Spencer Thomas’s debut record Hangin’ Tough is a blistering mix of unruly rockers and heartbroken ballads. The album is full of working-class grit and desire for freedom, for escape from all the trappings of contemporary adult life. Despite the heaviness of the themes, the songs never lose their sense of joy and buoyancy. Thomas, a Jackson, Mississippi, native used his resources and connections gained through a past band to pull together the record at Dial Back Sound in Water Valley, Mississippi co-owned by Matt Patton (Drive-By Truckers) and Bronson Tew. Spencer moved from Jackson to Athens, Georgia. He is currently the touring keys and harmony singer in Futurebirds while continuing his solo work. Since the move, he’s released singles like poetic, synth and drum machine-layered “Confused” and a home-recorded religious questioning in “God Grant Me A Parking Space.” The jangle-pop Petty-styled “She Doesn’t Know She Does It” was released October 20th, 2022 recorded and mixed by Nate Nelson (White Violet) at Tweed Recording. Following that is a full-length LP titled “The Joke Of Life” recorded at Chase Park Transduction with all-star help from members of My Morning Jacket, Drive-By Truckers, Futurebirds, Reptar and Heffner with mixing help from studio owner David Barbe. He’s thankful for the energy working with his Futurebirds family and his community in Athens has breathed into his life and music as he moves forward.