Southern California songwriter and roots musician Walter Spencer has carved a name for himself on the streets of Los Angeles with his dementedly witty songs and frenetically eclectic performances. His songs may seem strange to squares, like his long-form ode to Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, his song"W**d" about, well w**d (and which was featured on the show Weeds!), or his call-to-arms for the Occupy movement, but they make perfect sense in the DIY clash of punk music, hippy values, and raunchy folk rock that is the hallmark of Southern California. Getting his start in LA punk bands, Spencer’s love of American old-time music blossomed during his time as the raging bassist for the notorious Water Tower Bucket Boys. Touring the US and Europe, the Bucket Boys were known for their intense shows that blended Appalachian square dance tunes with bluegrass covers of punk icons like Rancid. After leaving the Bucket Boys, Spencer struck out on his own as a songwriter, aided by his friends, some of the best roots musicians on the West Coast. His albums since then, A Sunday Night Roast in 2010 and Red Romance in 2012 have been rollicking roots music celebrations, anchored by Spencer’s gravelly voice, folked-up lyrics, and kickass stringband picking.