Spencer Albee

Infobox Person
name = Spencer Albee

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birth_date = May 31, 1976
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Spencer Aaron Albee (born May 31, 1976) is an American musician, producer, and front man of the Maine-based rock band As Fast As and keyboardist and singer for the band Rustic Overtones.

Early life

Albee was raised in the town of York, ME where he was influenced at an early age by his grandfather, a banjo player and music enthusiast. Early groups that influenced Albee included The Who, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. In particular, Beatles bass player Paul McCartney left an indelible mark on Albee's musical development.

Albee was first introduced to the piano by his parents, and without much formal training picked up the instrument mostly by ear. From there he dabbled in guitar (playing right-handed despite being a natural lefty), bass, tuba, recorder, harmonica, and accordion. He also developed his voice by singing in his school's chorus.

Professional development

At the age of 18, Albee dropped out of the University of Southern Maine to join the regionally popular Rustic Overtones as their keyboard player. His relationship with the band would last several years and give him the opportunity to rub elbows with the likes of David Bowie and Funkmaster Flex.

After Rustic Overtones broke up Albee formed a solo effort he dubbed "The Popsicko," under the pseudonym "Frankenstein." This was the first time his skills as a songwriter and front man were showcased. Due to a variety of circumstances the band Albee had assembled for the project only played a few gigs and broke up quietly just months after inception.

Albee's next endeavor was the much more successful Rocktopus which recorded two albums and toured extensively. Rocktopus's lineup was Spencer Albee, HACHE, Zach Jones, and Brian Higgins. After the band's second album, Something Fierce, Albee decided he needed a more serious image and changed the band's name to As Fast As, which it remains today. Brian Higgins left the band and was replaced by Andrew Hodgkins, no relation to the bass player, Pat Hodgkins (more popularly known as HACHE).

Starting in July 2007, Albee played with the reunited Rustic Overtones at concerts around New England following the independent release of Light At The End. Albee also continues to play shows with As Fast As, and work with Amos LeBlanc-Simpson.

On August 15th, 2008 the Portland Phoenix reported that Albee had parted ways with the Rustic Overtones telling the paper, "I need a change of pace, as well as clarity and perspective. Since 1995, I’ve been on tour and making records constantly, and now I find myself seeking respite." [ [http://thephoenix.com/Portland/Music/66405-Portland-scene-report-August-15-2008/ Portland scene report: August 15, 2008] ]

References