Michael Baker has released his new album ‘Salt’.
Speaking of the album, Michael said: “My first album was your classic, for want of a better word, heartbreak record. Coming past that period of my life, I made this album the one where I was able to talk about mental health. I was turning 30 in the music industry, that was hard. You question a lot of things at that age until you start realizing that it’s not all that serious. Ultimately, it was the happiest two years of my life while making this record. I have a wonderful girlfriend, wonderful friends, but still the same mental health problems that I’d been able to blame on other things before. It shocked me that I was still having these ups and downs.”
A meaningful release with a mix of heart-wrenching and warming singles encased in emotional, it’s an honest album that flows with a personal reflection, approaching sensitive topics many previously shied away from, providing an honest space and point of realisation that you’re not alone.
To celebrate the album release, we caught up with Michael to discover 5 tracks that influenced ‘Salt’.
Nathaniel Rateliff – Early Spring Till | Listen via Spotify
I fell in love with Nathaniel Rateliff’s music around 2011 when his album ‘In Memory of Loss‘ came out, and have followed him ever since. While I like his work with The Night Sweats, his solo music is what I really resonate with. I love the arrangement of the band in this track and the lyrics are beautiful.
Big Thief – UFOF | Listen via Spotify
Big Thief are one of my favourite bands, and was lucky enough to see them at Green Man festival in 2019. They completely blew my mind. 4 people that are so in tune with each other. The sound they make together is just so beautiful it is hard to believe. I love how raw their albums sound and how the band weave their parts together so beautifully.
War On Drugs – Suffering | Listen via Spotify
I was introduced to War On Drugs by my friend Tom, who is also the guitarist in my band. I started by hearing their ‘Lost In The Dream’ Album. I also managed to see them at Green Man festival in 2018. Their guitar interplay is just beautiful and they manage to bring energy while still hitting you in the feels. There are tracks of theirs that you can definitely hear influence me more, but this is my favourite track so had to share this one!
Bon Iver – 8 (circle) | Listen via Spotify
Is there a singer-songwriter that isn’t influenced by Bon Iver? I’ve put this track because it really inspired my track ‘Big Moon’ But to be honest I could have picked anything. I love his production, his soulful country melodies and of course the production. His live sets are even better.
David Ramirez – Harder To Lie | Listen via Spotify
I was lucky enough to support David at his London show. I think he is one of my favourite songwriters. All his albums are beautiful but his album ‘Fables’ is my favourite I think. This is a track from that album.
You can stream Michael Baker’s ‘Salt’ via Spotify below: