“My dream manifested to become my reality”: Baker Boy on his first headline national tour, getting ready to perform overseas and chilling with 50 Cent

When you’re one of the buzz acts at BIGSOUND and supported by the likes of triple j, that can be a lot of pressure to live up to for an emerging artist. But Danzal Baker, better known as Baker Boy, is letting that pressure and expectation fuel him in 2018.

His energy is palpable, and understandably so. Not only does he have youth on his side at just 21-years-old, but this year has already seen the Indigenous rapper score himself two songs in Triple J’s Hottest 100 (claiming spots #17 and #76), support some of the biggest international names in hip-hop when they toured Australia and now he’s about to headline his own tour for the first time.

Baker Boy will hit Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney in May/June for the Marryuna Tour – a name that invites everyone to come along and dance with no shame.

Not only that, but he revealed to TMN that he’s locked in his first overseas festival appearance – but didn’t want to give too much away. He also chatted about living up to industry pressure and what he learned from Dizzee Rascal.

You told TMN back at BIGSOUND that your biggest “holy shit” moment was feeling like a bullet in a gun, realising that your career is only just beginning. What has been your biggest “holy shit” moment since then?

I reckon I’ve had a few massive HOLY SHIT (with exclamation marks) moments since then, but the winner is snagging support acts with legendary 50 Cent and Dizzee Rascal… That, and realising how busy me and my crew are getting with all these crazy shows.

It’s amazing, I’ve gone from feeling like a bullet in a gun to being in the eye of Cyclone Baker and watching as all these things around me get crazier and crazier. I love it!

You’ve supported the likes of 50 Cent and Dizzee Rascal. Firstly, what was that like? And secondly, who is the artist you’d most like to support?

All I can say is this, ever since I was a little boy living on community at home in Arnhem Land, I had always dreamed of standing next to 50 Cent and just chilling with him. I would lay back and look at the stars listening to [50 Cent’s track] ’Ayo Technology’ and imagined myself on the same stage.

Fast forward 12 years to actually sharing that stage with him, I was speechless and couldn’t actually believe that my dream manifested to become my reality… how often does that NOT happen?!

The Dizzee Rascal shows were insane and I really enjoyed the level of energy he brings to the stage – definitely something I aspire for all my shows in the future.

As for who I’d most like to support… either Drake or Kendrick Lamar. I listen to them to help psych me up for shows and interviews.

You’ve just announced your first headline tour. What about it are you most looking forward to?

Yeah! And it’s only the first stage announce, with more deadly news to come that will satisfy a lot people. I’m looking forward to the crowd’s reactions and busting out our new choreography.

Who has the most outrageous dance moves out of you, KIAN and MC Dallas Woods? And are you working on any new signature moves for the tour?

I’d say it’s a close call between MC Dallas Woods and me. We bounce off each other really well, so it only gets more outrageous! It never ends.

This tour will showcase my dancers Billy & Matty at every gig, so we’re working on the routine now and it’s gonna be sick. You should check my Facebook page for the routine we busted out at St Kilda the crowd – it was mad… security tried to shut down the show I hear.

I’m currently choreographing new routines so I can make each show unique and not do the same one over and over. Gotta keep the crowd keen!

How do you prepare before getting up on stage?

I spend at least an hour listening to all my favourite tunes and drink my lemon and honey tea or start dancing. My crew tell me sometimes I walk around in circles listening to my fave Spotify playlists.

You’ve attracted a lot of attention from the music industry and fans alike, including two spots in triple j’s Hottest 100. Are you feeling more or less pressure, now that people know your name and music?

More pressure for sure, but I enjoy the challenge it brings to my career and I want to keep making amazing music. But I can’t do it without that pressure from fans and industry heavyweights alike.

What else does 2018 have in store for Baker Boy?

Lots more festival appearances and more tour dates for the young, the teenagers and the slightly older crew. I’ve got new songs too that we are planning on releasing in line with a bigger headline tour later in the year. Also, my first International festival slot just got confirmed yesterday, so I’m excited with the overseas possibilities for sure!