As a scorching hot summer sets in, we think it’s time to update your poolside playlists and honestly it would be a real shame if you didn’t make Spencer Ludwig’s new single, “Just Wanna Dance,” your first new addition.
Combining a trumpet-infused hook with a funky vibe which perfectly encapsulates the title, and not to mention an insanely catchy set of lyrics, this song is definitely a must-listen but it’s the man behind all the music who we are most interested in… And we managed to score an exclusive interview with him!
But before we get to that, we highly suggest you listen to, “Just Wanna Dance,” if you haven’t done so already. Spencer lays all of his cards on the table with the funk-filled hit, adding his love of songwriting to his passion for playing the trumpet to create a dancefloor ready masterpiece which we can’t seem to stop replaying.
You can check out the eye-popping official video for, “Just Wanna Dance,” right here:
You can also watch Spencer performing a special version of the song at the YouTube Space in New York recently, here:
Spencer definitely has a bright future ahead of him and we have a strange feeling you’re going to be hearing a lot more from him in the near future so with that in mind, check out our exclusive interview with him below where we talked about everything from his new single to his dream collaboration.
“Just Wanna Dance,” is such a catchy song, but can you tell us more about the meaning behind it?
The day I wrote this song I was feeling extremely overwhelmed by the pressures of social media. It’s especially intense as an artist who’s made to feel like every moment needs to be put on social media. I needed to write it out, but everything I write always finds a way to turn into a danceable catchy song because that’s where my musical instincts tend to lead me.
The song has a very funky vibe to it. Which musicians do you take your inspiration from?
For this song, I wanted to strip away the layers I had been hiding behind in my other productions and showcase my voice and lyrics through a more minimal production style that was very much inspired by the song, “Issues,” by Julia Michaels. For the song’s funkiness, I think that comes from my natural instinct to want to make people get into a groove while they’re listening to my music. The track has to make me groove first before I can start writing over it.
You co-wrote the new single with PJ Harding and Jon Hume, who are both incredible songwriters. What was it like working with them?
It was easy because they are both masters of their craft. They’re both extremely efficient and brilliant songwriters constantly flowing with great ideas, which is exactly what I look for in collaborators. Jon was focused on the production while PJ was working on the top line, and then I was able to weigh in on everything as it was evolving. Three is my preferred number of songwriters (including me) to write with. Having an odd number of writers in the room really helps those challenging moments during the process move along faster.
The song features a heavy trumpet hook and you once said, “I’m not a trumpeter who writes songs I’m an artist who plays the trumpet,” but are there any other instruments you can play?
The trumpet is an extension of my body. It’ll always find a place in my records, which is what makes a song a, “Spencer Ludwig,” song. However, I use the live shows as the place to really experiment and explore with the trumpet. I can also play a little bit of keys, guitar, bass and drums but when it comes to recording the final parts I bring in the pros.
If you could describe your musical style in only three words, what would they be?
Feel good pop.
You recently performed for an event at Coachella and at the 2018 NFL Draft. What was that like?
Coachella’s energy is unique and something that I crave once a year. Being around that energy always re-inspires me, which is why I am always looking for an opportunity to be around it. I grew up going to that festival every year since the first year it started until I started going as a performer back in 2014 when I performed with Capital Cities. This year I went to perform on stage with Magic Giant and also to DJ an event at one of the day time pool parties hosted by Movie Pass. I ended up also performing with Thomas Jack, which was a nice surprise Coachella moment for me. The NFL Draft was cool and I got some great BBQ in Dallas, but it’s hard to compare to Coachella…
You’ve also performed with Foster The People, The Chainsmokers, Betty Who and Jason Derulo to name a few. Have you learned anything from watching them live or have any of them given you any advice?
I’ve learned a lot by watching how these bands operate both on and off the stage. Working with them has been the best education I could ever ask for. Those were some of the most inspiring moments of my life and they have inspired me to work towards being in their position with a hit song to perform to a sea full of fans. The visions of performing with all of these bands are engrained in my memory and they are crystal clear. Those experiences are the reason I work as hard as I do.
You were previously in a band called Capital Cities. Can you tell us what the transition from a band member to a solo artist has been like?
It was kind of like starting back at square one, but every step forward has been, and still is, so much more rewarding because I’ve earned it myself.
“Just Wanna Dance,” is your first single as an independent artist. What does that feel like?
Going independent in January was like taking a giant leap of faith but it was something that I had to do in order to accelerate my career at the pace and in the direction I wanted it to go. In a way, it felt similar to the moment when I left Capital Cities. It felt like I was turning the page into a new and very important chapter and that it was a step I needed to take for myself… Doing anything on your own comes with feeling a bit nervous. It’s the fear of the unknown that scares me the most but that fear is what inspires my work ethic. Getting “Just Wanna Dance” out there and seeing the positive response to it has meant so much to me and it has given me the confidence that I needed to take control of my career. On top of everything, it’s been so rewarding and empowering to be able to choose what, how and when to release content. I learned so much from the experience of putting everything together for that release which I am now able to take with me into the release of my next single, “My Trumpet”.
Career-wise, where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
Headlining arenas worldwide.
If you could collaborate with any musician in the world, who would it be?
Pharrell.
And finally, do you have a message for your fans?
Thank you listening and sharing! If you post a cover or any type of video on instagram of you singing, dancing or jamming to any of my songs I’ll share it! Also, a limited amount of merchandise is now available on my website! Check it out! Lastly, I’ll be releasing singles every other month! Keep a look out!
And there you have it.
We just want to send a quick thank you to Spencer for taking the time to talk to us, and once again if you haven’t listened to, “Just Wanna Dance,” then make sure to do so. You can buy and stream it right here.
Did you enjoy our interview with Spencer Ludwig? What do you think of his new single Just Wanna Dance? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter at, @CelebMix.