Brian Baker took time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions about his music. Let’s see what he has to say!
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I moved from New Zealand to Australia in search of musical adventures and certainly found them! I toured with bands, scored a couple of major record deals and
did all the usual stuff. The highlight of which was probably forming The Makers with ex Split Enz/Crowded House keyboard wizard Eddie Rayner. We signed to Warners and released a couple of great albums.
We’re still great mates and continue to collaborate on projects from time to time.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is something that’s constantly evolving but I focus on getting an expressive vocal track down to support the lyric and generally feature some guitar work – I’m always learning and practicing on the guitar!
I like to mess things up with putting more traditional approaches to melodies and structures up against odd sounds and loops with a more contemporary outlook. It doesn’t always work, maybe one day I’ll get it right.
I’m always interested in new technologies and techniques, and was once told that if we want the guy who will throw the guitar amp into the swimming pool to see what it sounds like, then Brian’s our man!
Meanwhile the song is always my guiding light and I try to serve it and express it as best I can.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
It’s got to start with Geoge Martin, Geoff Emerick and The Beatles. Their innovations are still inspiring. These days I’m listening to a lot of Peter Gabriel and I’m currently in love with Bonnie Raits new album.
Her connection back to Lowell George and Little Feat is wonderful. I have a crazy mix of influences – from Sturgill Simpson to XTC, Sex Pistols and The Clash! Then there’s Eminem and Dr Dre. Chuck Johnny Cash in there too!
What’s the last song you listened to?
Wet Leg – Chaise Lounge. Indie fun stuff – love it!
What’s your source for hearing new music?
People around me suggest stuff, TV shows are useful, and clients that I’m producing. Often they will bring me in a song to work on and I’ll ask what they’re listening to and who they like. That can be very revealing!
Who is your dream producer?
Probably Jeff Lynn for the heritage. Brian Eno for a different viewpoint. Mark Ronson would be an interesting journey. Apart from that someone from a whole different perspective, someone who grew up listening to completely different music than me and could bring that to my songs.
That would be very interesting.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Bjork would be challenging but rewarding I think.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
It’s been running in my head for as long as I can remember and still does. The problem is developing the sets of skills necessary to bring what’s in my head out into the world.
I still study and learn guitar, music theory is a big part of that. I seem to have a high degree of intuitive skill which doesn’t always translate. This can be frustrating and so I’m motivated to overcome this while still retaining the natural flow of music.
My Dad asked me once how I did it and my reply to him was that one note follows or seems to suggest the next. It ends up being a series of questions and value judgements. There are no correct answers!!
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
I tend to start with a lyric idea, a title, or a theme I want to express. I work hard on the lyric – many rewrites, always a work in progress. I’m a big fan of Pat Pattison, a songwriting teacher at Berkeley.
The music often begins on the acoustic guitar but ends up with loops and sounds on the computer. I like writing with the computer as I can instantly switch parts around and go down any rabbit holes I feel are inviting enough!
It can happen pretty quickly although like building a house, the final touches always seem to take the longest! I’m a pain on final mixes, doing dozens of tweaks, rewrites, large and small changes over the course of a few weeks.
I’m not afraid to radically change a composition or song after I think it’s finished!
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to
connect with you?
I do the usual socials – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Not so much TikTok. Mostly I want people to connect with me by signing up to my email list on my website – brianbaker.nz
That way they get free stuff, news, demos etc…. but I don’t bug anybody – no monthly newsletter or stuff like that, just the occasional hello!!
What’s next for you?
I always seem to have a new single on the go these days. It’s part of the strategy to just continue to release tracks as singles, usually every 6 weeks or so. Who knows, one day I may work with a sympathetic record label and
put them all together as a vinyl album to sell on tour. I would love that! The next single is called “Broken” and will come out mid April. I’m doing festivals and shows at the moment but would love to tour the States and/or Canada as I seem to be getting some interest in that part of the world. I love playing live and I’ve developed quite an interesting show to present my music.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I’ve just been appointed Musical Director and Composer for The Wearable Arts Festival in Dargaville this year. This brings together a few things for me – working with different artists disciplines presenting a show, composing music for soundtracks and dance plus the performance aspect. All very exciting! I’ve done some composing in response to contemporary art in Australia and a couple of movie scores. It’s an area I’m interested and excited about. Meanwhile – the songs keep on coming, and there’s guitar practice to do! See ya!
