Where are you based these days?
I'm based in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn but I’ve been in LA a ton this year too!
Tell us about your first solo project “SUMMER MIXTAPE,” what was the inspiration?
It really just came about earlier this year when I realized I had all this unreleased music that was so good and so catchy. I knew I needed to purge some of my old music in order to reinvent and revive myself as BAYLI the solo artist.
What is the inspiration for "Mr. & Mrs. Smith?"
This song takes you on a journey through a very important relationship in my life. It’s basically my version of “Bonnie & Clyde” and the story of how we made a seemingly impossible relationship work. I love using wordplay to weave the listener in and out of moments when we're happy and moments when we’d broken up and hated each other. Thankfully, in the end, we ended up working everything out and I’m so happy to have my very own superhero by my side every day.
Do you collaborate with other musicians?
Yes, I collaborate with other musicians every day when I’m writing in the studio. Collaborating with artists is my favorite thing to do because it helps open my mind up to ideas and melodies I’d never think to use. I’m really open to features and remixes in the future.
Do you like touring? Who are some of the musicians you have toured with?
Touring is my favorite thing! I’ve been lucky enough to tour around North America and Europe with my band The Skins-- we’ve opened up for The Heavy, Jake Bugg, DNCE, and more. Recently I’ve been lucky enough to secure a few opening gigs for Snoop Dogg and Rae Stremmurd. I feel so lucky that playing music is my job.
Tell us a bit about your original band The Skins?
The Skins was the first and greatest band I’ve ever been a part of. We were together for nearly eight years and we learned so much about music and the music industry, together.
Who are you listening to these days?
I know this is going to sound weird but I’ve been listening to a lot of underground folk music. I’ve been in love with soothing, emotional sounds lately. I’m hoping it inspires me to create a really cool vibe for my next release.
Do you have any touring plans of your own?
F*ck yea! I should be out on the road soon, but for now, I’m playing locally in small clubs and venues in NYC and LA while I wait for bigger gigs to arise.
What can we expect from your show at The Standard, East Village as part of the Annie O Music Series?
You can expect EPIC sounds and EMPOWERING lyrics. Since most people have no clue what to expect when they come to my show, I always seem to leave them “struck” in one way or another. I hope that that’s a good thing.
