Project Description

Interview with

BASTIAN BAKER

by Vicky Hebbs

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TOURING AUSTRALIA WITH
SHANIA TWAIN IN DECEMBER 
(Tour dates and tickets below)

“One of my favourite artists” – Shania Twain 

WATCH INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM
BASTIAN BAKER’S GLOBAL TOUR HERE

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How did you first get into music? When did it become a serious concern?
I feel like I have always been into music, since I could speak. I remember one Christmas evening when I stood in front of the whole family with a plastic microphone and entertained the whole family. Then around twelve or thirteen I started my first bands. I always enjoyed it, but it became serious around the time I turned eighteen. I was still a hockey player, but I was also sending samples of my music in to festival newcomer contests and music labels.

What kind of music did you grow up on? What artists inspired you and which do you still look to now for ideas?
I grew up listening to bands such as Queen, Led Zeppelin, Simon and Garfunkel. All the bands my family would listen to. Also some Scorpions and Europe. I still listen to all of these artists, although now I listen to a wider spectrum of artists. I keep talking about my favourite artist, Robert Francis, he has become a good friend of mine. Also Coldplay, some country music, some Australian bands too, Angus and Julia Stone.

Has song writing always been a part of your life? When did you realise you wanted to be a musician?
My dream was always to be a musician, I knew it was possible, but it was a bit of a challenge to find my own way coming from Switzerland, a country that is not necessarily known for bringing many music superstars to life.

Your new single, “All Around Us,” is out now! Can you share the origins or inspiration for writing the song?
It is a very positive song, I was tired of all the negativity around us. You turn on the news and all you hear is negatives, and yet I look at my own life travelling around the world and 99% of the people I have met have been awesome people! And it isn’t just about wealth, I have seen really poor places where the people are absolutely amazing. That inspired me, I wanted to say if you are really looking for the good, you will see it. It is a song for all the positive people out there who want to make the world a better place.

How would you describe your sound for anyone who has not yet listened to your music?
It is very hard to describe because it has a lot of different influences. If you listen to the whole album, you will find some country stuff, some electro pop stuff. It’s just music for everybody. I think pop is the best word because it is for everyone.

If someone had never listened to Bastian Baker before, what song of yours would you recommend if they could only listen to one?
My most complete song might be Kids Off the Streets from my second album. It regroups all my different styles and influences. It is one of my most complex songs, but it was very quick for me to write. On the newest record, I would definitely recommend You Should Go Home. It is a very emotional song.

How did it feel when Shania Twain personally invited you to open her world tour?
I will always remember this phone call. I was seeing my parents for the first time in months when I got the call. My mum asked, “What’s going on?” and I replied, “I’m going on tour with Shania Twain next year.” We all just had to laugh because it is a crazy experience. We are good friends, so it’s be great.

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