What began as physical therapy turned into a band
Belle and Chain is an alt-country gothic rock band that feels wide open and weather-beaten — electric at the core, with the dust and darkness of the American West running through it.
Formed by Spencer Grammer and Davis IL, music became central to Grammer's life after she suffered a stab wound in 2020 in New York City while trying to break up a fight, causing lasting nerve damage in her right hand. Encouraged to pick up guitar as part of her recovery, she began writing songs in 2024 and discovered that playing and singing was a powerful way to process that trauma and rebuild confidence. Grammer was raised in New York City and Los Angeles in a deeply artistic household — her father a celebrated TV actor, her mother a Broadway dancer — and immersed in the performing arts from an early age. In her career as an actress, director and voice performer, she’s earned widespread recognition as the voice of Summer Smith on Adult Swim's Rick and Morty. Meeting at Davis’ annual Highland Park Hellbender party, he was impressed with Grammer’s songwriting and in what he calls a “Cinderella moment”, joined full-time serving as co-writer and collaborator on keys and guitar. A San Francisco Bay Area native, his father's omnivorous diet of the Fillmore music scene passed on to Davis, allowing him to perform since high school when he “found his people: musicians”. As writing and performing partners, Davis “literally makes (our) shows happen out of sheer will and I like to think a little magic. Without him I wouldn’t even be playing and performing live like this”, says Grammer. “It’s incredibly exciting to be experimenting with our music and getting people out to enjoy it live.” The Los Angeles-based band toured the US, UK and Europe in 2025: playing Freakout!, Echo Park Rising festivals and culminating in an opening slot for The Wedding Present in London at O2 Forum Kentish Town. New US/EU dates supporting Barns Courtney start April 2026. They are documenting the recording and touring process via their episodic series on Substack. Belle and Chain are set to release their debut single “Don’t You Worry Babe” on April 9 via Notes From the Underground Records, a division of Not Dead Yet Media. Followed by their debut EP in Summer 2026.
Listen "Don't You Worry Babe" HERE.
“I listened to it a few times and then for the rest of the day the chorus was running through my head”
“I Just Saw A Rick And Morty Star In Concert, And You HAVE To Listen To Their Upcoming Single”
“Their debut track transports listeners to a place where Western rock and alt-country blend seamlessly together.” - Amanda Igartua
“The duo has infectious stage chemistry and Grammer’s vocals are powerful as hell!” - Jess Fagan
“Their set unfolded with a careful balance of tension and release, weaving together shimmering melodies and brooding undertones.” - Neal Cribb
“A duo combining glam aesthetics + singer-songwriter confessionals in equal measure.”
“Belle and Chain’s performance is an engaging and dynamic acoustic set.” - Amanda Igartua