Heart connection

Louis Baker. Picture supplied

When Louis Baker creates his soulful music he draws on nature.

“The earth, water and sun are fuel for creativity for me,” he says. And it’s not something he ever takes for granted. “Having space and time to create music seems like such a luxury in this day and age, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity. It’s a heart connection.”

Louis (Ngāruahine, Ngā Puhi) is another exciting addition to the Whiti offering of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival. He is performing on Sunday February 4 at the Lawson Field Theatre.

The inspiration for his music also comes from whānau, the moon, stars, his love, friends, those around him, and even what is happening in the world.

The lad from Newtown in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) who picked up his first guitar at 11, is hailed as one of the most soulful voices to emerge from New Zealand’s fertile musical landscape. His powerhouse voice draws from the rich traditions of soul, hip hop and jazz.

While he has performed all over the world, gathering fans along the way, there is nowhere else he would rather be than in Titahi Bay.

“Maybe I will live somewhere else in years to come but right now it feels like New Zealand is the right place to be. I’ve been a lot of different places but my home will always be here in Aotearoa.”

He’s no stranger to Te Tairāwhiti and is looking forward to catching up with old mates and playing to new audiences.

“There’s always heaps of manaakitanga, good kai and good vibes,” he says.

He’s promising laughs, tears, a dance or three and to finish the night on a high from his signature slow-cooked, indie-soul performance.

His most recent EP Love Levitates has been described by Rolling Stone magazine as “luxurious funk-soul”.

Louis has more than 38 million Spotify streams, sold-out shows and plenty of nominations for prestigious music awards including the APRA Silver Scroll Award, Taite Music prize and Aotearoa Music Awards.

Performing with him in Tairāwhiti will be Kirsten Te Rito and Lisa Tomlins on backing vocals, James Illingworth on keys, Johnny Lawrence on bass and Cory Champion on drums.

With a new record in the works and more singles set to be released this year, he’s in full creative mode.

“I’m often writing and creating at home in my studio and absolutely love losing myself in the process.”

Prepare to be entranced with his Tairāwhiti performance.

WHAT: Louis Baker

WHEN: February 4

WHERE: Lawson Field Theatre

TICKETS: www.tetairawhitiartsfestival.nz