LA-Based Musician BAYWUD Discusses His Newest Music, Handing The Pandemic and More!

BAYWUD (pronounced bay-wood) is an L.A. based indie artist. Born in Miami, Florida, BAYWUD was always drawn to the creative arts. Classically trained on the piano, he began acting and singing on the stage at a very young age. He went on to study film and television acting at the School for Film and Television in New York City, and later studied film at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. Although he was trained as a classical musician and singer, BAYWUD learned and developed his own unique and personal style.

He met music industry veteran publisher Patrick Conseil in 2019, and soon after a publishing agreement was signed and the two went to work. Conseil introduced Baywud to LA based electro pop producer Verskotzi. who produced the debut single ‘’Golden Cord.”

Baywud has spent the last few months co-writing for his upcoming EP expected later this year. His single “Hold On to Me”, was released on April 2nd and it was co-written with Rune Westberg (Rachel Platten, Matt Simons, Beth Hart, Jessi Y Joy, Desi Valentine & Colbie Caillat) who produced the track at his LA studio. The track was initially inspired by a friend of Baywud, who had recently lost her mother in a car accident. It was written for anyone feeling lost or broken and knowing it’s okay to reach out for help in times of struggle.

Baywud’s brand new single, “(We Don’t Have To) Walk Alone” is also written with Westberg but this time remotely during the pandemic. It was written about the current state of the world; a world divided by race, religion, and politics. The song is about uniting, putting our differences aside, and learning to love each other despite our many egos. Additional remote co-writes have included DC based writer Todd Wright and Philadelphia based producer and ex Click 5 member Ethan Mentzer. These sessions contributed to wrapping up the track listing for a full debut album. While an EP is slated to come out next month, a full-length album is due to hit all digital platforms in January 2021.

Connect With Baywud Online Here: FACEBOOK

Listen to Baywud’s Music Here: MUSIC

Learn more about Baywud in the following All Access interview:

Thank you for your time. Given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical day look like for you? How have you adjusted to these times?

 It’s been interesting adjusting to everything.  I miss the world.  I miss seeing people in person.  It’s hard to not worry what the future holds for all of us during such uncertain times.  I try to keep myself busy with writing.  Luckily, we have ZOOM.  So, as awkward as it can feel to collaborate and write through a computer screen, I feel pretty grateful for that. If I’m not writing or working on music projects, I enjoy painting and art.  

What has been the hardest/most challenging part about being quarantined? Is your city starting to open up more now? 

Honestly, I think it’s just the human connection part of it all.  It’s also hard to witness so many people who are losing their businesses or jobs.  But, we have to stay positive and just hope this will all be behind us soon.  Los Angeles is still partially closed, but restaurants are open with outside seating only.

How have you been able to use social media during these unprecedented times? Are you finding that you use it even more now to stay connected to fans and other musicians? 

For sure.  I definitely have found myself glued to instagram.  I think if we didn’t have social media during this time, it would be much harder.  

I am curious how moving out of Miami has affected who you are as a musician and ultimately the kind of music that you make now?

Well, I was born in Miami, but I actually grew up in Texas.  Honestly, I don’t think it’s really affected the kind of music I make.  I’ve been in Los Angeles for so long now.  It’s hard to imagine life before California. 

What has it been like having to reschedule all your shows this year? What shows in 2021 are you are already excited for?

 It’s hard to think that far ahead.  I definitely plan to schedule some shows in 2021. I guess it all just depends on where we’re at in the world at that time.  Hopefully, we’ll be back to some normalcy by then.  I’m planning for some shows in a more intimate venue setting at first, more of an acoustic show with piano/guitar and vocal.  

Since we are all desperately missing live music, can you recall a favorite show of yours from the past? What do you think ultimately makes for a great show for you? What about a favorite show of someone else?

I saw Coldplay at the the Rose Bowl a few years back.  What an amazing show! I think, for me, what makes a great show is when the artist/band is completely connected with their audience.  It depends for me.  I love shows with big stage productions, but I equally enjoy shows in a more intimate setting.  

Can you explain what it was like meeting the music veteran publisher Patrick Conseil? How has that experience changed the course of your career? What did you learn from him? 

Well, it was a huge turning point for me.  Patrick is so good at what he does, and he’s also just one of the kindest, most generous guys you’ll meet.  I owe him so much.  He’s the reason i’ve had the opportunities I’ve had.  I’ve been lucky to have written and collaborated with so many great songwriters and producers.  I think it’s so important for any artist to find a champion within the industry, that being a manager or a publisher, who shares the very same vision as you.  He’s taught me many things, one of those being to not be so hard on myself.  I think it’s easy for any artist to go to a dark place with their art and work at times.  He’s always been such a huge support to me.  

Let’s talk about your upcoming EP. What has it been like working on it? Did anything surprise you about the overall process? Have there been any unexpected challenges? What was it like working with all the incredible writers that you got to work with? How will your upcoming album be different or similar to the EP? 

It’s been amazing. I’m incredibly proud of it and can’t wait to share the music with everyone. I couldn’t have asked for better collaborators.  A conscious decision was made to only work with a select few writers and producers for the debut album.  I’ve learned so much from each co-write.  The album will include songs from the forthcoming EP as well as a couple songs entirely written by myself that I’ve had for a while.  I am excited to finally put them out there.  The only unexpected challenge came when COVID hit.  I’d never collaborated over ZOOM, and was worried, but it ended up working out great and we got some very strong songs out of these sessions.  

How do you think your already released singles prepares listeners for more music from you? What was the inspiration for your newest track, “Walk Alone”? Do you have plans to make a music video for this song in particular?

I think ‘Walk Alone’ inspired more songs about coming together and helping each other.  There will be a few songs that really lend themselves to the idea of the importance of sticking together and being each other’s support system, especially now. ‘Walk Alone’ was inspired by the current state of the world.  We’re a world divided by race, religion, politics, and gender and it’s important to realize how we all have a voice and a hand in trying to make the world a better place.  I have never understood how or why it’s so hard for people to just love and accept each other.  When will we finally get it right?  

I currently have a lyric video out for ‘Walk Alone’ that includes film from various protests around L.A. mixed with images of suffering around the world.  There is also a live performance video that will be out this week, and I have plenty of other footage that will be used for video in the future.

How do you think future music is going to be influenced by this incredible and absolutely necessary Black Lives Matter movement that the US has been going through? How exactly is it inspiring you and your music?

Well, for decades music has played a huge role in shaping the world and peoples views on certain topics.  This is why music is so important.  The BLM movement will definitely influence more songs about change.  It was definitely a wake up call for the U.S., and other parts of the world as well.  Although, it’s not a new movement by any means. However, these last protests, I think really shook people up and made people (who maybe weren’t as aware of the severity of it all) to open their eyes and realize how incredibly important it is to stand up and make their voices heard. 

If you could get into the studio with any artist today and collaborate on a new song for you, who would it be and why? 

That’s a tough question.  It’s hard to choose.  I may have to say either Ed Sheeran or Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.  I’m a huge fan of both and just think that they’re such amazing songwriters. 

What would your dream music video look like right now? 

One where the entire world is portrayed in complete harmony and at complete peace with one another.  I know, it’s  a stretch, but one can always dream.  

Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers? 

It’s been incredibly rewarding to hear my song played on the radio and I’m very grateful for all the listeners and supporters. I look forward to sharing more music with everyone in the future.