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Q & A: Louis Baker

Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on May 30, 2014

It’s safe to say that New Zealand is one hot country on the musical map these days. Emotionally charged, angel-voiced musician Louis Baker hails from Wellington, and has been making waves locally for the past couple years. His music is breathtaking, heartfelt and astonishingly beautiful.

This year he’ll be playing on the Red Bull Music Academy stage at Splendour in the Grass, as well as some much anticipated slots at the coveted Sonar Festival in Barcelona, and Field Day in London.

We wanted to get to know Louis a little better, so we asked him some questions about himself and his musical journey thus far

  1. Hey, Louis. Thanks for doing this Q & A. How’s it going?

Much love Scenewave and to all those reading. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this Q&A. At this moment I am on an airplane, heading to Sydney for a show. Enjoying these icy altitudes.

  1. What are the three most important things we should know about you?

I love people, I love to read and write, and I give my best everyday.

  1. When did you start playing music?

When I was very young around 4 or 5 I would record songs with my sister on cassette tape for fun. It wasn’t until I was around 11 that I really got into the playing side of music starting with the guitar.

  1. Describe the first gig you ever played

I think it was playing a couple of Metallica songs at the Raroa Intermediate School Fair in Wellington when I was 12.

  1. The music video for Back on my Feet is really beautiful, how did the story idea come about?

When I wrote Back On My Feet, I was in a state of real depression. I remember shedding tears when I wrote those lyrics. The song comes from an angle of singing to music as if it were a person, and when I told Aidee Walker (Director) and Alex Gandar (Producer) about the story, the ideas snowballed from there. It was Aidee’s idea to include both the father and daughter theme, and the beautiful symbolism of rebirth from the water.

  1. So how did your work with Red Bull Music Academy get started?

I applied to go to RBMA around March, 2012. This I credit to my stunning manager Cushla Aston, and loving mother Dianne for encouraging me to apply. If it weren’t for their support, I honestly don’t think I would have tried, because I did not believe in myself. From there, I was surprisingly selected to attend, and what an amazing set of opportunities followed.

  1. What have been the best moments of your musical journey so far?

Playing at home in Welly, RBMA New York 2013, Playing in London, Playing Australia, Being selected to play at Splendor in The Grass 2014, and Sonar 2014

  1. If someone hadn’t heard your music, how would you describe it in six words or less?

Soulful & Emotive

  1. Excited about your Australian shows? Have you been here before?

I am still fresh to playing overseas. I’m always so excited and honoured to express myself in a new environment, and this is my first time in Australia.

  1. Is there anyone you can’t wait to see or meet at Splendour in the Grass?

Ben Howard, Outkast, City and Colour, Peanut Butter Wolf and many more

  1. You’re playing at Sonar (Barcelona) and Field Day (London) this year too. That’s awesome! Are you planning to do some travelling around while you’re in Europe?

Thank you, I can not wait to hop on the stage and get amongst it. At the moment I don’t have anything else locked, but I’ll do as much travel as possible.

  1. What are you listening to at the moment?

James Blake, Little Dragon, Electric Wire Hustle, Cannonball Adderley, Sly Stone

  1. What else have you got planned for rest of the year?

Touring, Recording, Living, Loving, Travelling and Jamming!

Catch Louis at Splendour in the Grass on the Red Bull Music Academy stage 

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Posted in Music, Scenewave

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