To celebrate the anticipated 2017 release of his new album, funk pop trumpeter Spencer Ludwig is set to take the stage at The Top of The Standard. He'll be fresh off his debut television performance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and the trumpeter, singer, producer, and dancer promises you'll have the time of your life.
Our music maven, Annie O, talked with Ludwig about the past, present, and future of his very promising career. Get to know him before you're one of the first to experience his debut album live.
Our music maven, Annie O, talked with Ludwig about the past, present, and future of his very promising career. Get to know him before you're one of the first to experience his debut album live.
Standard Sounds Presents: Spencer Ludwig
Monday, October 24, 8-10pm
The Top of The Standard
The Standard, High Line
Free with an RSVP to sounds@standardhotels.com
ANNIE O: Tell us how you got started in music?
SPENCER LUDWIG: I became infatuated with the saxophone the first time I saw it played during an instrument demonstration at my elementary school. I started playing the saxophone in the 4th grade, and then from there messed around with a myriad of other instruments. I took every music class my high school offered and joined every ensemble from Orchestra to Jazz Band to Chamber Singers. My high school schedule was packed with music. I went to a very cool school called Oakwood School in North Hollywood, CA. The vibe at the time was to be in a band, so I spent a lot of time jamming in a lot of garages with a lot of different bands of friends. Most of those kids are in the professional scene today. It’s a beautiful thing to see so many friends out there.
You are a trumpeter, singer, producer, and dancer. How did it all come about?
I give credit to my school and to creative Los Angeles community. I was always surrounded by innovative creatives who encouraged me to perform and take chances. I also have to give credit to my inspirations like Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Prince, Pharrell, James Brown, Gene Kelly…the list is long. I try to bring out the things that I love most about my musical inspiration in my performance, which is how I ended up as a singer, producer, dancer, and trumpeter, I guess?
Your overall style is quite engaging. How did it develop?
I come from a fashionable family. My mom was a model and my dad ran a chic European boutique for the better half of his life. They got me started on the right foot since day one. Today I am very inspired by French fashion, and I’ve also fallen in love with the Bohemian street style that I see in Brooklyn, which is where I live now. I’m all about high-quality staple pieces and chic accessories to accent the simplicity of the staples. I also love a custom hat. Strong pieces help define a visual brand, which is very important to me as an artist.
How do you describe your sound?
Funky pop with a lot of trumpet.
Your first TV appearance will be on Late Night with Seth Meyers on October 24th. What about that are you most anticipating?
I have three and half minutes to show the world what I’m made of. I love that challenge. I’m going to leave it all on the stage.
Who are your musical influences?
Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Prince, Pharrell, James Brown, Phoenix, Chic, Bee Gees, Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Rodney Jerkins…
What songs and artists are you listening to currently?
I have a playlist on Spotify called “Funky Fall Feels ’16" that highlights my favorite releases of 2016, which I update regularly. Some of the artists featured on this playlist include Cherub, Lukas Graham, The Knocks, Ex Reyes, and Joey Dosik.
Anything planned for your show at The Top Of The Standard on October 24th that you can share? We are looking forward to seeing you!
I am looking forward to seeing you, too! I think the energy of the band will be higher than ever before after coming fresh off of our television debut with Seth Meyers earlier that day. We’ll be playing the majority of the music off of my album, which is set to come out in the first quarter of 2017. Our job is to make sure that you have the time of your life. The band is fire and made up of longtime friends of mine. We have a blast playing together and we are going to turn all the way up for you. We’re going to get you dancing and singing for sure. I might climb something. Whatever needs to happen to get The Top of The Standard lit will go down. BET!
