After recently returning with their vibrant single 'Stitches' earlier this year, Brixton-based outfit Baytrees are back once again with their smooth and seductive new offering 'Lover'.
Taking their cues from the likes of Prince, Marvin Gaye, Bootsy Collins, and a general appreciation of 90s hip-hop, 'Lover' makes for a wonderfully embracing listen. Channelling warm and alluring R&B textures throughout, they are establishing themselves as a brilliantly bold and inventive name on the scene right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has been inspiring them lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I got an electric guitar for my 14th birthday. It wasn’t really love at first sight and I actually wanted to sell them for some air max 95s but my mum wouldn’t let me. Eventually I started to mess around on the guitar and fell in love with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My parents are big music fans and we grew up listening to everything from Booker T, The Mgs, The Average White Band, Marvin Gay and Bob Marley. As we got older we listened to lots of hip hop artists like Eminem and 50 cent. We also loved artists such as Usher and Foo Fighters. We loved music from lots of different genres and I think that came from our parents' wide and varied taste.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Probably a pure garage compilation from my nan for my birthday in primary school. We love garage and drum and bass music and used to hang out, DJ and MC which ultimately led us to start playing music.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Has to be ‘the most beautiful girl in the world’ by Prince. Perfect melody and beautiful guitar line.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to feel at home at the studio, so I record bare feet, it helps me relax and ultimately have a better session (unless my feet stink of course).
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Been listening to Jada Kiss - Yonaka in the gym as well as Cameo and The Gap Band.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Would be an honour to open for Nile Rodgers’ Chic or Liam Gallagher, both are heroes of mine.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to express ourselves creatively and create something that other people can also connect to is a magical thing.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating thing about being a musician was realising you have to be much more than a musician to become successful, you have to understand the business.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I’ve been given was from Pete Doherty, after my first band The Thirst split. His simple advice was keep writing and never stop - and that’s exactly what I did. That would be my advice as a creative, keep writing and stay true to your craft.
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Baytrees' new single 'Lover' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.