West Coast, Canada-based post-punk electronic trio Bae Baracus release new 8-song album, Release
Release, the latest full-length album from Bae Baracus, displays a musical evolution for the West Coast trio, seeing them lean into an intentionally darker vibe. Drawing on edgier guitar tones and post-punk moods, the band also stays committed to their signature synths and love of electronic music, resulting in a glorious and enticing sonic blend.
Release explores the double-edged themes of liberation and the ennui that accompanies it. Like a 3 am 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.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Dolly – I’m Dolly, lead singer of Bae Baracus, based in Vancouver, originally from Dublin, Ireland.
Clef Seeley – local jazz cat and good life aficionado
Lin – I’m Lin Gardiner, songwriter, producer, and mixer in music and an Audio Director in video games
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Dolly – Our debut album is called “Release” because we wanted to evoke a sudden big feeling of a weight lifted. Which is actually at odds with the mood of the album. You could say the title is aspirational, an expression of our hope that the psychological weight of 21st frustration and anxiety gets lifted.
Clef – It is aptly named Release- and it is a bit of a release, after a year of hiatus, to return as though nothing changed, to see it all coming back around- the whole world, the whole culture, it feels like the music is getting out faster.
Lin – our latest release, ‘Release’ sees us leaning into more of our post-punk sensibilities, with touches of indie, goth, and a dose of our usual lush synthesizers for good electronic measure.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Dolly – It mostly happens when we meet in Lin’s studio a couple of times a year. Lin often shares tracks with the band before we go into the studio but sometimes directly in the studio. And we go from there. I write a melody and lyrics and get feedback from Eric and Lin. They both collaborate more on the music than, riffing off my melody.
Clef – Linearly. Get a running start. Throw it at the wall and see what sticks. You gotta just try stuff.
Lin – we don’t get a chance to get together much. In fact, all our 21 released songs were created in a total of fewer than 3 weeks together in the studio… so we write and record fast, creative sparks fly and we just go with whatever flow. I take a bit more time for production but still try to keep that fast flow – we don’t obsess over details which is refreshing.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Dolly – We have already released the single “People” and a video for “Lost Touch”, and we’re releasing “Move Into The Sea” soon accompanied by a very special video.
Clef – We have a local show on August 16th. Roberts Creek Legion, Xwesam BC!
Lin – Yeah, the “Move Into The Sea” video (and song) has a very Bae take on a possible solution to the housing crisis, and in fact the issue of the 1% screwing the rest of us over. That drops within the next couple of weeks. We have a big show coming in mid-August, and after that, the focus will be on live shows whenever our schedules line up.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Dolly – Bae Baracus is the highlight!
Clef – My biggest accomplishment is that the most success and momentum I’ve had in my music career has come since this era took over. And that the music I’m involved in now is the most creative, unexpected music I’ve ever engaged in. I’m grateful to all my collaborators.
Lin – I’ve been working as a music professional since the mid-90s… I have a ton of highlights and amazing moments. I will say though that creating these songs with Dolly & Clef is one of my favourite things.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Dolly – Check out Vancouver punk band “Crybaby Cannon” (@crybabycannon) for an angrier, shoutier exploration of the same themes explored in Release – anxiety and alienation.
Clef – JANKY TYGER on the Sunshine Coast, BC
Lin – This might seem a bit of a vague answer, but I honestly have huge respect for anyone and everyone who’s releasing music or playing live. It’s a hustle, it’s fun, but it’s also lots of work, and at the end of the day, as musicians and performers we are here to entertain people. What an amazing thing to be able to do! So without getting into specifics of people to check out, I’d encourage everyone to continue to support independent artists of all genres.