Spotlight On: Callum Spencer

Sam Fender’s electric ‘People Watching’, filled with grit and urban lyrics, has left fans hungry for more of the same explosive indie beat. Callum Spencer – equally as Northern and filled with verve – provides the perfect springboard to continue the indie rock playlist.

Hailing from North Yorkshire, Spencer is currently based in Manchester, creating music with heartfelt lyrics that fit within Manchester’s bustling cityscape. Combined with his youth, the punchy lyrics of 2024’s ‘Casanova’ (“And we don’t talk much about it / But you kiss me like I’m Casanova / Over / Over”) and ‘When You Want It’ have a roll-down-the-car-windows and sing feeling, whilst still finding the cutting meaning which Fender’s ‘People Watching’ did so well. The lyricism takes focal point on some of Spencer’s slower ballads such as ‘Bella’ and ‘Circling the Sun’ which speak of growing up and growing apart. The lyrics aren’t difficult or overly metaphorical, but it is this simplicity that renders them with a sense of relatability, trying to figure out what growing up is about. ‘Bella’ showcases this fantastically, crying out with the angst of youth – “Head’s aching / But we’ve been through this before” – over a gentle guitar.  

We could easily place this cheeky yet earnest singer belting ‘Casanova’ on a Y Not Festival stage or at the more local Neighbourhood Weekender

Spencer’s discography does remain relatively small, with 2021’s Getaway, comprising ‘Bella’, ‘Getaway’, ‘Pieces’ and ‘Circling the Sun’, being his only current E.P.. However, 2025 is looking promising for the musician with his latest single ‘When You Want It’ leaning into that beating indie sound. The track offers an Inhaler type beat, pumping out a repetitive chorus – “Call me when you want it” – which is harmonized with a strumming guitar. It’s reminiscent of Harry Styles’ ‘Kiwi’: indie, raw and fun – pure lad from Manchester energy.   

On February 22, 2025, Spencer played a headline show at Manchester’s ‘Soup’ – a small, smoky venue under a bar. From the front of the crowd, Spencer was an immersive performer from the start, jumping around the tiny stage. We could easily place this cheeky yet earnest singer belting ‘Casanova’ on a Y Not Festival stage or at the more local Neighbourhood Weekender. The depth and stylistic elements of Spencer came through suddenly about halfway through the gig, with the artist suddenly stopping and stepping into the crowd. Joined by the LC Pop Choir, they delivered an astounding and raw rendition of a new choral piece. The audience was silent, watching magic being crafted in the poky basement of Soup.     

Spencer emulates the sounds of youth with his catalogue full of bang on lyrics with a backdrop of indie rock feel    

2025 is shaping up to be an impactful year for Callum Spencer. With a string of strong songs being pumped out, new songs being performed at the February gig and a refinement of his sound and style, we can hope for bigger things for Spencer. His music is best listened to with a pint of cheap beer on a sticky table or in the car squashed up with your friends. Spencer emulates the sounds of youth with his catalogue full of bang on lyrics with a backdrop of indie rock feel.