Spencer Brown submits a tightly crafted 60-minutes of vintage electronic music…
Rooted in vibrant San Francisco, Spencer Brown has emerged as a bright beacon within progressive house and techno. While studying at Duke University, Spencer’s musical talents caught the ears of artists like Avicii and Above & Beyond, catapulting him onto a trajectory that would see his albums, Illusion of Perfection (2018) and Stream of Consciousness (2020), soar to the apex of the progressive house charts.
In the year 2022, Spencer added his own label, diviine, alongside prestigious imprints like Bedrock, Anjunadeep, and Global Underground to his eclectic release portfolio. Spencer’s intuitive connection with the dance floor is evident through his kinetic, ever-evolving DJ sets, which infused with a resonant message of love and positivity.
On this Balance Selections mix, the American showcase his emotional versatility to guide listeners through a spectrum of moods and textures. Featuring tracks and collaborations from Henry Saiz, John Digweed, Max Graham and more, this is the work of master craftsman.
Tracklist
2. Metamatics – For Brother
3. Sobhan – Moments of Presence
4. Iorie – Learn to Fly
5. Greg Chin – Dashboard Angels (Kevin Di Serna Private Mix)
6. Spencer Brown – ID
7. Max Graham & Second Sine – Hypercube (The Wash & Raschhaus Mix)
8. Messenger – Somersault
9. Spencer Brown – ID
10. Spencer Brown – ID
11. Spencer Brown – Offsides
12. Spencer Brown – ID
13. No Socials – ID
14. Henry Saiz & Spencer Brown – ID
15. John Digweed & Nick Muir & Spencer Brown – ID
Name: Onofrio Spencer Jeffrey Bruno VI
Location: San Francisco, CA
Alias/Producer name: Spencer Brown
Labels affiliated with: diviine, Bedrock, Anjunadeep, Higher Ground, Sudbeat
I grew up drumming since I was 2. I loved such a wide range: reggae, jazz, funk, and metal. I was always drawn to a little more experimental stuff left of center.
My friend gave me a CDR with electronic music on it in about 2006. I think his older brother burned the CD for us. I was 12 years old at the time. None of the tracks had titles (only Track 01, Track 02, Track 03, etc).
I find out later on this mix was early deadmau5, Pryda, early dubstep, and some electro. I knew nothing about any of it, but coming from more freeform experimental music, I was blown away and had to find more.
I was about 13 or 14 living in Dallas at the time and would sneak into local raves. I was dead sober and was drawn to the music and all the wild characters. I’m thankful I got a little taste of dancefloors before camera phones.
My taste has shifted throughout the years, but my favorite DJ is John Digweed. I don’t need to gush, but his crowd control is otherworldly. You never know what to expect, but my mind is always blown.
I saw him play on my 30th birthday at Stereo Montreal and it completely changed my view on how to work a dancefloor. I feel tremendously grateful to now call him a close friend and collaborator.
My friend Meghan recently recommended an obscure EP called Fathoms by Herck. I think it’s from 2018. I love trippy minimal stuff, and this EP was mindblowing. Every listen unlocks new layers. I really should go through his discography.
A lot of times I am producing on a laptop and airpods while traveling. At home I have a more extensive setup, but often I like the simplicity of a laptop. I feel most inspired while traveling, so a lot of my best music is made on planes and in hotel rooms.
For DJing I use 4 CDJ-3000s and a V10 mixer. I love to play with looping, so 4 decks lets you carry grooves. And I like the color and feel of the V10.
I have a lighter Spring schedule to spend some time with family and write music, but the summer tour will be extensive and incredible. We can’t say too much yet, but keep your eyes peeled on my socials. For now we have announced the following select Spring gigs:
March 28 – Phoenix – Sunbar
March 30 – Miami – ARC at Sea (boatparty)
April 12 – Denver – Club Vinyl
I’ve got a single coming soon on Higher Ground called “Offsides.” I made it inspired after a party in NYC, imagining what I would play peaktime at Twilo if I were around the scene in 2000.
I sent the track to Carlita, then I had WhoMadeWho, Adam Ten, Dubfire and loads of others asking for it. It’s crazy to even see support from Carl Cox to Hernan Cattaneo and it’s not even out yet!
I sequenced the mix like a mini open-to-close. I love playing all night long at clubs, starting ambient and pushing and pulling through the night. I condensed this mindset via a combination of some of my own unreleased music and some stuff I’m loving at the moment.
I love this track from Joseph Ashworth called Boa (2024 Mix). A lot of people ask about it and I’ve been playing it for like a year!
Challenging question because I make music for various occasions, but one of my personal favorites is “San te Crüs” on Bedrock. It’s one of my darkest tracks, but I love the mood.
Guy J – Octavia is one of my favorite tracks of all time.
Sounds crazy but I don’t watch many movies. I enjoy documentaries, true crime, and various Youtube channels.
I like Trafficked by Mariana Van Zeller, and I’m a huge fan of Coffeehouse Crime on Youtube. I had no idea that Adrian from Coffeehouse Crime was also a fan of my music!
The dancefloor of Stereo Montreal during a Digweed set. Haha
