Following on from a string of dazzling delights these last few years, Danish artist BAUN is back once again to unveil his wondrous new studio album 'BEGINNINGS'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Listen Here', 'I Wanna Be Your Man', and 'Everyday', this new eleven-track collection makes for an incredibly broad and innovative listen. With its bold and soulful jazz-inspired textures set to some beautifully lofty tones throughout, 'BEGINNINGS' continues to cement him as one of the more exciting names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The Piano. Love and hate though the first years from when I was nine. Hard work and much fun.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I still love much of the music I loved when I was younger: The Beatles, Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Herbie Hancock, Gino Vannelli, EW&F. But also a lot of newer amazing artists – will mention a few if you keep on reading…
What was the first album you remember owning?
Got two CD’s from my mom and dad for my 13th birthday: one with a young Ella Fitzgerald, and one with a young Ray Charles. A good start!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“All you need is love” by John Lennon. Read the lyrics out loud recently and started crying. Also “Make you feel my love” by Bob Dylan. Discovered the song thanks to Adele's cover. What a deep and beautiful love song from one of the greatest poets.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I use my voice memo a lot when getting new ideas, on my bike, in a car or walking on the sidewalk. At the piano I try not to get stuck with my eyes fixed to the paper. Get up, move, sing something, beatbox… try to keep the flow.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
To be honest I don’t listen to music very much these days. I love the sound of silence or the sound of the environment I’m in; on a train, in the supermarket, on the street… BUT I’ve been shazaming 729 times since I downloaded the app many years ago. Love the app; so pure (and magical) with no strings attached as far as I can tell. Three recent shazams are: Jon Batiste “Blackk” (Live) LOVE IT!!, Moonchild “Back To Me” WUHUU!! Her voice, their sound!, Oliver Michael “Make My Move (feat. King Marino)” STAANK! What a track! Don’t know him, but I dig it.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Stevie Wonder! Living legend that has inspired hearts and changed the world in beautiful ways through his music. I would be in awe if I got the chance, but I would say yes.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
To meet the audience in the moment through live music with the chance to inspire, lift, move, touch… That’s a BIG privilege! Always remember to tell somebody when they did something you like. Otherwise they might not know if what they do is any good.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The one hundred and seventeen things you have to take care of yourself to keep the wheels running as a musician. Admin, social media, PR, photos, videos, recordings, band rehearsals, logistics, transportation, budgets, applications…
The whole DIY millennium mindset can be really tough and frustrating. And it’s easy to get lost in the digital jungle and lose your motivation with 100.000 tracks being released every day! You have to choose your battles, get a little help from your friends and not least keep having fun making music, and remember what got you started in the first place.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I’ve been reading parts of “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin, and he’s saying a lot of wise things in his own personal way. To forget the audience and what they might think or like, when you’re playing or making music is a very good advice, and something you can practice for a lifetime. I’ve had moments of truth by the piano, alone but not alone, tuning in to a frequency where the music flows without force, without expectations. That’s very beautiful. At every gig I get a new chance to surrender to this universal river of potential energy. That has much to do with the meaning of playing music for me. Apart from that and slightly more practical: Respect every gig, save up money if you can – keep on listening!
-
BAUN's new album 'BEGINNINGS' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.