“GLASGOW IS ALWAYS AMAZING” ALEX SPENCER ON TOURING, TRNSMT AND THRIVING IN 2025

INTERVIEW | ALEX SPENCER | TRNSMT 2025 by Anne Kelly

A standout moment at TRNSMT 2025 was the highly anticipated performance by Alex Spencer, the talented up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Manchester. Making his TRNSMT debut over on the newly established BBC Introducing Stage, Spencer drew an impressive crowd early on Saturday afternoon. His appearance attracted not only my own attention, but all four members of the Northern Exposure crew on site that day, who all came full of interest and intrigue of the young Mancunian busker we’ve had our eye on for years.

From his busking days to opening for The Black Keys at Castlefield Bowl earlier this same week, we caught up with Alex following his accomplished TRNSMT set.

“Yeah, that was my first ever TRNSMT and it was amazing. I didn’t expect that many people to be there.” beams Alex. “It’s so cool because when people see that there’s people already there, then even more come along. And it was under the shade as well” he laughs, referencing the unusually scorching Scottish weather today.

Not only a scorcher, today also marked the end of an exhaustive run for Alex who had the incredible opportunity to join the one and only The Black Keys on their UK tour run, featuring some bucket list venues for the young artist.

“We played some dream venues like Leeds Millennium Square infront of 5000 people. Then we had Castlefield Bowl in Manchester – which was a dream venue of mine – 8000 people! And then last night we played in London, at the Ally Pally Park, and then we came straight from London to play this show today. I’m so tired, I feel like I’m gonna pass out, but we’re here at TRNSMT and it’s been such a nice way to end off the run of shows.”

Busking from the tender age of just 12, Alex has had to learn to navigate the music industry from a very young age. Speaking about his experience so far, he reflects very positively.

“Even though I’ve been busking since like 12 years old, it’s probably just like two years in the industry officially. But if you think about it, it’s like six/seven years of building it. Everybody used to say ‘wait til your 18 and that’s when things will start to happen. But I feel lucky, that I still felt like everyone took me seriously from the busking days” reflects Alex, before motioning to the gentleman across from us. “I’ve also got my Dad, who’s always there for me. He’s been like, managing me since I was young. Keeping me right and looking after me.”

Despite only releasing music officially 2 years ago, Alex Spencer has managed to pack in three, highly acclaimed EP’s and has even made it on to the soundtrack official EA Sports game FC25 alongside artists like Billie Eilish, Charli XCX and Fontaines D.C. His latest EP Where Do We Go From Here was released just a few weeks ago.

“It’s like an indie guitar, pop record with big catchy choruses and lots of youthful energy, even incorporating some dance elements too” explains Spencer. “I’m inspired by likes of Sam Fender, the Arctic Monkeys, Catfish and the Bottlemen and that type of stuff.”

On the question of when we can expect the inevitable debut album, Alex teases “It will come, it will come. That’s all I’m saying” he laughs.

After a busy summer, Alex Spencer now looks forward to getting back on the road, next supporting indie freshers Corella across the UK, which includes a return to Glasgow on October 1st. The show will mark the third appearance this year for the singer who also recently completed his first ever headline tour, another massive accomplishment for any rising star.

“We went on our first headline tour in April and it was surreal” he beams with pride. “We had people turning up every night singing our songs. We were playing places like Bristol and I was expecting nobody to come, so to get a full room, it was just like, WOW!

Each each gig I learnt something different, and today was no different, no show goes perfect, which is a good thing. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad show, it could still be the best show, but you learn from it.

Glasgow’s always amazing, like I played King Tuts and now TRNSMT. London crowds are cool too. But the North is great – Manchester, my hometown – you just can’t beat it.”

To round off a lovely chat, we ended with another Winner Stays On Challenge – TRNSMT headliner edition, which again, called for some tough decisions.

Anne: Starting with tonight’s headliners Biffy Clyro, who also happened to headline the first year of TRNSMT, Are you picking Biffy Clyro or Kasabian?

Alex: Kasabian

Anne: Kasabian or Arctic Monkeys?

Alex: Ooh, which Arctic Monkeys? Is it the new ones or the old ones?

Anne: Let’s say classic Arctic Monkeys then.

Alex: Okay, Arctic Monkeys then.

Anne: Arctic Monkeys or Sam Fender

Alex: Oooh…ahh…Sam Fender. Sam Fender’s the one what wins for me.

Anne: Sam Fender or Lewis Capaldi?

Alex: As much as I love Lewis, he’s amazing, but Sam Fender is a big inspiration

Anne: Sam Fender or The 1975?

Alex: Ooh The 1975…no not The 1975. I saw them at Glastonbury the other week actually. I’d never really listened to them, they were cool, but Sam Fender.

Anne: Finally, Sam Fender or Paolo Nutini?

Alex: Sam Fender. Sam Fender is the GOAT for me.

So the winner is…Sam Fender!

Alex Spencer‘s latest EP Where Do We Go From Here is OUT NOW and you can next catch Alex support Corella across the UK this September/October – TICKETS HERE.