Preparing to play SpeakEZ Lounge on Friday with two other Michigan artists, Spencer LaJoye opens up about songwriting, performing and the region’s welcoming music community.

Inspired by Songwriter Friends: Spencer LaJoye’s music has turned lots of heads since returning to Michigan. (Courtesy Photo)
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Spencer LaJoye’s latest album, “Shadow Puppets,” reveals a candid collection of thoughts and feelings that feel as if they were copied and pasted directly from LaJoye’s mind over top of their emotionally charged style of indie-folk instrumentals.
This dedication to honesty, authenticity, and not holding back is precisely what makes LaJoye’s songs so captivating.
Born and raised in West Michigan, the singer-songwriter spent time in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts before landing back in their home state for a while.
“It’s fun being back home as the person who I’ve discovered myself to be now, and as an adult. I’m actually ready to be honest here now,” LaJoye said.
Since last residing in Michigan, LaJoye has come out as trans non-binary and embraced the opportunity to be unapologetic about their queer identity.
“When it comes to being a queer person in the Midwest, my responsibility, I think, is to offer representation, because that’s something I really didn’t have growing up here. So I think the least I can do is be representative of people who might not have that and to speak openly and honestly about who I am,” LaJoye expressed.
This openness didn’t always come easy to LaJoye.
When first emerging as a songwriter, LaJoye was still figuring things out and, while still proud of that early work, it didn’t always tell the whole story.
LaJoye described early songs as “a journal of a repressed person.” Coming out as non-binary not only helped in understanding and reflecting on who they truly are, but also naturally led to more honest songwriting.
“It was just me being more honest with myself as a person and then my songs followed suit,” LaJoye explained.
VIDEO: Spencer LaJoye, “Shadow Puppets”
Two of the main themes in LaJoye’s music are religious references and queer experiences, creating a unique intersection of two ideas that encapsulate LaJoye’s life in a way that is both deeply personal, but also relatable to people who may have grown up in a similar situation.
LaJoye’s 2022 single, “Plowshare Prayer,” is an especially strong example of this, speaking directly to those struggling with things both familiar and unfamiliar to LaJoye in their personal experiences. “I pray if a prayer has been used as a sword against you and your heart, against you and your word, I pray that this prayer is a plowshare of sorts,” LaJoye sings.
“Those themes show up in my music less because I’m consciously trying to include them, and more because that’s such an integral part of my story,” LaJoye said.

‘Shadow Puppets’: The 2024 Album
Although LaJoye has left behind the concept of institutionalized religion in personal life, the religious narratives and symbols that appear in the songs were woven into mind during LaJoye’s formative years.
LaJoye, who typically performs solo, will perform Friday (Jan. 24) at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge for the Local Spins Fridays series with fellow Michigan musicians Chris DuPont, who produced LaJoye’s latest releases, and Kylee Phillips. Attendees can expect lots of banter amongst the three musicians on stage and a full-band sound that mirrors what is heard on the recorded versions of the tracks. More show info online here.
“I’m just really inspired by my other songwriter friends. Surrounding myself with other people who have open hearts, who want to know themselves better and express it artistically, people who want to take in the world and synthesize what they’re seeing into something beautiful; I just like being around those people,” LaJoye said of the songwriters and musicians befriended and collaborated with since returning home.
While LaJoye has only been back in Michigan for a short time, the songwriter is gearing up for another big move in 2025 along with plenty of time on the road touring behind the latest singles, “Resistance to a Move” and “Death Drive” as well as songs from “Shadow Puppets.”
LaJoye raved about how wonderful the Michigan music community is — a community that’s embraced the artist without hesitation.
“I’m looking forward to saying another goodbye to the Michigan scene in a much more intentional way,” LaJoye said of future plans.
LaJoye also performs at 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 25) at First United Methodist Church of Holland, 57 W. 10th St. Details here.
VIDEO: Spencer LaJoye, “I Got It Bad (Live)”
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