Discover more from Volatile Weekly
Interview: Baytrees
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
My mum got me into music whatever she was doing there was always music on, cleaning, cooking, hoovering. If I hadn’t of got into music I may have been a footballer. Me and my bro used to play football all day when we were little, from sunrise to sunset.
What do you like to do when you’re not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I like to stay in shape, healthy body healthy mind. I read a lot and try and meditate as often as possible. If I’m not doing either of those I’m most likely reading about new plug ins or synths.
How long has your band been around?
We have been together for about 3 years now, but been mates for ages.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We come straight outta Brixton town the place that never sleeps.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.
Me and my bro Kwame grew up on Baytree road. Its everything, its how we were raised, who we are and how we see the world.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
The worst show was probably on a boat. The kick drum was all over the place, we were all out of tune, I felt like I was going to throw up all set.
Best has to be 100 Club. Such a legendary venue with so much history. I always prefer a sweatbox gig, 100 people nice and tight, crowd at arm’s length.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?
I’d Love to play the pyramid stage at Glasto. To look out at thousands of people singing our songs back to us.
If you could play any show with any line-up who would be on the ticket?
would have to be Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Cameo, Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Put in your hours.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
None I’d do it all the same……Maybe the lottery numbers.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
We have a new song called ‘Midnight Run, which is dedicated to my cousin, who sadly took his own life. In this age of social media and societal pressures, our mental health is often neglected We need to do more to raise awareness for mental health, especially amongst men.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
Life is a massive inspiration for me. I take real experiences and turn them onto songs. Writing music is a form of therapy. We have a studio in my house, that’s where I spend most of my time. I try and make a couple songs or ideas a day, show them to the guys, they don’t all make it to the pass but every so often you strike gold.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Love: it’s the universal language, everybody wants to love or be loved.
Togetherness, when people are united, they become unstoppable.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
We have them all the time, their only ever about music, but we know each other well enough to have it out and move on. Our time on this planet is miniscule so why waste it dwelling on things.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that’s coming up?
We’re just putting the finishing touches to our latest ep which is currently untiled. Its due for release in November.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HdNezBbWKdinDqTnuJfGG