Spencer California's Enchanting Single, "Always, Rachel"

Spencer California, a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for storytelling through music, has released a hauntingly beautiful single, Always, Rachel. Based in London despite his distinctly Californian moniker, Spencer has built a unique niche in the English folk and fantasy music scene. His latest offering is a testament to both his profound artistry and his penchant for delving into deeply personal and evocative narratives.

A Pandemic Prodigy

Remarkably, Spencer only began his musical journey during the pandemic. Initially seeking solace in learning an instrument, his explorations quickly evolved into a full-fledged passion. Over the last three years, he has mastered a medley of instruments, from the violin and lute to the clarinet, performing regularly at festivals across England. From Sidmouth’s coastal celebration of folk to the storied stages of Shrewsbury, Spencer has charmed audiences with his deft instrumentation and warm, resonant voice.

Always, Rachel: A Love Letter to the Natural World

Always, Rachel is inspired by the life and letters of Rachel Carson, the renowned marine biologist and environmentalist, and her intimate, decade-long correspondence with Dorothy Freeman. Their exchanges, rich with love and a shared reverence for nature, became the heart of the song. Spencer describes their story as “incredibly touching and inspiring,” a natural fit for his upcoming EP, Whitewater Redwood.

In crafting the single, Spencer sought to capture the “delicate sensibilities, the wonder, the beauty” of Carson and Freeman’s relationship. To do so, he layered the timbres of four different violins, blending them with the textures of guitar, cello, and harp. The resulting arrangement is as intricate as it is ethereal, enveloping the listener in a sonic embrace that mirrors the emotional depth of its subject.

Vocally, Spencer adopted a subdued and tender style reminiscent of Deb Talen of The Weepies, a departure from his usual baritone strength. This decision lends the song a fragile beauty, perfectly suited to its theme of love and interconnectedness.

Musical Roots and Artistic Vision

Spencer’s influences are as eclectic as his instrumental repertoire. He cites artists like Andrew Bird, Fiona Apple, and Labi Siffre, alongside legendary vocalists such as Bill Withers and Stan Rogers, whose mastery of baritone inspired him to embrace his own voice. His motivations for recording music are deeply personal. “I want to keep a record of what I could do before arthritis took my fingers away,” he shares a sentiment that underscores the urgency and sincerity of his craft.

A Preview of Whitewater Redwood

Always, Rachel serves as a tantalising preview of Spencer California’s forthcoming EP, Whitewater Redwood. The EP promises a blend of storytelling and musical experimentation that has become his hallmark, drawing listeners into worlds both imagined and real.

With his singular ability to meld narrative and melody, Spencer California continues to carve a path as one of folk music’s most intriguing emerging artists. Always, Rachel is not just a song—it’s a love letter, a history lesson, and a testament to the enduring power of human connection.