Molly Baker sings and plays the guitar, and the piano. On June 24th, she released her newest song, “Must Be Nice.” She enjoys singing pop, pop-rock, and pop-country songs as well as writing them. Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Paramore, and Kacey Musgraves are a few of her musical heroes. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?
MOLLY BAKER: I live in East coast USA, and have been recording since I was 10. I was lucky to have a friend who’s father had a home studio, so when my dad wrote a song for me, I recorded there and really enjoyed the process. I started singing in new studios, met amazing producers, and tried new experiences that lead to the producers and songwriters I work with today.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
MOLLY BAKER: I’ve taken piano lessons for 8 years, guitar for 4 years, and I took vocal lessons for a few years when I was younger. My amazing teachers have helped shape me to be the musician I am today!
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘MOLLY BAKER’?
MOLLY BAKER: I was very into mainstream pop when I started singing, so popular artists like Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Dua Lipa influenced me. Now, I’m into more alt/pop artists, like Olivia Rodrigo, The Blue Stones, and Paramore. But I’m still a pop fan at heart! I didn’t choose a stage name since I wanted my music to be put out under my true name. I wanted every song to be as authentic to me as possible!
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
MOLLY BAKER: Starting recently, I’ve become a co-writer lyrically for my songs. I really try to be open and vulnerable in my songwriting, so I hope that the lyrics are relatable and easy to visualize! I am also a big harmony fan, so I would love for the many harmonies I have in my music to stand out!! I would describe my sound in two different genres – I have my angsty, alt pop side, and then I have my acoustic pop side, with softer songs I can play on my acoustic guitar. I love differentiating my songs and making them fun to listen to for all audiences.
MOLLY BAKER: My music style was created with time and new experiences. As I got older, I started listening to alt songs, and I always say I try to make music I would listen to if I heard it on the radio. As I’ve done more open mic nights, I’ve learned that I also love songs that are just one instrument paired with my voice. I try to mix these genres as much as possible to make my own original style. I definitely fall under the pop genre, but can also be put under many different sub genres.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
MOLLY BAKER: I am still pretty young, so I only view my music from a personal narrative, technical artistry, and entertainment standpoint.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
MOLLY BAKER: 7. I think most people don’t understand just how much time goes into making a song. It takes about a month to create it, then three weeks or so to promote it. So, the hope is that it is well received and gets lots of streams! My main goal at the time is to build my fanbase, so more people are aware of the content I’m creating. That being said, I do have fulfilling moments after a song is released, like when somebody takes the time to write an article about me or when I get a DM from someone saying they love my music! So in the future, I hope to grow my fanbase so I’ll have even more rewarding moments like this in the future!!
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
MOLLY BAKER: I’ve pretty much had the same creative process my whole music career! I get a few instrumentals from my producers (I’ve worked with Pete Adams, Linton Smith, Josh Del, and MVRK Henry), and I choose the one I think has the most potential. I then collaborate with top liners (I’ve worked with Jenni Rudolph and Megan Dervin-Ackerman) to write lyrics! Then, I Iearn and practice singing the song, and try to come up with some harmonies. I typically record a week after I finish the lyrics, right in my home studio! I’ll get on a zoom call with my producer, who gives me vocal tips, and works with my dad do most of the tech stuff. A goal of mine is to learn more about the technical/recording side of music!
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
MOLLY BAKER: In my music career, I’d say songwriting. It’s a tough subject to get a hold of, and it takes a lot of patience. I’ve been extremely lucky to work with talented top liners like Megan Dervin-Ackerman and Jenni Rudolph, who’ve taught me all the tricks I know today!
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
MOLLY BAKER: I’ve grown a lot as a recording artist. I’ve learned how to make listeners believe the words I’m saying, and I’m able to record songs in a couple hours! I have also learned how to make up harmonies on the spot, which has been a learning process for me.
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Photo credits: Molly Baker