Meet Spencer from Newtown Knife Gang
In 2011, inside a meat locker in Newtown, Newtown Knife Gang was officially born
NEWTOWN Knife Gang is a local rock band comprised of four musicians from previous local bands.
The RECORD got to interview lead singer, Spencer Martin. He shared some interesting stories about the band and also his personal musical journey.
Spencer (31) was born in Rustenburg and moved to Alberton when he was seven years old. He grew up in Brackendowns and currently lives in Albertsdal. Spencer also happens to be the owner of the Sundowners pub in Mulbarton.
Spencer has been singing since he was seven. He even started participating in Eisteddfod in singing categories. When he was 15, he started learning how to play the guitar. That was when he realised his true passion lies in music.
However, Spencer says he also has a passion for gaming and soccer. “The Last Of Us, Fifa and Everton on PlayStation 4 are probably my favourite games at the moment,” said Spencer. “I also love watching English football.”
A normal day for Spencer would include updating social media sites for Sundowners, rehearsing his vocals, rehearsing with his bandmates and gaming in his free time.
Band hopping
Spencer hadn’t always been a part of Newtown Knife Gang. He used to be in a band called 16 Stitch, until Newtown Knife Gang formed, stole Spencer as its lead singer and offered him more success.
The other bandies in Newtown Knife Gang are Paul Norwood (guitar), Gareth Norwood (bass guitar) and Nick Argyros (drums). All three of them were in the previous band called We Shall Embrace, but the band ended after lead singer Andrew Maskell left to pursue other opportunities.
In 2011, inside a meat locker in Newtown, Newtown Knife Gang was officially born. “I met Paul, Gareth and Nick through the COPA (Campus Of Performing Arts) music college,” said Spencer. “Not long after that, we formed this band.”
The band’s broad genre in rock, but Spencer’s all-time-favourite genre is pop punk. He says his favourite bands include Sum 41, Blink 182, Neck Deep, Linkin Park, System Of A Down and basically any ’90s to early ’00s pop-punk bands.
“My biggest inspiration is Derek Whibley from Sum 41, because he is just amazing at whatever he does,” said Spencer. “I also really admire Ben Barlow from Neck Deep, which is a more modern pop-punk band.”
Achievements and dreams
Spencer shares his biggest achievements so far: “Our band has been on several national radio stations, including 5FM and 947. We’ve also played at Oppikoppi three times. Then, of course, running my own music venue is certainly a great achievement that I’m very proud of.”
Spencer says the band’s biggest dream is to tour overseas and experience other crowds and countries. They’d be thrilled to play with international bands, especially The Used or Billy Talent.
If you’d like to see what Newtown Knife Gang has to offer, be sure to see their upcoming show on August 4 at Emperor’s Palace’s Red Roman Shed where they’ll be performing among The Narrow, WONDERboom and S.D.O.
For tickets and prices, visit Computicket’s website, contact Emperor’s Palace Box Office on 011 928 1297/1213 or visit www.emperorspalace.com. Doors will open at 5pm.
The band will also be performing on August 24 at Sundowners with Gangs of Ballet. The show will start at 8pm and will cost R80 per person.
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