If you’re unfamiliar with this rising musician from New Zealand, it won’t be long before Louis Baker will win you over with his signature vocals and groove-laced production.
Over the course of Baker’s career, his undeniably rich vocals have supported his journey as one to watch on the international scale, with appearances at festivals such as Sonar and Sziget, as well as a place in the 2013 RMBA program in NYC.
Louis Baker explores themes of communication and disconnect in So Lo, a pitch-perfect, soulful blend of pop and funk.
Co-written by fellow Aussie musicians LANKS and Plutonic Lab, So Lo was later recorded and produced with Grammy-nominated producer Steve Rusch, who has also worked with some big name artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Solange.
The track bends Baker’s career versatility, exploring a string of sonic textures in the song’s production to produce an intoxicating vibrancy that goes hand in hand with Baker’s sultry vocals.
Keeping to themes of openness and vulnerability, Kiwi artist Gee Clifford lends her ethereal vocals to the song, adding a fem flavour to the conversation.
Speaking of the inspiration behind the new release, Baker says “sometimes we feel shut out of a relationship. It’s like you both take a back step because the communication isn’t there, and you just seem to frustrate one other.”
“I think finding the words to convey what you really feel to the person isn’t always easy, so you close off, and don’t get it off your chest.”
To accompany this single release, Baker’s highly anticipated full-length album Open will be out on June 21 via DITTO.