Sizing Up: Why BIGSOUND up-and-comer Baker Boy feels like “a bullet in a gun”

Danzal Baker has had a huge 2017 so far.

Rapping in a mixture of Yolngu Matha language and English, the NE Arnhem Land 20-year-old burst out of the gate earlier this year with ’Cloud 9’, a positive message wrapped in a certified banger. The trackpremiered on triple j’s Home & Hosed in April and quicklyscored a playlist spot onrageon top of endorsements and rave reviews from Richard Kingsmill, Urthboy, Nick Findlay and Bliss N Eso.

His most recent peak waswinning the triple j Unearthed NIMAs competition, and performing at the NIMAs event in Darwin last week.He won over the local crowd with his cheeky charmand a couple of dizzying spin kicks – a charismatic preview of what audiences at BIGSOUND can expect from his showcase, along with some new material. Check the footage, exclusive to TMN, below.

“I’m feeling really proud of myself and I’m also feeling overwhelmed with passion and joy [at]being a young Yolngu man to rap in Yolngu Matha and to jump onto the mainstream train of hip hop and rap in Australia,” Baker tells TMN. “It’s totallyblown my mind at how quickly things fell into place!”

What’s made the biggest difference for you – luck or hard work or serendipity or support from a community that’s given you that crucial bump?

It’s amazing to see how hard work can achieve big things in life and with the right attitude anything can be accomplished. And from that seeing how proud my family and community really pushed me to believe in myself to a whole other level. They were a big part in making my dream turn into reality!

What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the music industry?

The music industry is so amazing but I’m a little blown away about how fast things move, that’s the biggest learning curve for me right now – keeping that finger on the pulse!

How have people from home responded to your success?

The energy coming from home is super positive, the younger generations have been inspired by my story and I really hope they can make their dreams come true like mine.

What’s your favourite thing about rapping in Yolngu Matha?

My favourite thing about rapping in Yolngu Matha is showing the world that we still speak our native tongues in Australia everyday and has great flow no matter what!

Did your background as a dancer and performing around the country in Djuki Mala prepare you for this stage of your career?Is being a solo vocal performer feellikea massive difference?

There are a lot of things I’ve learned, like how to perform on a live stage and to control the crowd with music and dance. Djuki Mala got me comfortable being on stage in front of thousands of people. Indigenous Hip Hop Projects got me prepared for this stage in my career and being a solo artist is a massive difference but I’m handling it well with help from an amazing team of people.

How have you been preparing for BIGSOUND?Do you have a day job or course you have to take time off from?

I’ve been preparing for BIGSOUND with my favourite people and can’t wait to perform in front of the amazing people in Brisbane. I had to take time of from my job with ihhp (Indigenous Hip Hop Projects) so I could perform and show the country and industry heavyweights my Yolngu Matha rap.

What can we expect from your live set at BIGSOUND?

That even a young 20-year-old straight outta remote community can dance and rap like a ninja on stage. It’s going to be straight up fire! My brother boy Kian will also bring his fresh vocals!

Which other acts at BIGSOUND are you looking forward to seeing?

Got some family performing and I’m looking forward to seeing all the performances from all who are participating. I’m so blown away that I’ve been included in a line-up with so many amazing musicians. Bring it on!

What was the last new thing that made you say “holy shit” (in a good way)?

My biggest holy shit moment was realizing that my career is only beginning but I feel like a bullet in a gun as so much has happened in a matter of months! It’s been amazing and I really hope to do my family proud. The creative process has also been full on, I’ve never had to work this hard back-to-back but I’m learning a lot about songwriting and what it means to be a musician.