Baker in Wairarapa on debut EP tour

SOULMAN: The music of Louis Baker, who plays King Street Live in Masterton on April 3, has melodies designed to stir the soul. PHOTO/FILE

Powerhouse singer-songwriter Louis Baker touches back down in Wairarapa next month as part of his North Island debut EP release tour.

Baker launches the eight-date tour, which supports his debut self-titled EP, in his hometown of Wellington on March 21 when the EP hits the streets, and plays King Street Live in Masterton on April 3.

The capital city performer is renowned for his uplifting and emotional live shows and "achingly raw lyrics intertwined with rich melodies and emotive vocal tone" and the EP captures the essence of his live performances, says promoter Cushla Aston.

"Louis has a voice that produces shades of Motown-era soul and his song-writing skills and striking sound leaves no question as to why international media have touted him as one to watch."

The five-track EP features two songs written over six years ago, uncovering an emotional maturity for the then 17-year-old Baker.

On opening track Birds, Baker sets out to fathom a man's broken heart, followed by the realisation that everything will work out in the end with Heavy Stone.

This leads to Love, a song that holds a message of hope and openness, Ms Aston said.

The fourth cut Back On My Feet is a reminder of the power of music, and the value it has in our society, she said, and the fifth track The Way was written while Baker attended the Red Bull Music Academy in New York.

"It was his first overseas trip and Louis had a vision of being in space and looking back at the earth leading to a greater perspective and understanding of humanity."

The EP was recorded in London last June with producer Andy Lovegrove - Breaks Co-Op, Supergrass, Ms Aston said, and "they kept the songs simple with just guitar, vocals and string arrangements".

"The result is a beautiful collection of mesmerising melodies with a hint of melancholy to stir the soul."

Ms Aston said Baker is no stranger to King Street Live and twice last year played at the Masterton venue as part of the nine-piece Brockaflowersaurus and the Blueberry biscuits.

He also completed a performance at the venue as one third of the trio Vanilau Maxwell Baker, which also features multi-instrumentalist Mark Vanilau and King Street Live co-founder and veteran Kiwi musician Warren Maxwell.

Tickets for the Louis Baker performance at King Street Live on April 3 are available from www.dashtickets.co.nz