Diandra Interviews Spencer Ludwig: Le Trumpet Extraordinaire

I have had the absolute privilege to interview many independent artists, as well as those that are signed. My intrigue with independent artists comes from the basic strength it takes to be your own guide. At times, bosses hold our potential back, and make us subconsciously addicted to their chaining blame. Yet, Spencer Ludwig is astral in talent, which is why his journey of self-discovery is so exciting; it is like watching a universe discover it is boundless. With a once a month show at Freehold, he is using his live performance to inspire his recording path.

Diandra: As an independent artist, what have been the biggest lessons you have learned about finding your artistry and self as a creative?
Spencer: Live performance has always been the foundation of my creative process throughout my journey and I continue to learn more about myself and what I want to create after each performance. As I’ve grown as a performer so has my sound but the most growth in my artistry has come from needing to do things on my own as an independent artist. Being independent has forced me to take ownership over every facet of my career and my aesthetic, which in turn has helped me to become a better artist.

Diandra: What do you find about dance to be so freeing?
Spencer: Dance is the physical expression of emotion and the natural reaction to when music is played. The more you let your body move to the music the more you feel it.   

Diandra: As a multi-instrumentalist and, again, an immense creative, what is your process to making a song clear and powerful to you?
Spencer: Apart from the concept and the lyrics of the song being great the process of creating musical dynamics through the arrangement and the production are the most important details to me in order to capture the right emotion. The emotional dynamics of the trumpet is what initially drew me to the instrument and the trumpet is what helps me create the emotional dynamics in my songs.

Diandra: How do you feel social media demands have molded how we consume and create art?
Spencer: Social media can be very distracting and also feel very superficial but it’s extremely helpful for connecting with fans and other artists. I like it for that reason. It’s yet to influence the way I create but as an independent artist it’s the greatest tool I have to promote myself.

Diandra: As an artist that seeks to empower and expand in vision, what are other pieces of art you look to for inspiration such as books, sports, theatre, etc?
Spencer: I love reading fiction although, sometimes, it can be hard to find the time. I’m currently trying to get through the list of David Bowie’s one hundred favorite books. Right now, I’m also finding a lot of inspiration from other art forms in New York such as contortion, dance and drag, which are all things I have incorporated into the monthly party I curate in Brooklyn called “Le Trumpet”. I also love bio pics and biographies of successful creatives and entrepreneurs, in general, and I love listening to the podcasts “How I Built This” and “And The Writer Is”.

Diandra: If you could describe The Trumpet as a person, what are certain qualities you believe it would have?
Spencer: In my opinion I think that the trumpet is as emotionally dynamic as any human. It’s an extension of the voice. My trumpet is an extension of my voice. I think of us as one person together.

Diandra: If you could describe your music as a fashion brand, which one would it be and why?
Spencer: I identify most with Saint Laurent in general. It’s the perfect blend of edgy and chic. There’s an edge but there’s still a commercial sensibility, which is also how my music can be described.

Diandra: You are known as a great performer, what are the qualities you love about yourself as an entertainer?

Spencer: I’m not afraid to break the barrier between the artist and the audience. It’s my favorite thing to break down that wall and include the audience in the performance.

Diandra: You have said “family time” is integral to your peace. What is one family memory that has inspired a song or, at least, is tied to music?
Spencer: I attribute my optimism and my hopefully outlook on life to my family. I come from a very loving, positive and supportive family, which is where songs like “Best Life” come from. That said, every memory and every moment with them has inspired the positivity in my music.  

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