10 Things We Love About: BAELY

An artist that is on the verge of exploding into a household name, BAELY is one of the most promising talents to emerge from the R&B scene in recent years. Having worked with the likes of Burna Boy, Pa Salieu, MNEK and Jorja Smith, BAELY has started making a name for himself through his own exceptional work as he seamlessly fuses his R&B foundations along with his dreamy vocals, all blended through his love for Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul and Jazz that make for a stunning individual sound that ensures BAELY’s music is instantly recognisable from the first play.

Having already accomplished so much in such a short space of time, performing at the Boiler Room Festival, being invited to play as a guest artist for Pete Tong and The Heritage Orchestra’s Live Stream from the O2 Arena, and even performing with The Free Nationals, there still feels like there is so much still to come, which is a compliment of the highest order to an emerging artist that has done so much, because it really feels like the sky's the limit.

Here are 10 things that we love about the young sensation:

We love your new single ‘Teleport’ … A stunning release, what was the process behind creating such an incredible piece of music?

I went on a writing trip to LA and was connected with a producer called 'Insightful' through some mutual musician friends. We clicked instantly, both musically and just as people - which I think always helps. He was playing through some beats he'd started making and essentially said, "if anything resonates with you, let me know and we can build on it." Everything he played was so dope, which was super refreshing. We ended up settling on a beat (which became the foundations of 'Teleport') and started building from there. Was such a dope session and the idea and lyrics just flowed out of me. Fast-forward to me being back in London, we decided to call upon more collaborators because we knew a few people between us that would be able to add some magic to the track. This became live bass played by NY-based producer/bassist 'Carrtoons', piano played by UK Jazz/Soul talent Reuben James and additional bass by another close friend, Louis van der Westhuizen. I also ended up writing a string arrangement for the outro and bringing it to UK Violinist, Marianne Haynes - who expanded on the idea and played it so beautifully. I had another close friend and incredibly talented producer, Linden Jay help me re-vocal some of the parts and then had it mixed by Lavar Bullard and mastered by Prash 'Engine-Earz' Mistry as the final touches. The whole track became a real "family affair", which I was super grateful for, because it made the release all the more special.

We love who you have previously worked with … Goldlink, Burna Boy, MNEK, Pa Salieu, Big Zuu, the list goes on, how do you feel this has improved your development as an artist working around such accomplished artists?

I've been super grateful to have had opportunities to work with so many incredible, accomplished artists. It really has given me an insight into how much work goes in to establishing a name for yourself and has also at many times been a window into the type of team I'd want to build around myself as an artist. I also think the fact that I've been able to share creative spaces with these people has helped develop my confidence in my own ability and been a reminder to not doubt myself when it comes to my own artistry and knowing what I want.

We love how you worked on Dave’s Mercury Award winning album … One of the best albums of the past decade, how did it feel to contribute to such a masterpiece?

It was a pleasure to be asked! Dave is such a dope artist who I've followed the journey of for a while - it's been incredible to watch his growth and the much deserved accolades he's receiving for being such a force in the UK grime/rap scene. When I heard the album for the first time in the studio still in it's unfinished stages, I knew it was a special one, with such an important, powerful message. To even play a small part in executing Dave and his team's vision for the album was an honor.

We love how you’ve played live with the Free Nationals … Such an incredible band, what is it like playing with these guys?

I'm actually still hyped from that gig! Such a fun performance. I was nervous as hell at first as it was a super last minute request to join them on stage during a small London show of theirs, while they were in town supporting The Red Hot Chilli Peppers - not to mention that I had Anderson Paak chilling at the side of stage! The band are absolute beasts - so dope! Been a fan of their music and Anderson's for a minute, so getting the opportunity to play live with the band was a highlight moment for me this year for sure. On top of all of that, they're just super down to earth guys - and having them and Anderson tell me how dope they thought I was after the performance, was just crazy to hear. Looking forward to hopefully connecting up with them again in the future for sure.

We love how you’ve worked with Jorja Smith … One of the best around at the moment, what was it like teaming up and working with such an incredible artist?

Jorja's great. Especially as a young, independent, UK artist - it's actually been super inspiring to work with her and witness how she navigates that territory, being an independent artist myself. The way she and her team have not only carved an incredibly successful career so far, but also cultivated a working environment that feels like a massive family is incredible to see and really inspiring - and again, just another massively down to earth person who I've had the privilege to work with and gain a friend out of.

We love your modern take on R&B that is infused with Neo-Soul and Electronic music … A real niche mix, but something that works so well. Has this always been your sound or has this been something you have worked to achieve?

I feel like my sound is just a combination of the music I was inspired by growing up mixed with the fact that I'm not afraid to experiment musically and draw upon different influences. I'm a big fan of R&B, and amongst so many other genres - also grew up surrounded by the music of the Neo-Soul greats, and geek out on synths and the use of electronic instruments across a multitude of genres, so I guess having the musical direction I have just came really naturally. My sound has definitely developed and evolved since I first started writing for sure, but I also think it's been a huge help collaborating with producers who just get me and are able to bring this sound that a lot of the time I can only verbalise, to life.

We love your powerful debut single ‘Talking To The Walls’ … The song that started it all, did you know how far you would come when releasing that single?

Since starting to release music, I've always put music out for the love of it - I feel like everything else has almost been a by-product. When I released my debut single, I didn't really think about anything other than the fact that I was finally sharing a part of myself and creating a marker for the start of my journey - whatever that was to become. I love what I do, and the fact that my music has continued to allow me to connect and resonate with people, and continues to open new doors is a huge blessing. I'm just taking everything day by day and enjoying the process.

We love how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are now … Have you always been naturally a hard worker, or do you feel this is something that has been developed over time?

I think I've always been like this. Everything I do I just naturally put 110% into it, otherwise I'm not satisfied. I also know how tricky and complex it is navigating the music industry as an independent and trying to cut through the noise - you kind of have to adopt a bit of a hustle mentality and just run at doors full speed, so to speak.

We love how profound your music is … There is such a realness to your music and you put so much heart into it, is this just all part of your creative process?

100%. I really care about everything I do and I think that comes across through the music I create. I make music that resonates with me first and foremost - and from that, I think it sets a good foundation to be able to connect and resonate with others. From the beat and instrumentation to the lyrics, I want it to all come from a genuine place - especially with all the pressure nowadays to make music that follows trends or some kind of formula.

We love how you starred in your own music video … And what an incredible video it is, do you have further plans to perhaps delve into acting?

I actually started out in acting - probably simultaneously with singing, but acting has always been a little passion of mine, even though music essentially took precedence. I'm yet to fully pull out my acting skills in a music video - maybe soon! But yeah, if opportunities arose further down the line in my career to explore acting again, I'd be open to it for sure!