Dolly: The world is in a lot of turmoil and it’s taking its toll on us all. Part of that turmoil is social disconnection, people are losing meaning, losing a sense of belonging. “Loneliness Epidemic” is a term you hear a lot now. Even if you don’t feel it, you’re affected by it.
Lin: This was the first track we wrote after a break of over a year. Clef started jamming the chords on the guitar, and I quickly built a beat around it so I could then switch to laying down some keys. We work fast in the studio, and while we were doing that, Dolly was singing ideas straight down, through a vintage echo unit. I kept that echo track in the song, as it had this kind of claustrophobic “locked in a box” sound to it, which seemed in keeping with the theme of the song.
Celf: The riff was the first thing that came out when we hit record. The drive and the grit I think inspired the moodiness of the track, but to me what stands out is how much it captures in few words. I often think about what it means to be real, to be me, if there even is such a thing as “real” versus unreal, fictional, tangible. So I get a lot from the lyrics, but it was Dolly who wrote them, haha.
The video for “Lost Touch” just dropped on YouTube via Boomsmack Records. What was the creative process behind the video, and how does it add to the song’s message?
Dolly: French cinema has done amazing things with visuals since the beginning. We used scenes from Feuillade’s Les Vampires where a woman playing a vampire becomes a victim to demonstrate losing connection, losing touch with who you thought you were.
Lin: We put the live performance take down while we were in a rehearsal for our debut show.. Our time together as a band is always brief, and I was like “let’s get a couple of quick takes for the video”. I love what Dolly did with the edit, interspersing us with that great vintage footage.
Clef: Dolly made the video too and it’s smashing! DIY and juxtaposed with classic footage, super cool. The video has very good use of the Kuleshov effect, where juxtaposed and unrelated video elements played in sequence communicate an emotional state.
Your new album “Release” is set to drop on May 31st. How does this album build on your previous work, and what can fans expect in terms of new sounds and themes?
Lin: For me, this album shows an evolution with us feeling even more comfortable leaning into our moodier vibe, which is there is some of our earlier tracks, if you dig, but more at the forefront here. While there’s still tracks to make you dance on this new record, we’ve drawn more on edgier guitar tones and post-punk moods, blending with our signature synths and love of electronic music.
Clef: The album was made much the same way as our EPs, recorded in a weekend and perfected by Lin, Dolly and I in small steps afterward. I moved away for a year and wasn’t sure I was coming back, but decided eventually that I had to be home. I think the songs on this album were less concerned about what the Bae sound was, which is why it sounds the most authentically Bae to date. I like that we can explore so many sonic avenues.
Dolly: An intentionally darker mood than previous Bae Baracus records, ‘Release’ explores the double-edged themes of liberation and the ennui that accompanies it. Like a 3am coffee, the album is both energetic and angst-ridden. Filled with nocturnal post-punk dance, it abandons all hope of sleep and embraces the night.
Clef created a unique collage for the album cover of “Release.” Can you walk us through the inspiration and creation process behind this artwork, and how it ties into the album’s themes?
Celf: I wanted to make a cover that was a physical piece of art rather than a digital one. When I make a piece of art, I tend to land on a process that is very stream of consciousness. My ADD went full hyper focus on this one, and I ended up making the whole thing in about 6 hours, starting around 8pm. I asked Lin and Dolly to send me personal photos and I decided whatever I got would be my full collage palette. The result is weird, but satisfying to look at. And now the collage is being de-constructed for art’ sake!
Lin: We knew we wanted something special for this album’s cover, and when Clef suggested he do a collage, Dolly and I were totally up for it. I love what he did, it’s so unique and feels really meaningful.
After “Release” hits the shelves, what’s next for Bae Baracus? Any upcoming tours, collabs, or projects you’re keen to share with your fans?
Dolly: We have another video coming out for ‘Move into the Sea’ – the final track on Release. As for tours, we’re really a studio project but we will be doing a super rare one off hometown show in August.
Lin: When this album drops, we’ll have a total 21 songs in our repertoire, not bad for a band who’ve only been in the studio a total of less than 3 weeks together! We recently played our first show and people absolutely loved it, so the focus will be a switch to live shows. Between us, we have a lot of commitments with day jobs and families, so while a full blown tour might not be on the table just yet, we’re definitely up for one-off shows when we can.
Clef: We have a gig in the summer to celebrate the release of ‘Release’, and from there who knows! I think it’d be cool to play a city show at some point, lots of travel and timing to consider. But Bae is strong!
“Lost Touch” delves into feeling disconnected and finding your way back to yourself. How does this track reflect your band’s evolution and current artistic direction?
Dolly: ‘Release’ is darker, as said. But Bae doesn’t stay on the same trajectory for long. We zig, then we zag. You’ll see with our next video, which goes in a very direction from ‘Lost Touch’.
Clef: Interesting question. I am deeply concerned about the spirit of artistry in the music industry these days, because it feels as though more and more of what I see is for feeding the algorithm. But it’s so much worse than trying to be popular or a hit, because obviously artists have egos and want to see their art exist, but this current age is more like the music CAN’T exist without being referential, nostalgic, captivating, technically and proficiently excellent and visionary. It’s like the bar has gotten so high it’s almost inhuman. And yet, the AI machines are getting exponentially better at making music that sounds like human music. So, how do we connect with art on a meaningful level? Is meaning still meaningful? My only answer to this is to wave off the question and keep playing, because it’s fun and I know how to do it.
The themes of “Lost Touch” speak to the disconnection we feel in today’s interconnected world. How do you reckon your audience will resonate with these themes, and what message do you hope they take away from the song?
Dolly: I’ve no doubt that it will resonate with many of those who hear it. The simple message to take away from the song is “I see you. You’re not alone in your loneliness.”