Brock Baker started his musical journey at the age of four performing in front of thousands and participating in singing competitions.
In 2007, he received his first musical award at GMAs for “Best Vocals.” After being a Warbler on the hit television show GLEE he has had the opportunity of singing with and opening for artists such as Katy Perry, Jordin Sparks, The Eagles, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Tye Tribett and the list goes on.
He is a singer, writer, musician, and actor, but most of all he is an entertainer. His debut EP “Young ‘n’ Stupid” was featured on the Homepage of iTunes during release week and continues to gain momentum daily. From the man to the music, Brock’s connection with people brings them together.
In this interview, we chat with Brock about his newest release, his influences, and the challenges faced as an indie artist in this digital age.
Full Q&A as well as video streams available below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I was brought up listening to the records my parents were listening to. Old school music, going all the way back to the roots of Gospel music. It’s the soulful side of it. The lyrics, the instrumentation – the heart – that comes shining through and I can’t help but put that soul into the music I create today.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I started performing in public when I was 4 years old, but really started creating my own music when I was 14 and started playing those songs out with my band shortly after. I never stopped. I’ve been playing my music with bands since then and hope to keep sharing until the day I die.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
My dad has always been my hero and a tremendous personal influence. As time goes by and I experience the ups and downs in life, I’m influenced by the love, pain, social events, and current issues that each new day brings. Relationships have also had a huge influence on me. But, I would say that no matter what state my life is in my family, friends, and faith are my constant motivation. Ultimately, I hope to create joy, to help other people make sense of their world, and to add color when the world may seem black and white.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
My hope is to just share my heart and let what’s inside of me come out in its truest form. My ultimate goal is to share myself, my personality, my thoughts, my truth, in the most pure form possible with a sound that helps us all groove together.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’m constantly listening to music, so this answer can change by the minute! I just got done with rehearsal and we’re playing “one dance” by drake so thats been stuck in my head, but before that I listened to Bob Marley’s “One Love.” It’s been on my mind so much lately with all of this division in our country right now. That song inspired me to write “Marley”. I love how much power melodies and words can have over our heads and our hearts.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
If I’m listening to Sinatra or one of the classics, I gotta go vinyl. When I was living in Hollywood full time, I used to go to Amoeba Music and buy cd’s and full albums. There’s nothing like an actual record store. For convenience, I have to say that I’m an mp3 guy. But I purchase all of my music outright to support the artists and musicians the best way that I can.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I pretty much just go on iTunes and buy the albums or I buy records from the store. I know that I’m supporting my fellow musicians out when I do it. I like that feeling.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
The challenge is getting more views and shares and likes on art over some random lady laughing at herself in a child’s mask. For years I’ve been told that I’ve been considered one of the “best kept secrets on the scene”. Now I don’t know how true that is, but I do know that I have been living underground for a bit to plant some strong music roots. This business is constantly changing, there’s no single formula for success in the music industry. The hope is to just sing loud enough for people to hear, pretty enough for people to enjoy it, and passionate enough for people to feel it. The biggest challenge is getting support from the network that I have in place. We all need the help and to support each other.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I do all of that. I’m actually doing this interview while on a gig in Minnesota. I am performing on youtube, in the LA area periodically, and (very randomly) for a new kids show coming out soon with my dear friend Alyson Stoner.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
BrockBaker.com connects anyone to all of my socials and keeps the brockstars engaged and informed of new content. youtube.com/brockstarbakershows my music Snapchat shows most of my day to day , and instagram shows my week in an artistic fashion along with my “Fresh Friday” musical snippets, Facebook.com/brockbakermusicinforms everyone of upcoming events, and twitter does that but also shares my thoughts I write back!
