Kelli Baker-. An emotionally soulful pop r&b blend. beats and moderate tempo move this song along in a composition riff w retrospective lyric and smooth but energetic vocals.
Interview conducted June 1, 2020
By Dan Locke
Kelli Baker: She was taught music and voice in the church choir, went on to audition choral groups, performing the National Anthem for the NBA at 17 (Phoenix Suns), fronting a hard rock group, pairing in a folk duo, and eventually, writing and performing for herself.
What is your upbringing?
I was raised in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. I was lucky to have two very supportive parents that both encouraged and supported (and often engaged in) my wild antics. It was always a blast.
How did you discover music?
There’s discovering music as a child, and discovering music as you move into your own. I was taught music in the church choir- I remember listening to the Flashdance (how good is Lady, Lady, Lady?) vinyl over and over with my mom. My dad introduced me to The Beatles. My first CD of my own choosing was Nirvana, Insecticide. That was a different kind of exploration. It was listening to “I Want You” (Abbey Road) while making out with my Homecoming date in front of a parked house. He wore Versace “Blue Jeans”. Putting The Damage On by Tori Amos- listening to it in my dark bedroom, the strings, over and over. I do that a lot- fall in love with a song- listen to it over and over, take every emotion out and absorb it.
How did you start to write music?
I’ve been writing music as long as I can remember- I was always a reader. My dad used to take me to the public library every weekend. I learned the power of language and poetry from an early age. I always start with poetry. Everything I write is personal.
You were in the sixth grade which at the time you won your sixth-grade spelling bee champion. What was the winning word?
Finally, someone wants to really dive into this! Yes, let’s talk about it. (My sixth-grade dreams come true) I wish that I remembered- I know it was an “ei” vs an “ie” kind of battle. When I was last at my mom’s house, I found some awful, gloating piece about it.
Do you remember how you got your first guitar?
It was a Takamine given to me by an ex-boyfriend after we had broken up. He bought it at a pawn shop; I think I still have the card somewhere.
I had a couple breakups like that- “Hey, let’s break up, here’s a guitar. Have fun…We should break up. I might regret this if you’re a musician someday, etc”
Yes. And thanks, guys!
And do you still have it?
I do- I don’t play it often, but I would never get rid of it.
With your present guitars what is your favorite one. Model, make and year. And what is its name?
My go-to is a Taylor GS Mini that I bought in 2018. Her name is Betsy. I have a Les Paul that I am having a passionate love affair with- that’s Sweet Jane.
How was it to perform the National Anthem for the Phoenix Suns at 17? And how did you get it?
I won it on a radio show- you had to call in and someone from The Suns was listening in. I made the final rounds from call-ins and someone from The Suns picked my version. I had quick radio fingers because I always was requesting some love song to be played in the middle of the night. I had every station’s phone number memorized!
I remember being walked through security, into the private areas- it was pretty intimidating. The organizer walked me through, and told me that Jimmy Jam (it was a Minnesota Timberwolves game) was in the audience. THAT made me nervous. I was so shaky at first, almost to where I couldn’t recover. I was so nervous. But when I hit “FREE”- it came in so clear and solid. I found my voice. The audience cheered and redemption came in a wave. It was very sweet.
What was the name of your first band?
Dependency! I was the singer; I didn’t play an instrument at the time. I responded to an ad; I met the guitarist in a bar. We hit it off and did shots all night. We kept the name because he already had the web domain from his last band…. Dependency. There’s only one guy I haven’t remained in touch with. I hope Mike is still out there playing the bass.
Why did you leave Phoenix to go to NYC with only $500 to chase the heels of Hurricane Sandy?
It was only a matter of time until I ended up in New York, I already just felt like I was supposed to be here. Now that I’m here, I feel the same way.
I had sold everything I owned, quit my job, packed up the trailer, etc. It was a string of challenges from the moment we hit the road, including my truck blowing its engine in a small town. My dad was with me. Every time he said, “turn back. It’s a sign.” I would say, “I’m not going back.” I sold my truck for scrap money and used what I had on a giant U-Haul. It was all they had. I think I had five boxes in there.
The storm came on the way. When I arrived in New York, the power stayed out for thirteen days. There was a Nor’easter snow storm that hit four days later. Being from Arizona, I never saw snow actually come down (and stick) in my life. To say I was not prepared is an understatement.
What did you do the first month in NYC?
I walked up and down the street with my resume in hand. I went into every restaurant and bar and said I would do whatever they had for me to do.
I remember interviewing at one place near Barclays Center- the management was so condescending. I’ll admit it, New York is a different kind of hustle. They didn’t think I had it in me. Sometimes I think I might go back in there, but I haven’t yet. It’s still around.
How did the death of your father a turning point in your life?
Oh, man. I could go on about this. I was extremely close to my father, and I’m an only child. I was having a really hard time. He was coming out to help me. The last words he said were, “Book the ticket. I love you.”
And then, he died. They call it the widow maker. I had gone to my aunt’s house for some paperwork, and she told me to sit down. I screamed for hours, days. A year. There’s who you are before something like that happens, and who you are after.
How is your EP coming along?
Every time I write a new song, I feel more in touch with where I’m going musically. My producer, Philip. A. Jimenez (Wheatus, Teenage Dirtbag) and I have a great rhythm. At this point, he instinctively knows where I want to take something. He gets it.
Why did you write a poet/song about your ex-boyfriend?
My writing is very personal. There’s any need to name anyone, nor will I, but I write what I’m passionate about. I write what I need to say or get out.
What is your favorite track on the album?
Red Winter is my most personal song to date. I took every fear that I had about myself in my head and I screamed it to the world. The entire piece is about perception- how everyone looks at something different and sees their own interpretation. I feel like I was misinterpreted. Red Winter puts the cards on the table.
How do you stay healthy while gigging in small clubs?
For now, my only vice is coffee. I gave up alcohol at Thanksgiving last year. I feel like I spent a lot of time hungover, wasting time. This part of my life is about work, hustle, authenticity. I need to be clear-headed to be my best self.
What is the Rabbit Hole?
Now that would ruin all the fun, wouldn’t it?
What are your feelings about streaming music?
Not the best financial model for artists and hopefully that can evolve as we enter into new territory- but I love the accessibility. I love playlists. Spotify is my main hang. It goes back to me calling the radio stations as a kid. Making mix tapes and CDs (Every cd was a DJ Kel Kel mix- The Essential DJ Kel Kel, DJ Kel Kel Strikes Back, etc)
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both. Digital for introduction, access. Vinyl for the love. Vinyl when you really want to listen.
Any plans to tour?
I wish I could say yes sooner than later. The world is changing. A tour will come. Festivals will come. I’m creating and hoping for more opportunities to share that. I miss playing with my friends. It’s at the top of my list.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?
That’s another question I can go on and on about, so I’ll go with what I’m listening to right now, Ex-Factor, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It makes me think of driving to California for the first time in my red Honda with my best friend, Becca. We were 18. We had no idea where what we were doing, or where we were going, we just went. It was our first time feeling free and capable. We said we would move to California. Life happens, as it does, but this album does remind me.
You were performing at Bar Petite in Huntington Village during the time the virus was taking hold of the world. How has life changed for you?
My live gigs have been canceled with the rest of the world, paused. I miss that. I miss live music. I’m hopeful for its soon return.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’ve been fortunate to be working, learning, creating. I’ve been getting in the truck and just driving for hours, exploring parts of New York I don’t know yet. My video for “RUN” is a time lapse of New York City during that time. It was shot from a cell phone, not initially meant for anything other than observation. The skies were so clear. The streets quiet.
I had three friends discover bird nests in their yards and document it on social media. When have we had the time to appreciate something like that?
The slowing pace of the world- very interesting. Shocking, sad, beautiful, hurtful, tranquil- all these things.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve discovered I will never assemble a gate I keep saying I’m going to assemble. I’m a halfway decent cook.
I’m trying to take my guitar playing to the next level. I want it to become more second nature, so I can make it another fluent language. I’ve been working on that.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Live performance, certainly. Business being the key word- how to make it profitable, I don’t know. I can say that if there’s any time the world needs music and the arts, it’s now. We will find a way.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?
I usually pop up on Facebook Live from “Kelli Baker Music”- sometimes planned, but most times I just go on and chat with people, take requests, etc. I’m usually on around 11 pm as I’m winding down for the night.
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
On a grand scale? Tricky. Music will find a way. Musicians need to be able to create. It’s not a new thing. We will adjust and adapt.
First it was an article in the New York Times, then Rolling Stones talked about it and finally Live Nation CEO said that concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think this could happen?
I wish I had a sense of certainty about many things. I hope that’s not the case. The world needs live music on a human level. Right now, it’s too soon to tell.
If there’s one thing we should be doing right now, it’s listening.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of music fest for the next couple of years?
Oh, I hope not. I don’t think it’s the end. An adaption, yes, but not the end.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Sure, who’s coming?
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I feel like I’ve locked into who I want to be in such a way that I don’t think I’ll go back to living my life for someone else’s interpretation of me. If I stay on that path, I’ll be just fine.
The answer would be, living the best version of myself. And that version, writes and performs music.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I would love to thank my friends and family for their unending support.
Thank you for taking the time to ask such thoughtful questions. I loved walking through them all.
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