Interview: Joel Baker

Hi Joel, how are things?

Crazy, busy, weird, but good.

Can you give us a bit of background on yourself?

I spent the first 18 years of my life in Nottingham, living in Beeston. My Dad introduced me to singer-songwriter music, my secondary school introduced me to Hip Hop. I started learning the guitar at 14 and played in a few bands here and there.

I then went off to Leeds University to study politics -it was impulse decision, I was never bothered about politics growing up. I put music in the backseat for three years and worked my ass off to get a first class degree.

After University I moved down to the big city to work in the House of Commons for an MP. Parallel to this parliament stuff, I met some producers from North London and some rappers from East, and we instantly clicked. It was a bit mad turning up for afterwork studio sessions in Holloway in my Marks & Spencers suit – ha – but it worked.

Fast forward 18 months. Still working in Parliament, still recording in Holloway.

What are your major influences?

Lyrically, I got my influences mostly from Hip Hop. Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco. By that, I mean, I try to ‘say something’ in a song. Every song is about a real situation, with lyrics that mean something. I write alone, and every time I write I try to access ‘that special place’ which allows you to be terrifyingly honest. Drake and Kanye are masters of that.

Regarding content, I get my influences from love, life, and God.

Musically, it’s all about being organic, a sort of British blues/soul sound. Ben Howard, John Mayer, Nizlopi, Van Morrison. Music with feeling. Music without feeling is just noise.

You started off doing covers, what have been your favourite tracks to cover and is there a track you’d love to cover that you haven’t yet?

My favourite track to cover is still Kanye West’s ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’. That is my favourite Kanye score, and has special memories for me, so it’s a huge privilege to have a well regarded cover of it.

I want to cover Kano Ps & Qs. Big challenge.

You’ve also just released your new track Further Than Feelings, can you tell us a bit about the track?

That track wrote itself really. Being a good songwriter is all about spotting songs rather than ‘creating’ them, I believe. I was on a date, in a jazz bar on London’s Southbank, talking about wanting a relationship that goes ‘Further Than Feelings’. I stopped mid-date and said to myself “a jazz bar on Southbank, there’s a song in that”. I went home and wrote it that night.

What has the reaction and feedback to the track been like so far?

Overwhelming really. One couple from Brighton recently got in touch with me to say they’re using the song for their wedding, for the bit when the Bride walks down the aisle. I mean, it doesn’t get more special than that does it.

Your faith is something that is important to you, do you feel your faith influences your music?

Massively. My faith shapes my worldview, and my worldview shapes my songs. Even the very concept of ‘Further Than Feelings’ is based on ideas rooted in my faith.

Do you think as a young musician you’re able to connect with people about faith in a way that is more acceptable than more traditional methods?

I wouldn’t say ‘more acceptable’. Maybe ‘more accessible’. I’m not trying to be a preacher. All I’m trying to do is love Jesus and love people more than I did yesterday.

We understand that you spend your days working in parliament, what does that involve?

I’m a junior researcher for a Labour MP. No two days are the same to be honest. All the usual office stuff, but mixed with champagne receptions at Fortnum and Mason. It really is a weird job.

What kind of impact does politics have on the music you produce?

Very little, at the moment.

Young people are often rather blase about politics, have you ever thought about using your music to try and engage people into it more, such as encouraging more young people to vote during elections?

I have. But I also think politicians need to do more to engage young people in the first place. I hope to become an MP one day. Maybe.

You’re working on your new EP, can you tell us anything about it?

The EP ‘Long Sleeves’ is finished and ready to come out end of May. It’s emotive, honest, and explores lots of different stages of a relationship. It’s also beautifully produced by the Confect – with Cello from Patrick Allen.

How do you like to relax off stage?

Eat like it’s my last day on earth.

What are you favourite Nottingham places to visit?

The Malt Cross is my favourite spot in Nottingham. I’ve never found a place like it outside of Nottingham.

The Nottingham music scene is having something of a boom at the moment, what are your thoughts on it?

I love it. Nottingham has an amazing music scene, with some really talented people. I’m so proud to be a part of it.

Who are your favourite Nottingham acts at present?

Rob Milton & the Dog Is Dead guys have an amazing sound. I love Harleighblu & Nina Smith too.

When can NottinghamLIVE readers next catch you playing in Nottingham?

I’m playing at Dot to Dot festival in Nottingham on the 26th, so I’d love to see some friendly faces there. I’m also playing at Splendour.

What can they expect from a Joel Baker show if they come along?

Aside from stage dives and guitar solos with my teeth, I guess an honest and heart felt performance which will leave you a little happier than before I came on stage.

Finally anything else you’d like to say to the readers of NottinghamLIVE?

Thanks so much for reading. I’d love to hear from you on twitter or Facebook. Stay tuned for the EP in May, and I look forward to seeing you at a Notts gig! 🙂

Interview by Darren Patterson