Louis Baker on his EP ‘Medicine’
One of Aotearoa’s most celebrated soul artists, Louis Baker (Ngāruahine, Ngā Puhi) chats to us about his latest solely-produced project. Each of the 5 tracks serves as a dose of this therapeutic power, exploring themes of perseverance, self-awareness, and emotional intimacy. Independently, Baker has accumulated over 45 million Spotify streams, and has has entertained ever-growing audiences at festivals and venues across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the UK, while sharing stages with Jordan Rakei, Allen Stone, Jamie Lidell, and local legends Fat Freddy’s Drop with whom he toured 22 dates across Europe and the UK in 2024.
Hey Louis! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us about your new music! First of all, we'd love to know about your musical journey from when you first started singing and making your own music?
My mum and sister taught me some basic chords on the acoustic when I was about 11, and over the next couple of years I became obsessed with playing the guitar. Dad helped me to buy my first electric guitar from Cash Converters when I was 13 and I started learning solos and songs from Pantera, Metallica, Hendrix, Cream, and the blues greats like Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. This followed with more playing in bands and writing riffs but it wasn't until I was around 16 that I started teaching myself to sing, and around this time I became very influenced by soul music.
Incredible! And who would you say were your main musical and creative influences growing up?
Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Buckley, D'Angelo, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Marvin Gaye.
A powerful list of greats! Congrats on your latest EP 'Medicine'! What themes were important for you to write about lyrically for this project?
The title track 'Medicine' is about the power of music, and this is the main theme of the record. All the other songs are like branches of the same tree and come from a similar place of intention. Poetry helps to inspire me lyrically, and I enjoy reading Ralph Waldo Emerson, Alan Watts, Rabindranath Tagore, T. S. Eliot, and Joni Mitchell.
The record 'Medicine' was made where I live in Titahi Bay, Wellington. I think your environment is reflected in the art you make, and so I'll always remember the beautiful sea, beach, bush walks and views of Mana Island (you can see Mana Island on the right of album cover).
So amazing! And we absolutely love your track "Been & Gone" with the incredibly talented Wallace! How did this collaboration come about?
Wally and I went to NZSM Jazz School in Wellington years ago, so we've been friends for a few years now. We were keen to write something together and 'Been and Gone' was the song that came out. It's dope because we've got a lot of cross-over in the music we're inspired by. It was a pretty organic vibe - I loved working with her, and loved what we made together.
What were some of your main highlights making this EP?
One highlight is spending time producing in the studio - I love it! Another main highlight for me would be knowledge of self. Through the journey art takes you on there's always a deepened knowledge of self. As we change, evolve and grow as people, so does the music we make. I'm forever learning.
Love that! Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
‘SLO MO’ (the album) by Fat Freddy's Drop, UMO (Umk, AJA and Aaradhna
What have you got planned for 2025?
Some exciting tours and shows to be announced soon + a new record out in October.
Thanks Louis! Make sure you keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Spotify or Apple Music.
