Dan Spencer
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ARTIST PROFILE | Dan Spencer
The late singer-songwriter Judee Sill considered her style Country Cult Baroque, and Dan Spencer finds that this is a perfect way to describe his own music. His penchant for mixing morbid lyrical content and black metal imagery with country-fried Southern rock doesn’t feel forced at all, considering his eclectic taste and background as a mortician. No, really.
Born near Nashville in Smyrna in 1993, the Tennessee troubadour grew up going to see hardcore bands in the region because there were no age restrictions on those kind of shows. He eventually moved to the college town of Cookeville, TN of which he notes, “It’s got this pretty unique history of having a way better music scene than it ought to.” Despite being in the heartland of country music, his interest in the genre coalesced in an entirely circuitous way, via the California-based, punk-pedigreed experimental band Amps For Christ. “They would cover a lot of traditional Scottish folk songs that morphed into Appalachian mountain music, which morphed into country music. I had to hear it through that lens to get into it.”
After having played guitar in indie rock band Holy Coast and managing vocal/guitar duties for the CCR/Allman Brothers-inspired group Pumpkinseed, Spencer began writing and recording solo material in early 2020, just in time for the pandemic to hit. His debut album Bursting With Country-Fresh Flavor (a Seinfeld reference) was unceremoniously released online two years later. Music seemed like a dead end pursuit so he enrolled in mortuary school; a career path that shaped his music.
“Death is a big lyrical topic I’m always exploring,” says Dan Spencer. “I think it really kicked off when I was working at a funeral home and really surrounded by it all the time that I learned new questions to ask about death. I think there’s just a culture, in the US specifically, where people are not prepared for grief at all. It’s also shocking working in that system seeing the random and seemingly meaningless nature of death. It does something to you and definitely inspires you to create art about it, with an infinite bowl to grab from. It makes you so much more aware that whoever is running this show is not guaranteeing you a long, fulfilled life of experiences and dreams coming true.”
It was much sweeter for him when his dreams did start coming true, beginning with a chance encounter with a music industry veteran at a pizza place in Nashville that Spencer was managing on the weekends. Pretty soon his music ended up in the hands of Post Malone, a fellow musician with similarly diverse taste who was already at this point a platinum-selling household name with multiple #1 albums and singles under his belt. Spencer found himself engaged in songwriting sessions with Malone and Brad Paisley after dropping out of mortuary school; it all seemed surreal.
Post Malone’s publishing company Electric Feel and Nashville record company Grey Area combined forces to create the label Feeling Grey, that released Dan Spencer’s follow-up full-length effort, 2024’s Return To Your Dark Master (also a Seinfeld reference).
Spencer explains that Return To Your Dark Master, which is as musically indebted to indie/alt-country auteur Jason Molina as it is to Destroyer, Alkaline Trio and Finnish gothic rock band HIM, is a concept album. “The concept is most directly addressed in the song ‘Fat Vampire’. It’s this vampire who’s lived for hundreds of years and going back through the people he has loved who have died, and he wants to die with them. In the lyrics, the words ‘death,’ and ‘love’ are sort of interchangeable because they mean the same thing to an immortal person who wants to die. Death is tantamount to true love, which is an incredibly Hot Topic goth band concept! But that’s what it is for that record.”
Lyrics have always been a focal point for Spencer. The imagery-rich “Pink Sword Lilies” was inspired by the funeral director for whom he worked, who said his own funeral would be decorated only with spider mums Gladiolus as a “fuck you” to his respective industry, because those are the most difficult flowers to clean up.
The stark contrast between the Norwegian black metal-inspired cover art and the music contained on Return To Your Dark Master might throw some for a loop, but Spencer assures this is not some kind of ironic hipster stunt. “I absolutely like George Jones as much as I like Darkthrone and Mayhem. There’s the little kid in me who has always wanted to put on corpse paint and spikes and set fire to stuff in the woods; that’s why I have a pentagram logo. It’s what we are listening to in the van. Take my word for it – I really do like this shit.”
Spencer’s love for heavy music extends beyond imagery. His band, consisting of lead guitarist Conner Duty, bassist Zach Ramsey, drummer Ethan Young, with Dan on vocals/guitar, often play hardcore shows, thereby making themselves the “softest” act on the bill. Sharing the stage with raging, underground punk bands like Brat Tamer, Shitfire and Lethal Method, but also opening Post Malone’s fall 2024 US tour is something that may seem entirely random, but it makes perfect sense for Dan Spencer, with his Country Cult Baroque approach to music and life.
READ MORE >>Supporting Acts
SHOW BY SIMILAR ARTISTS
About LO-FI Lounge | Indianapolis, IN
LO-FI Lounge is a unique art space, gallery, and special events venue located on the 2nd Floor of the Murphy Arts Center in historic Fountain Square. Looking for that off-the-beaten-path, hidden gem? With a capacity for up to 100 guests, LO-FI Lounge is the most intimate of our three venues. Shows and events at LO-FI are only open to guests 21 years of age or older. Find the venue for first time guests can be a challenge, but it’s also part of the experience. Guests can access the 2nd floor of the building via the main entrance (glass doors) on the corner of Virginia Ave next to La Margarita’s patio, and off Prospect St. across from the bank parking lot.
Getting Around the Venue
Frequently Asked Questions About LO-FI Lounge | Indianapolis, IN
What are the age restrictions at this venue?
LO-FI Lounge shows are always 21+. We apologize to our underage guests and are working to get this changed.
LO-FI requires a valid ID for admission for all guests. Only valid state or government issues ID’s are permitted. Expired and temporary ID’s are not accepted.
Can I upgrade my to VIP seating?
No. Due to the intimate nature of the venue, LO-FI Lounge does not offer any seating upgrades.
What items are permitted or prohibited at this venue?
At our venues, we strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. While specific rules may vary slightly depending on the event location, the following list generally applies across all venues.
Any illegal items found will be confiscated immediately. Guests discovered with prohibited items inside the venue may face ejection, and those attempting to enter with such items may be denied entry.
We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during our events.
Permitted Items include:
- Small Purse / Fanny Pack – subject to security inspection
- To-go food from local restaurants
- A warm heart & smiles
Non-Permitted Items include:
- No outside beverages
- No weapons of any kind
- No drugs or illegal substances
- No coolers
- No glass
- No smoking or vaping in venue, designated smoking area outside venue
- No backpacks
- No pets
- No bad attitudes
The venue reserved the right to deny any item, or guest, should they feel that it poses a security threat to the event.
Can I bring a bag into the show?
Yes! You’re welcome to bring personal purse, fanny pack or handbag so long as it does not exceed 14” x 14” in size. No backpacks are permitted at any time.
What’s the parking situation like?
Depending on the day and time, finding a spot can be tricky. On busy show days we advise arriving early to ensure you get a good spot.
Parking is free on all of the surrounding streets in Fountain Square and most parking lots.
The LAZ pay lot directly across from the Murphy Arts Building (on Prospect St) offers paid parking by the hour and is the closest public parking to the venue.
We advise against traveling down St. Patrick St on show days, as it can become congested one-way with traffic coming from both directions.
Bike parking is available at any of the bike racks on Virginia Ave in front of HI-FI.
What is the camera/photo policy for this venue?
Our photo policy varies for each event and is at the discretion of the artist performing that night. This policy can change from night to night.
As a general guideline, we typically do not permit professional photography unless it has been pre-approved by either HI-FI or the Artist Management.
For approved photographers, you’re welcome to snap photos during the first three songs of the performance. However, please refrain from using flash.
Media personnel and professional photographers interested in covering our events can reach out to us at marketing@mokbpresents.com to request media credentials.
Is there food and drink at this venue?
Yes, LO-FI Lounge offers a full service bar offering beer, wine and spirits along a small selection of snacks and chips.
View seating maps for this venue
Check your show listing for information on the show’s seating configuration. The majority of LO-FI shows are general admission, standing-room-only. Depending on the show, there are a handful of tables available to those who arrive early.
Can I leave and re-enter the venue?
No. Re-entry is only permitted for use of the restroom facilities.
Do you offer ADA, handicap or special needs options?
The Murphy Arts Center is a handicap accessible building. The elevator is located inside the main entrance near the intersection of Virginia Ave. and Woodlawn Ave. Once you have arrived at the 2nd floor the accessibility continues through the corridor to the LO-FI Lounge. There is no designated ADA seating area at LO-FI. Guests with any special needs or questions should reach out to our box office at boxoffice@hifiindy.com.
Where is the box office located?
Getting tickets to our shows is super easy! You have a few options, depending on how you like to roll:
Online: Grab your tickets in advance from our official websites, hifiindy.com and mokbpresents.com, or through our trusted ticketing partners tixr.com and seetickets.us.
In Person: Swing by one of our convenient box office locations around the Murphy Arts Center building and grab tickets with no service fees. On LO-FI show nights, tickets can be purchased at the door.
Main Box Office at Virginia Ave Mercantile: Located at 1043 Virginia Ave Suite 2 (between Easy Rider and La Margarita). Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
HI-FI Box Office: Found at 1043 Virginia Ave Suite 4 (at the main entrance to HI-FI). Open only on show nights, starting 1 hour before published show times until 10 pm.
I lost something at the show. Who do I contact?
Have you misplaced something during one of our events? Don’t worry, we’re here to help reunite you with your belongings! While we can’t take responsibility for lost or stolen items, we’re committed to assisting you in any way we can.
Found items are securely stored at our Virginia Ave Mercantile & Box Office until they’re claimed. Please note that items lost during late-night events might take until the next morning to reach our lost and found. We know you might be eager to retrieve your belongings (like that phone you’re pinging outside our door at 6 am), but our team typically wraps up late-night events and may not be available until later in the morning.
For lost items, please follow the outlined process rather than popping into Easy Rider in the early hours. They’re open early, but our restaurant team is busy during weekends and can’t assist with lost items during busy service hours.
To inquire about lost items, shoot us an email at boxoffice@hifiindy.com. Mercantile hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Let’s work together to get your goods back to you as quickly as possible!
What is your refund policy?
What’s Your Refund Policy for Postponed Shows?
If a show gets postponed, don’t sweat it! We’ll shoot you an email to let you know about the change, and if you’re cool with the new date, no further action is needed on your part.We’ll be working diligently to find a new date for the show, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. But if you can’t make it to the rescheduled gig, we’ve got your back. You’ll have a generous 30-day window following the announcement of the new date to request a refund.
For those who paid with cash at our box office, just drop us a line at boxoffice@hifiindy.com for further instructions on processing your refund.
Please bear with us as we explore rescheduling options with the tour. Your patience is much appreciated as we work to present the best possible show experience for you.
What’s the Refund Policy for Canceled Shows?
In the unfortunate event of a canceled show, don’t fret! If you purchased your tickets online, your refund will be processed automatically. Just sit tight and allow 3-5 business days for the refund to appear in your bank account.
No need to lift a finger! However, there are a few scenarios where you might need to reach out to our box office:
- If you paid cash at our box office.
- If you’ve received a new or different card since your original purchase.
- If you haven’t seen the refund in your account after 5 business days.
What Happens if a Show Gets Rescheduled?
No worries! If a show you’ve already grabbed tickets for gets rescheduled, your tickets will still be valid for the new date. We’ll shoot you an email to let you know about the change, and if you’re good to go for the new date, no further action is needed on your part.
However, if you can’t make it to the rescheduled gig, we’ve got you covered. You’ll have a generous 30 days from the announcement of the new date to request a refund. Just reach out directly to our box office to kickstart the process.
Beware of counterfeit tickets. How do I tell if my ticket is valid?
It’s crucial for all buyers to exercise caution when purchasing tickets from unauthorized sites and ticket resellers. Tixr and SeeTickets are the only two ticket vendors supported at our venues. Unfortunately, this is a widespread issue affecting venues nationwide, and true fans often find themselves at a loss. Regrettably, there’s little we can do in such situations. Since the original transaction didn’t occur through our authorized ticketing partners, we lack the necessary information to assist. It’s disheartening to witness fans being taken advantage of, especially on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook, StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, and others. We are only obligated to honor valid tickets purchased through our approved channels.
Can I purchase tickets in person without fees?
Yes. HI-FI box office is located at the main entrance off of Virginia Avenue. The box office is open 1 hour prior to the published door time. Additionally, our new and primary box office is located two doors down from HI-FI in Suite 2. This box office is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm for fee-free ticket purchases. HI-FI accepts cash as well as all major credit cards for ticket purchases.
Do you have free WI-FI?
Yes. LO-FI offers free WI-FI during all shows. Simply select the HI-FI Free WI-FI network and you are all set.
Dan Spencer
Start Time: 7:00 pm
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ARTIST PROFILE | Dan Spencer
The late singer-songwriter Judee Sill considered her style Country Cult Baroque, and Dan Spencer finds that this is a perfect way to describe his own music. His penchant for mixing morbid lyrical content and black metal imagery with country-fried Southern rock doesn’t feel forced at all, considering his eclectic taste and background as a mortician. No, really.
Born near Nashville in Smyrna in 1993, the Tennessee troubadour grew up going to see hardcore bands in the region because there were no age restrictions on those kind of shows. He eventually moved to the college town of Cookeville, TN of which he notes, “It’s got this pretty unique history of having a way better music scene than it ought to.” Despite being in the heartland of country music, his interest in the genre coalesced in an entirely circuitous way, via the California-based, punk-pedigreed experimental band Amps For Christ. “They would cover a lot of traditional Scottish folk songs that morphed into Appalachian mountain music, which morphed into country music. I had to hear it through that lens to get into it.”
After having played guitar in indie rock band Holy Coast and managing vocal/guitar duties for the CCR/Allman Brothers-inspired group Pumpkinseed, Spencer began writing and recording solo material in early 2020, just in time for the pandemic to hit. His debut album Bursting With Country-Fresh Flavor (a Seinfeld reference) was unceremoniously released online two years later. Music seemed like a dead end pursuit so he enrolled in mortuary school; a career path that shaped his music.
“Death is a big lyrical topic I’m always exploring,” says Dan Spencer. “I think it really kicked off when I was working at a funeral home and really surrounded by it all the time that I learned new questions to ask about death. I think there’s just a culture, in the US specifically, where people are not prepared for grief at all. It’s also shocking working in that system seeing the random and seemingly meaningless nature of death. It does something to you and definitely inspires you to create art about it, with an infinite bowl to grab from. It makes you so much more aware that whoever is running this show is not guaranteeing you a long, fulfilled life of experiences and dreams coming true.”
It was much sweeter for him when his dreams did start coming true, beginning with a chance encounter with a music industry veteran at a pizza place in Nashville that Spencer was managing on the weekends. Pretty soon his music ended up in the hands of Post Malone, a fellow musician with similarly diverse taste who was already at this point a platinum-selling household name with multiple #1 albums and singles under his belt. Spencer found himself engaged in songwriting sessions with Malone and Brad Paisley after dropping out of mortuary school; it all seemed surreal.
Post Malone’s publishing company Electric Feel and Nashville record company Grey Area combined forces to create the label Feeling Grey, that released Dan Spencer’s follow-up full-length effort, 2024’s Return To Your Dark Master (also a Seinfeld reference).
Spencer explains that Return To Your Dark Master, which is as musically indebted to indie/alt-country auteur Jason Molina as it is to Destroyer, Alkaline Trio and Finnish gothic rock band HIM, is a concept album. “The concept is most directly addressed in the song ‘Fat Vampire’. It’s this vampire who’s lived for hundreds of years and going back through the people he has loved who have died, and he wants to die with them. In the lyrics, the words ‘death,’ and ‘love’ are sort of interchangeable because they mean the same thing to an immortal person who wants to die. Death is tantamount to true love, which is an incredibly Hot Topic goth band concept! But that’s what it is for that record.”
Lyrics have always been a focal point for Spencer. The imagery-rich “Pink Sword Lilies” was inspired by the funeral director for whom he worked, who said his own funeral would be decorated only with spider mums Gladiolus as a “fuck you” to his respective industry, because those are the most difficult flowers to clean up.
The stark contrast between the Norwegian black metal-inspired cover art and the music contained on Return To Your Dark Master might throw some for a loop, but Spencer assures this is not some kind of ironic hipster stunt. “I absolutely like George Jones as much as I like Darkthrone and Mayhem. There’s the little kid in me who has always wanted to put on corpse paint and spikes and set fire to stuff in the woods; that’s why I have a pentagram logo. It’s what we are listening to in the van. Take my word for it – I really do like this shit.”
Spencer’s love for heavy music extends beyond imagery. His band, consisting of lead guitarist Conner Duty, bassist Zach Ramsey, drummer Ethan Young, with Dan on vocals/guitar, often play hardcore shows, thereby making themselves the “softest” act on the bill. Sharing the stage with raging, underground punk bands like Brat Tamer, Shitfire and Lethal Method, but also opening Post Malone’s fall 2024 US tour is something that may seem entirely random, but it makes perfect sense for Dan Spencer, with his Country Cult Baroque approach to music and life.
READ MORE >>Supporting Acts
About the Venue
Ticket Support: Box office opens 1 hour before published door time. For ticket related questions please email boxoffice@hifiindy.com.
Parking: Street Parking, Bike Parking
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