Jay Spicer “Lost”
“Lost” wins your heart over with its instant appeal, but the atmospheric captivation and evocation is what makes you stay. Ever-changing soundscape sets its tone in forward motion, while Jay Spicer’s cool, laid-back vocal is refreshing and unfitted. Piercing drums penetrates the dreamful guitarscape that swings between slightly dissonant moodiness and soothing sunshine. “Lost” tackles mental health issues that people of all ages could easily resonate. Though it is written from a place of struggle and unbalance, where the scale seems to be tilting heavily to one side every now and then, but the thriving energy speaks of a dedication about making choices to fight back against the stream.
Spicer’s tastefully crafted guitar progression captures the subtle yet complex shifts of mindset and mood. His guitar alone tells a rich story. But the collective sonic affirms a positive message that no matter how bad things are, one can choose to appreciate the moments in life and think positively. The track feels inspiring and encouraging. With introspective, honest lyrics that tackles socially aware issues, challenges and resolutions woven together through the soundscapes, “Lost” is easy to love. There’s a very youthful, unbendable strength that is at core in Spicer’s sonics that separate him from all other musicians. Hailing from Cornwall, England, the twenty-year-old guitarist/singer is here to make his own mark in the music scene.
Read our interview with Spicer where we talk about his journey as a guitarist and a songwriter.
Punk Head: I love the guitarscape in "Lost." How long have your been playing?
Jay Spicer: I started playing guitar when I was four years old, which was when instrumental lessons were first available in school. Sixteen years later I am now twenty and have never stopped playing, this is what has lead to me enjoying creating such full guitarscapes in my recordings.
PH: Who are some of your influences?
JS: My influences vary for different aspects of my music. With my guitar playing the main influence has been John Mayer as he is one of the people who can incorporate such interesting guitar playing into contemporary music. With my songwriting it is based around artists that I enjoy listening to, two of my favourite artists which I like to think of myself between are Sam Fender and Foo Fighters.
PH: Can you tell us a bit more about "Lost"?
JS: “Lost” was the result of having so many big events going on in my life that I was constantly thinking about the next one and never just savouring the moment that I was in. Instrumentally, I came up with the pre-chorus first when I was trying to slot some very odd chords together and then from there I knew I needed a nice main hook which was when I got the idea of the verse and chorus part. I then just sketched out the rest of the instrument ideas and had the basic bones of the song.
PH: How has studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts made an impact on your music career?
JS: It has had a very big impact on me as an artist as I am originally from a seaside town in Cornwall, the South of England, which is a beautiful area but has no music scene. So coming to Liverpool opened my eyes to what was available and meeting all of the people at university and be able to collaborate with them was amazing. Getting a band of my own together, finding sound technology students who always want to record my songs and even playing guitar for a few of my friends in their bands or in the studio has made it a very successful university experience.
PH: What is your creative vision as an artist?
JS: My creative vision is to be able to bring a new sound of acoustic/indie rock to the market which, combining with the influence from the sea and my home can be taken to a more commercial audience. This vision will be done as a performing and recording artist with my project.
