ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Spencer Elmer

UK rap artist Spencer Elmer shares insights into the unexpected success of "Calm Like Kim," his collaborations with respected artists like JAY1, and the importance of staying true to his energetic and honest style.

"Calm Like Kim" has been generating a lot of buzz and picking up heat on social media. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track and what you hope listeners take away from it? 

the track came out of nowhere & was made as a light hearted joke but everyone ended up rating it highly so we went with it! it’s a lot more upbeat and playful than any other release so it was defo fun to try something new.

You've been experiencing significant growth in your music career, including signing with LA-based record label 10K Projects. How has this transition impacted your artistic journey, and what can we expect from your forthcoming EP? 

It’s been so crazy it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening/ what’s happened. I’ve just been releasing since 2018 for fun & out of nowhere the past year people have shown alot of love so I’m super grateful for that & also the opportunities that have come with it! Partnering up with 10k has been eye opening and I’m thankful for them being part of our journey. The EP has a lot more context to my life & speaking on things I haven’t spoken on before so I’m excited to share what we’ve been working on.

Your music is known for its energetic drill sound, catchy flows, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. How would you describe your unique style and the elements that make your discography stand out?

As I said the last few tracks have been more upbeat and tongue-in-cheek but the music before was a lot more open & honest storytelling and insight. Because it all started for fun there’s such a variety of sounds and tracks so I’d like to say it’s good fun and insightful at the same time hahahaha

You've collaborated with respected artists like JAY1 and garnered millions of streams on your tracks. How do these collaborations and the support of your fans contribute to your growth as an artist? 

The supporters really are the base of everything i do, whether it’s understand the reaction to songs or helping picking releases, without the love I wouldn’t be able to have these amazing opportunities. Collaborating with big artist such as Jay 1 has been such a blessing, I take inspiration from every creative I’m around so to listen and learn from him was a crazy experience for me.

Your music often explores personal experiences and challenges, including the impact of social media on one's personal life. Why is it important for you to be transparent and sincere in your lyrics, and how do you hope your audience connects with your music on a deeper level?

It’s super important to be honest in music, especially transparent as the audience really do take in what’s being said regardless of the genre. I find the honesty in some tracks helps build a connection with my audience as we can relate to similar things. 

As an artist in the UK rap scene, what excites you the most about the current landscape of music and the opportunities available to up-and-coming artists like yourself?

it’s exciting times, I feel like uk rap music is becoming more respected & seen which makes for more room for people to come through and try their own thing. 

Can you walk us through your creative process when it comes to writing and recording music? How do you find inspiration and bring your ideas to life?

all my writing comes from everyday life whether it’s fun or something I’ve been through I find it a way of offloading. I find most inspiration from what I’m consuming from music to films.

With an impressive catalog of songs and collaborations, what have been some of the most memorable moments or highlights of your music career so far?

the shes a 10 but.. track was for sure a super exciting time alongside playing at poppy’s in LA. Both seemed surreal in the build up and crazy afterwards. I look forward to performing more in the future & it was defo an experience I will never forget hahahaha

What are your aspirations and goals for the future of your music? Are there any specific projects or milestones you're currently working towards?

This goal for now is to keep releasing consistently and also to enjoy the process of it all, learnings another big one as-well. Aslong as I’m making the music that makes me and the audience happy then I feel like it can’t go too wrong.

Your music has resonated with a growing fanbase. How do you navigate the relationship with your fans, and how important is their support in your journey as an artist?

I feel like social media’s been a great tool to feeling more connected and growing an audience. Don’t get me wrong there’s a lot of toxic communities online however when you find the right one it feels great to interact with the people who listen to your music. 

Are there any upcoming releases or projects you're excited to share with your fans? Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect from you in the near future?

lots of singles are planned are on route for sure, hopefully the project will be out in a few months also so from now till winter there should be lots to look out for!

As an artist, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to make their mark in the music industry?

Always remember why you started making music in the first place & never let it go! it’s super easy to be swayed into listen to opinions in this industry so remember to do you and keep it moving for that reason alone.

How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also evolving your sound and keeping up with the ever-changing trends in music?

it’s difficult and easier said than done but you’ve just got to stick to what you feel is best until you find the people that understand the vision and enjoy the same music. Trends are good for growing quickly but the best way to keep a loyal audience is to gradually grow 

Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with your fans and the readers about your music, upcoming plans, or any messages you'd like to convey?

Stay tuned for sure. I can’t wait to show people what’s been in the works recently, also live shows will be starting very soon which also gets me gassed but yeah apart from that thank you for always showing love! 

Where can listeners connect with you and stay updated on your latest releases and performances?

Instagram & TikTok are where I’m most active and interacting with everybody so @spencerelmer on there, also check out the music over on Spotify & Apple Music, love x