Melanie Baker releases new single “bored”
Newcastle-based artist Melanie Baker has released her new single, “bored”, a full-throttle alt-rock tune that feels as if it’s jumped through time from a garage in the late 90s. With it’s riotous and grungy spine, Baker explains that “bored” is sonically influenced by the likes of Weezer, The Pixies and Blink-182, but that she and her band also leant into pop and reminded themselves not to take things too seriously, to let the fun shine through. This attitude certainly paid off, cementing a sound that urges you to let go and, played live, hurl yourself into a mosh.
Baker comments on her hardcore devotion to rock, whisking us back to the moment that ignited this drive:
“My first favourite band was Paramore. They were the first alt-rock band I listened to on my own accord; I found their music online when I was 12 and it really did feel like an epiphany moment when everything in my life suddenly made sense. They soundtracked my entire teen-hood.” — Melanie Baker.
Baker sings with the same propulsive energy that isn’t afraid to go heavy and raw at times. In this case, high energy is paired with something more subtle: “So, I wrote this song as a sort of sarcastic comeback about how the girl of my dreams left me for my best friends at the time, which is a true story unfortunately,” she says, adding, “I’m over it now, it’s all good”. In between the thrash, she tells this tale.
“You’re married to the woman of my dreams, but I swear that she still thinks of me. I think it’s kinda crazy, I think it’s kinda sad… she will stay with you but I’m the best she’s ever had.“
In the same way Paramore and co got her through some difficult times as a teen, Baker’s new track boils over the brim with an energy that boasts humorous vexation and then, ultimately, liberation – “I’m bored; I’ve heard it all before!” – It’s a punchy chorus that captures throwing away the baggage, screeching off down the road and smiling in the rear-view mirror.
“That’s why I believe music is important. I don’t know why it’s so powerful but somehow it just is.”
Melanie Baker is making waves in Newcastle and feels right at home. “There is SO much crazy talent in the North-East in general, such as Rivkala, RYE, Wild Spelks etc, and great independent venues: The Cluny, Star and Shadow and The Grove (to name a few). Up the toon!!”
