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Spencer Sutherland
View on WikipediaSpencer Sutherland is an American indie pop singer, songwriter, and actor from Pickerington adjacent to Columbus, Ohio.
Key Information
Background
[edit]In June 2017, Sutherland was picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month and appeared on NBC's Today show with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford performing his hit "Selfish" live on the program.[1] It was his national television debut.[1]
His single "Selfish", released in February 2017 had over 4 million streams on Apple Music. Sutherland also co-wrote songs on Timeflies' new EP. In April 2018, he received his first major movie song placement in Honey: Rise Up and Dance with the song "Work You Out".[citation needed] Sutherland was a contestant on the UK version of The X Factor in 2017 and made it through to the Live Shows and was mentored by Louis Walsh in the Boys category.[2] He sang Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" in his initial audition, and James Arthur's "Say You Won't Let Go" in the group performance.[3] After performing "Who You Are" in the first live show, he was sent home.
In 2018, Sutherland released three singles: "Talk", "Tell Me" and "Fine". On September 9 of the same year, Sutherland joined alongside JAGMAC to open for the boy band In Real Life on their Tonight Belongs to You Tour across the United States.[4] In October 2018, he signed with BMG US.[5] He had his first major tour spanning from September to November 2018. Sutherland announced his first headlining tour, the Freaking Out Tour, on June 11, 2019. The tour was from August 7, 2019, to August 28, 2019, with Justice Carradine as an opening act.[citation needed]
In 2019, Sutherland released three singles: "Sweater", "None of This Has Been About You", and "Freaking Out".[6] He released his debut EP, None of This Has Been About You, on March 15, 2019.[7] In December 2020, he released his sophomore EP, Indigo, with major playlist positioning for single "Wonder".
Acting work
[edit]In 2021, Sutherland made the move to acting and had a part in the Netflix movie Afterlife of the Party starring Victoria Justice, with whom he dueted for the song "Home."[8] It was used for the closing credits of the movie. Midori Francis also was in the movie. Along with "Home", he had three other song placements. In October 2021, he was a guest star on the Amazon series I Know What You Did Last Summer. From November 9–24, he was on the What a Shame Tour.
During 2022, Sutherland was the opening act for Big Time Rush during their Forever Tour. In July 2022, the single "Everybody" was released. He announced his debut album In His Mania via social media on February 10, 2023. It was released on March 10 and was followed by the In His Mania US tour.[6] During the tour, artists Dylan Conrique, Jordy, Cloe Wilder, and Michael Minelli were the opening acts. Conrique and Wilder primarily supported Sutherland in the first half of his tour while Jordy and Minelli were openers for the second half.[9][10][11] On May 2, 2024, after teasing it for a while, Sutherland released the song "Alive", which was the lead single of his second album. He released "Let Me Loose" a month later. On August 5, he announced a second album, a modern rock opera titled, The Drama, which was released on October 4. He released "Drama" on the same day the album was announced.[12][13][14][15]
Sutherland has largely kept his personal life private. However, on March 27, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, Sutherland was joined on stage by his brother Thomas who played the banjo.
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]- 2013: "Everything Has Changed" (by Stefanie Scott featuring Spencer Sutherland)
- 2013: "Heartstrings"
- 2015: "Bad Influence"
- 2016: "Girls"
- 2017: "Selfish"
- 2018: "Talk"
- 2018: "Tell Me"
- 2018: "Fine"
- 2019: "Sweater"
- 2019: "None of This Has Been About You"
- 2019: "Freaking Out"
- 2019: "Grateful"
- 2020: "Help"
- 2020: "Too many friends"
- 2020: "Wonder"
- 2020: "Indigo"
- 2021: "Shame"
- 2021: "Paranoia"
- 2021: "Lemons"
- 2022: "Everybody"
- 2022: "Flower"
- 2022: "Out Of Love"
- 2023: "Chicken Little" (featuring Meghan Trainor)
- 2024: "Alive"
- 2024: "Let Me Loose"
- 2024: "Drama"
- 2024: "Hater"
EPs
[edit]- 2019: None of This Has Been About You
- 2020: Indigo
- 2021: Afterlife of the Party (Music from the Netflix Film)
Albums
[edit]- 2023: In His Mania
- 2024: The Drama
Tours
[edit]The In His Mania Tour
[edit]| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19 March 2023 | San Francisco | The Chapel |
| 21 March 2023 | Santa Ana, California | Constellation Room |
| 23 March 2023 | San Diego | Voodoo Room HOB |
| 24 March 2023 | Phoenix | Crescent Ballroom |
| 30 March 2023 | Austin | Antone's Nightclub |
| 1 April 2023 | Houston | Bronze Peacock HOB |
| 2 April 2023 | Dallas | Cambridge Room HOB |
| 4 April 2023 | St. Louis | Delmar Hall |
| 5 April 2023 | Kansas City | Madrid Theatre |
| 7 April 2023 | Saint Paul | Amsterdam Bar & Hall |
| 8 April 2023 | Chicago | House of Blues |
| 10 April 2023 | Indianapolis | Old National Centre |
| 11 April 2023 | Detroit | Shelter |
| 12 April 2023 | Columbus, Ohio | The Bluestone |
| 14 April 2023 | New York City | Irving Plaza |
| 15 April 2023 | Boston | Brighton Music Hall |
| 17 April 2023 | Washington D.C. | Union Stage |
| 18 April 2023 | Philadelphia | The Fillmore Philadelphia |
| 20 April 2023 | Nashville | Basement East |
| 21 April 2023 | Atlanta | The Masquerade |
| 24 April 2023 | Denver | Marquis Theater |
| 25 April 2023 | Salt Lake City | The Complex |
| 27 April 2023 | Los Angeles | The Belasco |
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Still the King | Young Vernon | 1 episode |
| 2020 | RomComPods | Lincoln Davis | 7 episodes - podcast series |
| 2021 | I Know What You Did Last Summer | Dale | 4 episodes |
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Afterlife of the Party | Koop | Film debut |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Meet Spencer Sutherland, Elvis Duran's latest Artist of the Month". Today. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ Taylor, Frances (28 October 2017). "The X Factor has already voted off its first act". Radio Times. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
- ^ "Who is Spencer Sutherland? The X Factor 2017 singer looking for a spot with Louis Walsh's Boys". Radio Times.
- ^ "Spencer Sutherland on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
- ^ "Spencer Sutherland on Instagram: "Today, my biggest dream in my life came true. I signed a major label recording contract with @bmg_us , while surrounded by the people I…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
- ^ a b "Spencer Sutherland on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
- ^ Sutherland, Spencer (2019-02-25). "I've been waiting to announce this. My debut EP None of This Has Been About You is coming 3/15! Pre-save it now!". @Spencermusic1. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
- ^ Home, 2 September 2021, retrieved 2021-09-15
- ^ "Sound check: Fruit Bats homecoming, Jordy, Pete Jive and two nights of the blues". Daily Herald. 2023-04-05. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
- ^ "In His Mania Tour 2023". Concert Archives.
- ^ "Jordy on Instagram: "well here we go!!!! excited to get on the road with @spencermusic this april 🥲 i guess i'll have to show y'all some songs off the album…get ur tix before they're gone 💞"". Instagram. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
- ^ "Spencer Sutherland announces new modern rock album 'The Drama' » // MELODIC Magazine". www.melodicmag.com. 2024-08-06. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ Sharpe, Josh. "Spencer Sutherland is 'Alive' on Anthemic New Single". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ "Spencer Sutherland Releases 3-Act Modern Rock Opera 'The Drama' » // Broadway World". www.broadwayworld.com. 2024-08-06. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
External links
[edit]Spencer Sutherland
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Family and childhood
Spencer Sutherland was born on August 31, 1992, in Pickerington, Ohio, a small town adjacent to Columbus.[6] He was raised in a musical household where his parents frequently played classic pop and old R&B records, exposing him to artists such as Elvis Presley and Marvin Gaye from an early age.[7] This environment fostered his initial passion for music, as he has recalled being inspired by Elvis's style and attempting to emulate the performer in his youth.[8] Growing up in this Midwestern setting, Sutherland engaged in childhood activities that highlighted his emerging interest in performance, including staging variety shows with his siblings and recording homemade music sessions.[7] These local, family-driven events in Pickerington sparked his early enthusiasm for entertaining, laying the groundwork for his later pursuits in music.[7]Education and musical influences
Sutherland attended local schools in Pickerington, Ohio, where he developed an early interest in music through participation in school activities. During his time at Pickerington High School North, he was actively involved in the choir, plays, musicals, and show choir, with the school's theater program gaining national recognition for its quality.[9][10][7][11] His musical influences were shaped by a diverse range of genres, including pop, R&B, soul, rock, and alternative, introduced through his family's record collection featuring artists like Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, Green Day, and Nirvana.[12] As a self-taught musician, Sutherland learned to play guitar and piano starting around age 18, practicing daily for hours to build his skills acoustically before incorporating them into performances.[7][13] Key inspirations included Elvis Presley, whom he considers his biggest influence for stage presence, along with Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Bruno Mars, whose pop and R&B styles guided his songwriting and vocal approach.[14][15] During his teenage years, Sutherland transitioned into an aspiring performer by participating in local performances at restaurants and venues in Pickerington, Gahanna, and Columbus, often self-booking gigs as a high school junior to gain experience and confidence.[12] He began covering classic artists like those from his family's influences and posting acoustic versions on YouTube shortly after graduating, honing his indie pop and R&B sound through these early efforts.[16][14]Music career
2013–2018: Independent releases and The X Factor
Spencer Sutherland began his music career with independent releases in 2013, starting with the single "Heartstrings," a self-penned track that showcased his pop sensibilities and vocal range.[17][18] That same year, he collaborated with actress and singer Stefanie Scott on a cover of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran's "Everything Has Changed," which gained modest online traction and highlighted his early affinity for acoustic interpretations.[19] By 2015, Sutherland released the single "Bad Influence" and the acoustic EP Unveiled, further establishing his independent presence through platforms like YouTube and social media, where he shared covers of artists such as Eminem and Beyoncé to build a grassroots following.[18][20] In early 2017, Sutherland independently released his breakout single "Selfish," which quickly amassed over 4 million streams on Apple Music and marked a shift toward more personal, R&B-infused pop songwriting about emotional vulnerability.[21][20] An acoustic version followed in June, amplifying its reach. This period was challenging, as Sutherland, then based in Ohio, hustled to grow his audience through local performances in restaurants and venues around Pickerington and Columbus, often earning modest fees like $20 per gig while handling his own booking and promotion.[7][12] Social media became crucial, with covers and originals drawing fans who connected to his relatable lyrics and theatrical style honed from school musicals and show choir.[2] In July 2017, as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month, he made his national television debut on NBC's Today show, performing "Selfish" live alongside his parents from Columbus, Ohio, which broadened his U.S. visibility.[22][23] Seeking greater exposure, Sutherland auditioned for the fourteenth series of The X Factor UK in 2017, performing an original arrangement that earned four yeses from judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger, and Louis Walsh.[24] Placed in the Boys category under mentor Louis Walsh, he advanced through bootcamp and the Six Chair Challenge, surviving a tense sing-off to secure a live show spot despite nearly being cut.[25] However, in the first live show on October 28, 2017, his rendition of Jessie J's "Who You Are" landed him in the bottom two against Leon Mallett; the public vote eliminated Sutherland, making him the first contestant voted off and placing him 16th overall.[26][27] Despite the early exit, the experience generated post-show buzz, with Sutherland reflecting on how it helped him embrace his insecurities on stage, leading to increased social media engagement and interest from labels.[28][29]2019–2022: BMG signing and EPs
In October 2018, Sutherland signed a recording deal with BMG US, which facilitated professional management and broader promotional opportunities for his music.[30] This partnership built on the visibility gained from his prior television appearances, enabling more structured career development. Sutherland's debut EP under the label, None of This Has Been About You, was released on March 15, 2019.[31] The five-track project featured songs such as "Sweater," "Freaking Out," and the title track "NONE of this has been about you," blending indie pop with R&B elements.[32] Critics praised its emotive songwriting and polished production, noting the EP's exploration of heartbreak and self-reflection.[12] The following year, on December 11, 2020, Sutherland issued his second EP, Indigo, continuing his indie pop style with introspective themes of personal growth and relational dynamics.[33] Highlights included "Wonder," "Bored," and "Indigo," which showcased vulnerable lyrics paired with upbeat melodies.[34] The release earned acclaim for its catchy rhythms and emotional depth, marking a maturation in his artistry.[35] In 2021, Sutherland released Afterlife of the Party (Music from the Netflix Film) on September 2, an EP tied to the Netflix comedy of the same name, where he also starred.[36] Tracks like "Blush," "Drive," and "Home" emphasized themes of redemption and connection, aligning with the film's afterlife narrative while maintaining his signature indie pop sound.[37] Key promotional singles from these EPs, including "Sweater" and "Wonder," drove increased engagement, with the latter amassing over 5 million streams on Spotify by 2022.[38] This period saw Sutherland's streaming audience expand significantly, reflecting the impact of BMG's support on his digital footprint.[39]2023–present: Full-length albums and collaborations
In 2023, Sutherland released his debut studio album, In His Mania, on March 10, marking a significant evolution from his earlier EPs toward a fuller exploration of indie pop infused with R&B elements. The album delves into themes of emotional intensity, personal mania, and raw passion, drawing from Sutherland's experiences with love and self-discovery, as evident in tracks like the title opener that sets a manic, energetic tone. While it did not achieve major commercial chart success, the record garnered positive reception for its vibrant production and Sutherland's dynamic vocals, leading to a deluxe edition on October 19 that included additional remixes and collaborations.[40][41][42] Sutherland's sophomore effort, The Drama, arrived on October 4, 2024, as a 14-track modern rock opera structured in three acts that narrate a journey of self-discovery, ambition, and dream-chasing through theatrical storytelling and glam-infused soundscapes. Key singles included "Alive," released on May 1, 2024, an anthemic track celebrating resilience with soaring choruses and a music video directed by Sutherland himself, followed by additional promotional releases such as "Let Me Loose," the EP Hater (including the title track released August 23), and the EP Modern Heartbreak (September 2024), and the title track "Drama," which dropped on August 5 alongside the album announcement to build hype.[43][44][45] Promotional efforts featured intimate live sessions, such as a performance of "Drama" for The Orchard, and the launch of The Drama World Tour in early 2025, emphasizing Sutherland's maturing blend of indie pop, R&B, and rock opera aesthetics.[46][47] Notable collaborations during this period highlighted Sutherland's growing network, including the July 14, 2023, single "Chicken Little" with Meghan Trainor, a playful R&B duet about defying doubters that was later featured on the In His Mania deluxe edition and praised for its catchy synergy. In March 2025, during a stop on The Drama World Tour in Columbus, Ohio, Sutherland shared the stage with his brother Thomas Sutherland, who contributed banjo to select performances, adding a familial touch to the show. These partnerships underscored his versatility in blending personal connections with professional outputs. As of late 2025, Sutherland continues to refine his indie pop and R&B style, engaging fans through active social media presence on platforms like Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes tour insights and teases new material. A deluxe version of The Drama, titled The Drama Deluxe (The Encore!), is slated for release on May 23, 2025, signaling ongoing momentum, alongside announcements for an acoustic tour featuring reimagined songs and personal stories.[48][4][49]Discography
Studio albums
Sutherland's debut studio album, In His Mania, was released on March 10, 2023, through SM1 LLC. The album consists of eight tracks, including lead single "Everybody," and explores themes of emotional turmoil and self-reflection through a blend of pop rock and soul influences. Production was handled primarily by Sutherland himself, with contributions from collaborators on select tracks, resulting in a raw, introspective sound that marked his transition from EPs to full-length work. Commercially, the album garnered positive fan reception and supported a sold-out North American headlining tour in spring 2023, highlighting Sutherland's growing live performance draw. A deluxe edition, In His Mania (Deluxe), followed on October 19, 2023, adding nine tracks for a total of 17, including the collaboration "Chicken Little" with Meghan Trainor, and building on the album's introspective themes.[50] His sophomore studio album, The Drama, arrived on October 4, 2024, as a 14-track modern rock opera conceptualized in three acts that delve into self-discovery, ambition, and the highs and lows of fame. Co-produced by Sutherland alongside Josh Bruce Williams, Keaton Stromberg, Sam Nicolosi, and the production team STORYBOARDS, the album integrates lead singles like "Alive" (released August 2024) and the title track "Drama" (September 2024) to anchor its narrative arc. The full tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to the Show! | 1:22 |
| 2 | Let Me Loose | 2:25 |
| 3 | Alive | 2:49 |
| 4 | Drama | 2:25 |
| 5 | Modern Heartbreak | 2:42 |
| 6 | Hater | 2:28 |
| 7 | The Score | 3:00 |
| 8 | Don't Let Me Go | 2:46 |
| 9 | Paranoia | 2:28 |
| 10 | Tell Me | 2:40 |
| 11 | As It Was | 2:35 |
| 12 | Alien | 2:30 |
| 13 | Who Are You? | 3:01 |
| 14 | Finale | 3:44 |
Extended plays
Sutherland's extended plays from 2019 to 2021 marked his transition from independent releases to more polished productions under BMG, allowing him to explore indie pop and emotional introspection while building a dedicated streaming audience. These EPs served as bridges to his full-length albums, showcasing evolving songwriting centered on personal vulnerability and relationships. His debut EP, NONE of this has been about you, was released on March 15, 2019, via BMG Rights Management. The five-track project delves into themes of heartbreak and moving on from toxic relationships, with raw, confessional lyrics delivered over acoustic-driven pop arrangements. The tracklist includes: "Sweater," "Freaking Out," "NONE of this has been about you," "Wallpaper," and "It May Sound Strange." It achieved initial success on digital platforms, debuting in the top 10 on the iTunes Pop chart.[31] In 2020, Sutherland released Indigo on December 11, shifting toward a more atmospheric indie pop sound with subtle electronic elements and introspective narratives about isolation and self-doubt. Supported by BMG's promotional resources, the EP features six tracks: "Too Many Friends," "Indigo," "Wonder," "Bored," "Help," and "Too Many Friends (Acoustic)." Key tracks like the title song highlight emotional depth and received playlist placements on Spotify, contributing to increased visibility.[35] Sutherland's 2021 EP, Afterlife of the Party (Music from the Netflix Film), arrived on September 2, tied to his acting role in the Netflix comedy of the same name. This five-track release blends upbeat pop with film-inspired optimism, focusing on redemption and new beginnings, and includes promotional singles "Home" and "Blush" performed alongside Victoria Justice. The tracklist comprises: "Home," "Blush," "Party in the U.S.A." (cover), "Valerie," and "Afterlife of the Party." It marked a transitional phase, paving the way for his debut studio album by integrating his music and acting careers.[52]Singles
Sutherland began his recording career with independent singles released between 2013 and 2017. His debut single, "Heartstrings", arrived in 2013 and showcased his early pop sensibilities. This was followed by "Bad Influence" in 2015, a track that highlighted his vocal range and R&B influences. In 2016, he issued "Girls", a upbeat pop song that received attention through its accompanying music video. The 2017 release of "Selfish" marked a breakthrough for the artist, garnering over one million streams on Spotify and positioning him as an emerging talent just before his appearance on The X Factor.[30][53][54][55] Following his time on The X Factor, Sutherland continued releasing singles independently in 2018, including "Talk" and "Fine", which maintained his momentum with fans through acoustic versions and live performances. "Tell Me" also emerged that year as a reflective track emphasizing emotional vulnerability. These releases bridged his pre-label era and helped build anticipation for his signing with BMG. (Note: Spotify listing for "Tell Me" as 2018 single) Upon joining BMG in 2019, Sutherland's output expanded significantly, with the label era producing a series of standalone singles and lead tracks from his EPs and albums, totaling around 20 releases through 2024. Key examples include "Sweater" and "Freaking Out" in 2019, which introduced his more introspective style post-signing; "Wonder" in 2020, a motivational anthem that resonated during the early pandemic period; and "Grateful" in 2019, reflecting themes of appreciation amid personal growth. By 2023–2024, his singles evolved toward theatrical rock-pop, with "Alive" serving as the lead for his album The Drama and achieving notable streaming success, alongside "Let Me Loose" and collaborations like "Chicken Little" with Meghan Trainor. These tracks often promoted his projects through targeted digital releases and social media campaigns, emphasizing his blend of vintage inspiration and modern production.[56][45]| Title | Year | Notes/Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Heartstrings | 2013 | Debut independent single; early pop release. |
| Bad Influence | 2015 | Showcased R&B influences; available on major platforms. |
| Girls | 2016 | Accompanied by music video premiere. |
| Selfish | 2017 | Over 1 million Spotify streams; pre-X Factor breakthrough. |
| Talk | 2018 | Post-X Factor release; acoustic version popular. |
| Fine | 2018 | Independent follow-up emphasizing live appeal. |
| Tell Me | 2018 | Reflective track building fan engagement. |
| Sweater | 2019 | First BMG-era single; introspective pop. |
| Freaking Out | 2019 | Part of debut EP promotion. |
| Wonder | 2020 | Motivational anthem amid global challenges. |
| Grateful | 2019 | Themes of personal reflection. |
| Alive | 2024 | Lead single from The Drama; anthemic streaming hit. |
| Let Me Loose | 2024 | From The Drama with high-energy production. |
| Modern Heartbreak | 2024 | Album track from The Drama exploring emotional themes. |
| Chicken Little (feat. Meghan Trainor) | 2023 | Collaborative track gaining radio play. |
