S8: E9: Liz Spencer – From Silence to Stage

The Musical Renaissance of Liz Spencer: From Silent Years to Center Stage

When Liz Spencer sits down to write a song, she’s not just creating music – she’s finally giving voice to emotions that once went unexpressed for nearly a decade. This New England singer-songwriter’s journey is as compelling as her soulful melodies, marking a renaissance that began just three short years ago after a ten-year musical silence.

Spencer’s story begins like many musicians, with childhood curiosity. As a middle child between identical twin sisters and a younger brother, she discovered that music made her stand out. At just four or five years old, she naturally picked out melodies on a toy piano, surprising her parents with an innate musical ability. This gift for playing by ear followed her through piano lessons and eventually to the guitar, which her father taught her to play at fifteen. The guitar became her conduit for emotional expression, particularly during her formative teenage years when she channeled typical adolescent angst into honest, revealing songs.

What makes Spencer’s story particularly compelling is the decade-long pause in her musical journey. Following a cancer diagnosis and the devastating loss of her best friend, Spencer experienced what she describes as an “emotional shutdown” that silenced her creative voice. For ten years, the songwriter who had been expressing herself through music since adolescence couldn’t access that part of herself. This creative drought ended through an unlikely connection with actor C. Thomas Howell (known for “The Outsiders”), who offered acting lessons that unexpectedly reignited her songwriting abilities. As Spencer describes it, “Once the floodgates opened for that and I was able to write again and get it out of me and sing, I realized that I can’t ever not do this.”

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Spencer’s story is how quickly she’s established herself in the music scene after returning to it. Just three years into her musical rebirth, she’s already built enough momentum to transition to full-time musicianship earlier this year, leaving behind her airport job to pursue her passion. Her single “Losing Hand” showcases her ability to transform personal pain into universally relatable music, becoming an anthem for anyone who’s been deceived in a relationship. As Spencer puts it, the song contains “everything that I wanted to say, I just poured into that song.”

Influenced heavily by classic rock, particularly the raw emotional power of Janis Joplin, Spencer brings an “old soul” sensibility to her contemporary sound. She admires Joplin not just for her powerhouse vocal performances but for the transformation that occurred when the otherwise reserved singer took the stage. This duality resonates with Spencer’s own journey of finding confidence in performance after years of perfectionism held her back.

The balance between artistry and performance presents an ongoing challenge for Spencer, who played over 80 gigs last summer alone. While the performing aspect pays the bills, she’s now intentionally creating more space for songwriting and recording, recognizing that she needs to build her catalog while continuing to connect with audiences. Her upcoming song “3000 Miles” explores the geographical distance between herself and her husband before their paths crossed, examining the gratitude and vulnerability that comes with finding something good after difficulty.

For artists and creators in any field, Spencer’s story offers a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your voice. Whether you’re just starting out or returning after a long absence, the courage to create authentically – without overthinking how it will be received – might be the most valuable lesson from her journey. As Spencer says about her recent decision to focus on songwriting vulnerability: “It’s important as a songwriter. If you’re really going to put yourself out there, I think honesty is the biggest gift you can give people.”