is hard to define – his body of work is an artful blend of soulful melodies, indie rock leads, and bedroom-inspired guitar riffs. However, with the final release in the trilogy of installments for his debut EP, Barnett proves he is an artist who is here to stay.

We caught up with the emerging artist to hear more about his music and personal style.

What’s your earliest music memory?

I’m on a long drive to visit my grandparents and my mom puts on this Fleetwood Mac record in the car. I was super young, probably around three or four, but I remember loosely singing along to Dreams in the car when she joined in karaoke style. She looked back at me to say “you’re the only one of my children that doesn’t care about top 40 radio.” For my birthday a few months later she gifted me a mini toy piano. I started banging on the keys all day just making horrible noise. I didn’t learn how to use it until about five years later…but she really supported my passion for music from such a young age which I will always be incredibly grateful for.

Who are some of the artists you look up to

Some of my all time favorites are Phoenix, Bon Iver, and Radiohead. All three were innovators in their own unique way. Breaking the rules is something I strive to do when making a project. It’s all about that moment when you hear a song for the first time you think to yourself—wow, I’ve never heard anything like this before.

Tell us about the new EP. What can fans expect to hear? 

Welcome to My Mind is the final installment in a trilogy of EPs that I put out over the last year and a half. Each one marks a significant period of my life. It’s a very reflective project, looking back on specific memories and scenes from this past year, but also looking inward to figure out a bit more about myself in the process. I think what I’m most excited about is that you can distinctly see the growth from EP1 to EP3. I grew up a bit. My tastes changed. And I really tried to capture that.

Was this created during quarantine? How has this year impacted your music? 

This project was actually finished right before quarantine started. I was about to head on tour in March when it all began, so I had to refocus my energy into crafting the visual identity of the EP during that time. It ended up being a silver lining because I had the time to be extremely detail oriented and make sure that the themes of the music extended to the visuals. I especially had fun making the music video for Slow it Down with my friend Bellamy Brewster because we made sure to add subtle nods to themes in the song and several Easter eggs that reference moments in the trilogy. Otherwise, I’m back in the studio pretty much every day working on the next one !

How would you describe your personal style?

I love contrast and minimalism. I like to mix basics with statement pieces so that nothing is too loud, but still says something. I think it’s the same philosophy that I take to the studio and incorporate in my songs.

How does fashion inform or play a role in your work?

Fashion is the ultimate medium for visual expression. If you’re shooting photo or video, you are only capturing short moments. But everything in between those moments is expressed in what you wear. I like think that my sound influences my style. Trying to say just enough to be heard, but never too much. It’s a constant battle haha.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

I love Kerby Jean-Raymond and everything he has done at Pyer Moss. A true innovator. I also am a big fan of Simon Porte Jacquemus especially his runway shows. They always are incredibly creative and he does a great job of create a world that people can be a part of.

What’s one item or piece you couldn’t live without?

I’d have to say my Acne Studios plaid coat. It has kept me very warm during this New York winter.

Photographer: Bellamy Brewster
Stylist: Brandon Tan
Hairstylist: Keisuke Chikamoto
Lighting Technician: Alexey Glebko
Lighting Technician Assistant: Ryan Keenan