In a world where traditional country music has long been usurped within the masses by factory-made country pop, singer-songwriter Martha Spencer’s authentic, vintage stylings are a breath of fresh air.
Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Spencer has long had Appalachian folk and country music in her blood. And her latest single, “Sometimes,” is a nod to her mother’s consistent advice of “onwards and upwards.”
In anticipation of her forthcoming album, Spencer has also graced us with a dreamy video that captures the essence of traditional country music while maintaining an ethereal vibe. Roots country at its finest, the songstress’s vocals transports listeners to the country music of old. Her sweet and clear voice, acoustic guitar, and cowgirl hat are all she needs to deliver a no-frills standout track.
“Sometimes you just got to roam / Sometimes you just need to come home,” she croons in the chorus of this whimsical track, delivering a message of giving yourself grace in a demanding, fast-paced world.
Raised in a family of musicians, the songwriter learned a myriad of instruments as well as flatfoot/clog dance at a young age. She can play banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, and dulcimer. Along with her own solo projects, Spencer has an impressive list of projects with duos, groups, and even several music and dance collectives.
Her debut solo album released in 2018, and her most recent album, Field Recordings from Grassy Creek, dropped in June 2023. Since then, the multitalented artist has been hard at work, churning out tracks for her new album, Out In La La Land. This album is set for release May 17th via Music Maker Foundation. It was recorded in Nashville at Mark Thornton’s Sidekick Sounds Studio.
Fans can find Spencer at a number of locations across the United States from now until September. She’s also slated to perform at the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival in Ireland this June. Tour dates are listed on her website.
Featured photo by Atomic City Photography
