New Zealand’s music industry just keeps serving up some of the finest contemporary artists we have any where in the world right now. Louis Baker, who hails from Wellington is yet another artist at the centre of this new wave, clearly on the verge of greatness. Having just released his “sensual new video” the accompany to his latest single Addict, Melbourne next month will have the chance to catch him live at The Grace Darling Hotel. TAGG had the chance to speak with Baker about his sound, process and the music industry at large.
What was your inspiration for this latest song?
I’ve always had a thing for soul, and electronic music. Addict is like the love child of both of these fascinations.
How would you describe your musical style, who are your biggest influences
My inspirations are broad, but mainly people such as D’angelo, Jeff Buckley, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Joni Mitchell.
Describe a world bereft of music, could you imagine such a place?
Some have said that music is a moral law, or the food of love. I see it in this way too. All I know is, if music didn’t exist, this world wouldn’t be as vibrant or as bright.
Why the shift from your past work to these more electronic sounds, is this reflective of trends in music that are emerging?
I guess it’s subjective. For me, it’s about expression. I’ve never really wanted to be put in a box when it comes to my music. I like what I like. If something sonic moves me, then I just go with it. That’s where the magic happens, in following your intuition.
How did you find yourself in the music industry, what led you to this point?
Good question. From time to time, I remind myself of the reasons why I started playing music in the first place. It was all about playing for the love. Because you had something to say. Looking back, there were so many late nights during my teens, rehearsing with bands. Working hard into the early hours to get a chorus sounding tight. Trying to get the music in the pocket because you dreamt that one day you would tour the world and share it with multitudes of people. Then all of a sudden it’s 10 years later and you’ve toured around the world, playing the music you love, and you realise what an awesome ride it’s already been, and how there’s still heaps more of the journey to come, and that you still do it for the same reasons you started out with.
Yes, it’s simply the love of music that led me here.
How is the music industry doing across the ditch? Has the rise of artists like Lorde helped or hindered other New Zealand musicians?
I think it’s been good for NZ. It has certainly shined a light on us, and reminded the masses that we have some amazing talent down here. To be three times platinum in the US is no small feat. I admire her writing and artistry and wish her well.
Louis Baker will be playing on the 20th of September at The Grace Darling to book your tickets or for more info click here
