Tony Cummings reports on one of the new wave of US CCM hitmakers SPENCER KANE

Spencer Kane

Anybody enjoying the latest Cross Rhythms radio hit "Just Say That" by Spencer Kane will know that Spencer has an engaging R&B-tinged pop talent. They may even know that Spencer has become a major figure in Nashville CCM with several pop singles and a shoal of collabs with Christian singers and rappers.

Spencer grew up in Georgia with deeply committed Christian parents. He remembers, "My parents always listened to music in the car and home and sang to me even as a baby. They were involved in church ministry and music was just a part of things in our home. I sang at church from time to time, but I think the car trips with me in my car seat and dad turning up the music real loud and singing made it 'normal'. They used to sing to me and taught me words as young as like two or three years old. I remember mom and dad laughing 'cause I couldn't really understand some words so I would just make some up. Like on a TobyMac CD on one track the words were 'these are extreme days' and I would sing something like 'dee-sodda stream days' as loud as the music. They would laugh at me. Dad has been a singer his whole life so it made it easier to learn music stuff from him. Dad and I would play a game on the radio where we flip stations and see who can guess the song title or artist before the other and if you did, you get a point. We play to 10. I guess all that music in our home made it seem normal to start singing. I didn't really do it seriously until 13 years old."

By his late teens Spencer was singing in the popular group Anthem Lights. Then branching out as a solo he recorded his first album 'Runaway' with teenpop outlet iShine. But when he connected up with a couple of key figures in the Christian music scene - artist and producer Jor'Dan Armstrong and engineer and producer 'Tedy P' Spencer - they were able to bring in a string of R&B and hip-hop influences. Since then Spencer hasn't looked back while his duel career as an actor on anti-bullying TV dramas has added to his popularity. He has become a national spokesperson for an American anti-bullying organisation.

He remains very centred in his attitudes towards "success" in his singing career. "The thing with music is that it can be a lifetime career if you are blessed to have the opportunity to become known. Even if the public part of music doesn't last for me, I know I'll share music with my friends and family and hopefully someday my own kids. I am a passionate sports athlete, so I am just waiting to see where God opens doors for my life the next few years."