Concert Recap: Spencer Sutherland
Words and Photos by Zuzu Khalil
After joining Big Time Rush as an opener on their comeback tour last summer, Spencer Sutherland returns to the stage as the main act this time. Shortly following the release of his debut album In His Mania, Sutherland kicked off The In His Mania Tour in the Bay Area mid-March and made his way to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he rocked the stage for a sold out crowd at Launchpad on Tuesday March 28th.
Rising indie-pop artist Cloe Wilder got the crowd started with a beautiful and heartfelt set. The crowd was in awe as Cloe performed a mix of vulnerable and upbeat originals. The crowd was treated with a second opening act, Dylan Conrique, who took the crowd on a rollercoaster of emotions as she performed her romantic pop tracks, including Birthday Cake, while simultaneously showcasing her delicate and uniquely raw vocals. Both Cloe and Dylan put on amazing sets for the crowd and only got the crowd more excited for the what was coming next.
Excitement circulated through the crowd as they chanted Spencer’s name moments before he came on stage. When the clock struck 9 o’clock, the lights went out as a robotic voice began chanting “In his mania! In his mania!” The strobe lights began to flicker on and off as Spencer’s band walked on stage and began to play an upbeat but dramatic introduction. The electrifying energy of the built-up anticipation buzzed throughout the venue as Spencer made his grand entrance.
As he strutted onto the stage, Spencer took a moment to soak in all the love from the crowd. He kicked off his set with Everybody and I have to say, that was the loudest I’ve ever heard a crowd sing the first song on a setlist at a live show. You would’ve thought the crowd couldn’t get any louder, but they proved themselves as their energy got higher and higher as Spencer made his way down the setlist.
Spencer was extremely interactive with the crowd and he did not fail to make his fans feel loved and seen. There was constant banter between Spencer and the crowd, as he constantly gave them the opportunity to shout out the lyrics all night and literally made the crowd a part of his show.
With his debut album being released for only 18 days, I was amazed as the crowd sang EVERY word to EVERY song. Although the entire show consisted of memorable moments, one really stuck out – while Spencer sang Sweater, the crowd was so loud that their voices sent a piercing echo throughout the venue, shocking the singer. Spencer then surprised the crowd with a chance to have their very own superstar moment as they covered Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles. Along with performing the latest songs off his debut album, he also sang older releases including Wonder and Tell Me, and his highly beloved but unreleased Chicken Little.
Spencer Sutherland did not fail to bring the immaculate energy, charisma, sass, passion, and comedic relief fans fell in love with when he opened for Big Time Rush. And how can I forget about his impeccable vocals? Yes, he did not fail to bring that sultry rock voice with him on The In His Mania Tour!
If you are ever looking to attend a show that will leave you a hundred and ten percent satisfied, Spencer Sutherland is the way to go. Spencer really knows how to put on a performance that will only leave you wanting more! Make sure to stream Spencer’s music here and catch him live in a city near you. He puts on a show that you surely won’t want to miss!