Following on from a string of highly-praised releases throughout last year, LA-based singer and songwriter BAYWUD is now kicking off his 2021 with his first anthemic offering of this year, 'All Together Now'.
Lifted from his soon-to-be-announced debut album, which is due out in the summer, 'All Together Now' makes for a euphoric return for the artist. Filled with rich and soaring production, beautiful melodies, and a wildly uplifting chorus, be prepared to hear a lot more from him in the months to come.
So with the new single out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the piano. I started taking lessons when I was 8 years old, and soon after started performing in various recitals around the state of Texas.
What was the first song that inspired you to make your own music?
I don’t really have a specific song that I can remember that inspired me to start writing my own music. Music has always been a huge part of my life. We always had music playing in our house when I was a kid. My dad was a huge influence for me. He introduced me to the greats; The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, and a lot of music from that era.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I had a pretty wide range as a teenager. I was always into the classics, as I mentioned. But I really listened to all kinds of music. I loved music from the 80’s (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Aerosmith, Elton John, Michael Jackson, U2, etc…). I grew up with music from the 90’s and the Millennium, which I loved as well, but I always found myself more attracted to the classics. I loved classic rock (The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd). I don’t know why I gravitated towards the older styles of music, but it was just what really moved me at the time.
What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?
I can really get inspired in any environment. I could be walking down the streets of Los Angeles, and a lyric or melody will pop in my head. So, I’ll grab my iphone and record a melody or write down a lyric as quickly as I can before it leaves me. Nature is also a big one for me. I often go hiking in Griffith Park or Angeles National Forest, and that really gets my creative juices going. But also just being in the studio, whether it be my home studio or writing in the studio with another songwriter. It really doesn’t take much for me to find my inspiration.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Oh, there’s so many amazing artists that I love. Bon Iver has always been a favourite of mine. I’ve always really loved their vocal style and lyrics. Sharon Van Etten is another I’ve found myself leaving on repeat at times. I love California Gold, The Barr Brothers, Flora Cash, James Bay, Lord Huron, Blanco White, Ed Sheeran. There’s really too many to name, but these are a few on the list.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I have so many songs that I’ve written about people in my life. Most of my songs come from a very personal place. Two songs that really stick out to me are ‘Hold On To Me’ and ‘Where Was I Then’. ‘Hold On’ was written about a friend of mine who had lost her mother in a car crash. It was my way of expressing to her that she’s not alone, and things can and will get better. Sometimes we really need to just lean on our friends and family for support when even the smallest tasks seem difficult. ‘Where Was I Then’ was another song that I hold close to my heart. It was written about a friend of mine that I lost to suicide. It was an extremely emotional process for me.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
I guess I’d have to say Covid. I think it started as a real challenge for many artists and songwriters. So, I started doing co-writes via zoom. And initially it was a bit odd not being in the same room together. I also had a session with two songwriters that I’d never met before. So, it was a little awkward at first, but ultimately we got some really strong songs out of it. I still prefer to be in the studio together, but I quickly got comfortable with doing co-writes remotely.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I suppose I’d have to say Ed Sheeran. I’m a huge fan, and it would be a dream come true to open for one of his shows.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Probably an actor. I grew up on the stage doing theatre and musical theatre. So, acting was really one of my first loves. I later studied acting for film and television in New York City, and initially moved out to Los Angeles to be an actor. Luckily, I found my calling with music and songwriting.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’ve received a lot of advice over the years. One piece of advice that always resonated with me is ‘Always write music for yourself’. For me, music always needs to come from a place of truth. I also know that everyone has their own personal preferences when listening to music. What inspires one person may not necessarily inspire the next. You can’t expect everyone to love the songs you’re putting out in the world. So, it’s important to just make music that YOU love, and just hope that it reaches out and touches someone.
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BAYWUD's new single 'All Together Now' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.