Louis Baker is living the dream after his rapid ascent to the heights of Kiwi music. Ahead of his appearance at December’s South Island Wine & Food Festival, he tells Cityscape how he got started, and who his heroes are.
Your career has come a long way in a short time – your head must be in a spin? It’s been a joy to have my passion become a full-time career. I’m very grateful to be able to make music and tour – it’s what I’ve always wanted to do, so it feels a bit like living the dream.
When did you start to feel you had a future in music? I fell in love with music at an early age but started to feel I had a future in it from age 17 when I was a top-five finalist in the secondary schools Play It Strange songwriting competition.
How important was that to giving you the confidence to push on? It really did give me that boost of confidence I was looking for. It affirmed there was something there, so I started to spend more time being creative, songwriting and releasing music.
Do you remember picking up your first guitar? Yes, I can. The first song I learnt on the guitar was Cornershop’s ‘Brimful of Asha’. I vividly remember strumming the guitar on my lap (lapsteel style), because Mum would often play in open D tuning, so the sound was rewarding relatively quickly. It was a bit unconventional but I started playing the chords with my thumb because it was the only way I could hold down the chord with my small hands on the old Yamaha FG-180.
What was your other career choice? Have you ever had a day job? I wanted to play cricket for New Zealand. Things were going pretty well until music took over. I haven’t really had a day job; I do a lot of music teaching and mentoring in schools.
Tell us about your first gig? I remember it well. There were about two people there and our metal band played at Wellington’s Indigo, 171 Cuba Street. We were badly dressed and we all had very long hair. All good experience.
How have your personal musical tastes changed over the years? I have evolved and my tastes have changed over the years, but I feel like I’m still searching for the same things in music – something that moves you and makes you feel something.
Do you have a go-to spot in Christchurch or the South Island? To be honest I haven’t seen a lot of Christchurch but I would love to explore it more. I do love Blue Smoke, it’s a wicked venue. The South Island is glorious and beautiful! I think Lake Te Anau is spectacular! Certainly many great places to experience.
Do you have a pre- and/or post-show ritual? I don’t eat a lot because it’s harder to sing on a full tummy! Not really. I just make sure I’m prepared, my voice is warmed up and the vibes are positive. Food always calls my name after the show though.
Who are your musical heroes? Too many to name – Hendrix, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, D’Angelo, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Miles, Coltrane, Cannonball, Pino Palladino, Steve Jordan…
Any new Kiwi artists that have caught your attention? I think Benee is amazing – great writing and great sound. Lots of different stuff coming out! Always love Fat Freddy’s Drop.
South Island Wine & Food Festival,
Hagley Park, December 7
winefestival.co.nz