Diandra Interviews Spencer Sutherland: Music As A Constant Love

I was incredibly impressed by Spencer Sutherland’s performance, and in our interview he was equally impressive. For some artists, it is their genuine love for music, not the perceived lifestyle or industry, that moves them. For Spencer, music has been his constant love, and, in turn, taught him about the magic of love throughout his life.

Diandra:  What about the second grade or, at least, what moment made you, then a 7-year-old, say, “I want to be a singer forever?”

Spencer Sutherland: I can’t really explain it, other than just a real love for it. It’s been the ONLY constant thing in my life that I’ve felt like I’ve loved to do. 

Diandra: Growing up with this set ambition, how do you feel music defined what is confidence and determination within you?

Spencer: I think that because I’ve loved it so much, I just knew deep down it’s what I was going to do forever. Since I knew that, I guess I just started believing in myself from day one. Nothing would/will ever stop me.

Spencer Sutherland – It May Sound Strange (Official Video)

Diandra: Do you see music as a guide and counsel in your life?

Spencer: Yeah, definitely. I think that it’s my way of saying stuff that I can’t say anywhere else. I try my hardest to be free and just say real shit with my lyrics; it’s sort of therapeutic that way.

Diandra: You said that, at first, you wrote tractional pop songs, but decided to start writing songs that were more real. What do you define as “real” to you when making music?

Spencer: I think whatever is your honest truth is real. If I’m writing music about how I’m going through heartbreak, that’s just not true, so it’s not real. I want to be honest and authentic with my story and mind. That’s real to me.

Diandra: In taking time off and writing 100 songs, what are the qualities you have seen within yourself as a person / artist through these songs?

Spencer: I just learned how to properly write. I was able to get SO MUCH out of me. Good, bad and the ugly, and that’s how you stretch and grow as an artist for sure. 

Spencer Sutherland Tell Me (Official Video)

Diandra: You have said years of grinding taught you gratitude. How do you see gratefulness as a fuel to both happiness and your stamina through the music business?

Spencer: Just going through tough times in my personal life, but also my career made me so grateful. You just can’t see the light without the dark. If everything was incredible all the time, then you wouldn’t feel anything. Because of all the grinding, I doubt I’ll ever become complacent in the industry.

Diandra: How do you see acting as a tool for performing live? Do you think, entering the concert stage, is like picking up a character?

Spencer: I don’t think they’re exactly the same thing. I think they DO go together though. I think that learning lines is like learning lyrics for sure. 

Diandra: In choosing not to go to college, and doing the “mid-west thing,” as you called it, of getting married and having kids, how do you think your choosing of a different path elevated the significance of individuality? 

Spencer: I truly did what I wanted to do. And that’s different for EVERYBODY. My mom wanted to be a mom so bad, she wanted to get married and have her kids, and she’s the best mom ever. Everyone has different wants and needs, and nothing is more important or cooler than the other. I feel super individualized, and I feel like that because I went after my love for music.

Spencer Sutherland – Sweater (Official Video)

Diandra: In “NONE of this has been about you,” you aim for the humor and nuance in heartbreak and falling in love. What have been the greatest lessons you have learned, so far, about love and relationships?

Spencer: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is just do what you like. Be with whoever you want, if you’re having fun and they make you happy. Don’t take relationships or life too seriously. Be in love and just laugh ALL the time. 

Diandra: What has writing a love song taught you about who you are as a partner in a relationship?

Spencer: I just think being in love is lucky. Not a lot of people get to feel that. I love love, and I love feeling it so that I can write. Writing about it makes me realize how cool it is on another level.

Spencer Sutherland – Freaking Out (Official Video)

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