Introducing #277 - Melanie Baker
Newcastle based indie specialist Melanie Baker is about to release her new EP ‘Burnout Baby’ this Friday (5th April) via Du Blonde’s indie label Daemon T.V.
The Cumbrian native’s second EP delves deeper into her raw songwriting cannon and focuses on the process of struggling with intense burnout, showcased within the self -taught musician’s newly rocky full - band arrangements.
With a UK tour this month to support the release - Melanie took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey there Melanie Baker- how are you? So your track ‘I don't cry like i used to’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
I'm good, thank you! I wrote this song about hitting a rock bottom with my mental health a couple of years ago, I usually find it hard to write about a current situation but this one was a bit of an exception because I actually wrote it during the time when I was feeling my lowest. It's about being so physically and emotionally drained, you can't even find the energy to let it all out with a cry. It's probably the most vulnerable song I've written and released so I was kind of nervous to release it.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
I'm originally from the Lake District, and I grew up there so at heart I am a pure country bumpkin haha. And whenever I go home to visit the lakes or go walking in the fells, that's when I feel most myself. I feel extremely grateful that growing up I had so much nature right on my doorstep. I used to spend a lot of time in the woods next to my house as a kid, in the fells and swimming in the lakes. Now I've lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for the past few years because I was craving more of a city life, to be a part of a bigger music scene but also not being too far away from my old home so I can easily drive back anytime. And I love it here just as much! I spend most of my time in my local coffee shops, going to gigs, going charity shop shopping. And also spending lots of time in my music studio close to my house.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
I'm definitely inspired by music that I like, artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Courtney Barnett, Marika Hackman. But poetry, books, films, art definitely inspire my songwriting the most. I was reading a lot of Patti Smith books during the time I wrote this song as well as my EP. I quickly became inspired by her work and wisdom and made my way through her novels, poetry collections and interviews.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I think the best way to describe it is music you would NOT want to play at a party. If you want to have a nice, fun and care-free time, you would definitely skip my songs on the playlist because even the more upbeat sounding ones are sad and angsty as hell. You would be better off listening to them in the dark with a glass of wine or on the days you don't wanna get out of bed. So I think that's the best description I can give.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
My new EP "Burnout Baby" is coming out on April 5th via Du Blonde's indie label Daemon TV which I'm really really excited about! I'm releasing my first ever vinyls and then I'm going on a UK tour at the end of April with my band visiting Brighton, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Cumbria.
