Rising star JOEL BAKER releases his debut mixtape, BAG OF DREAMS today.
Off the back of a host of stellar singles and critically acclaimed early EP’s; Joel Baker has racked up hundreds of thousands of plays and landed countless places on influential tastemaker playlists. From Spotify New Music Friday additions to Apple Music declaring him ‘a stunningly soulful writer’ when he secured the New Artist Spotlight slot earlier this month.
Featuring a guest appearance from Abra Cadabra and co produced by Joel alongside Courage (Ray BLK), Kin (Naughty Boy) and Maths Time Joy (Gallant), the mixtape encapsulates a sound that falls somewhere between Ben Howard and early Jamie T while fused with the world of grime.
From celebrated lead single Story, feat Abra Cadabra and accompanied by a stunning video directed by Grime’s most trusted photographer Vicky Grout, to title track Bag of Dreams and striking new song Save the mixtape is set to make its mark on 2017.
The ex-Labour speech writer has been championed by a wealth of tastemakers – from MistaJam & Huw Stephens through to i-D and Clash Magazine (to name a few). Currently in the studio with rated Croydon MC Hardy Caprio, Joel’s remarkable momentum is set to continue as he works on his new EP to be released later this year.
Speaking about the mixtape, Joel says:
‘This project was all about expressing the colours on my palette. I am from the generation where genre’s are there to mixed and blended, and this project showcases that. Somewhere in between J.Cole and Joni Mitchell you’ll find seven songs which bear the bruises of my soul.
I wrote every word and produced the majority of this mixtape myself in my bedroom. It is far from perfect in sonic or shape. But that’s the point. In sacrificing the gloss I hope you get stuck in some of the wood grains left untouched. However it would be wrong not to acknowledge the help I’ve received on this project. An incredible producer called Hoost has transformed an old song of mine “Further Than Feelings” into something new. My main man Courage (Ray Blk) also produced the Biggie Reworking of “Story”. I was a fan of Abra Cadabra before, but seeing his magic in the studio has left me with so much respect for him.
Lastly, working with Maths Time Joy was definitely one of the highlights. The vibe was so natural and I’m really proud of the song we wrote. I think it’s my favourite track. I wanted to put a magnifying glass on the beautiful normality of love. Lines like “I’d miss match of the day for you” summarize the narrative. I am so proud to be working on a full length project with Maths in the coming months.’
FOLLOW JOEL’S JOURNEY: