Check out our interview with LA-based talented artist Bailey Baum who just released her debut EP, “Over It” via Next Wave / Ultra Records.
The ‘Over It’ EP is a raw, emotional story packaged with ethereal soundscape, captivating melodies, and vivid lyricism. Written as a means to traverse her own transformative heartbreak, Bailey explores the confusing yet painfully familiar feelings of despair, sadness, frustration, and regret over the course of the EP’s songs. Eventually, Bailey emerges from the ashes of heartbreak — and gets “over it — through self-love, growth, and acceptance. The EP includes past singles, “Bad For Me,” “Over It,” and “Take Me All The Way,” as well as two brand new songs, “Not Missing You” and “Thinkin Bout Me.”
Follow Bailey @thebaileyb
Hi Bailey, please tell us a little about you?
I’m Bailey Baum! I grew up in Dallas, Texas with a big family of 5 siblings! I started singing when I was around 5 or 6. Moved to LA when I was 18 to continue pursuing music and just now released my first EP!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Very chill but also dramatic and emotional.
How did you get started in the music industry?
I never really had a singular moment I can trace everything back to as far as when I got into music or exactly why. It just feels like it’s always been a part of me. I do recall looking into the mirror around 6 years old and singing and being like “Wow, I think I can actually sing” and then running downstairs and making my family listen. Fast forward to 18 years old when I moved to LA. I put out my first single and found my way into the music world.
How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
Moody, ethereal, dreamy.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’m influenced by a lot of different artists. I grew up listening to The Beatles and Celine Dion and then in middle school, I was obsessed with Miley Cyrus. Nowadays, I’m more inspired by Lana Del Rey and Kacey Musgraves. I never really had a moment where I chose to make music. It was kinda always a part of me from a young age, and I knew around 5 or 6 that it was what I wanted to do.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano! I started learning a few months ago and I’m loving it! I know a little bit of guitar as well.
Tell us about your new EP, ‘Over It.’ What’s the story behind the project?
This EP is the most vulnerable and real I’ve ever been. It’s so scary to be open to the world with your emotions and feelings but the only way I know how to process how I feel is by turning it into music. Sharing my most personal feelings with the world is daunting- hoping that everyone perceives them in a positive way. However, I know this is something that so many people can relate to at any age. This EP helped me during a really difficult process of heartbreak and trying to heal. I just hope that my music can help other people get through similar situations and be a reminder for everyone that you are never alone in the ways that you feel. It’s okay to experience these emotions. It’s all part of the healing process.
What is the most rewarding part about being an artist?
I love when people reach out and let me know that they resonate with a song of mine. Hearing how it helped them through something or made them feel a certain way.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?
I think it’s important to not compare yourself to others. In this industry and honestly, just in life, it’s so easy to compare your path to someone else, but I think it’s key to know that everyone has a different plan and timing for things to happen.
How would your best friend describe you?
Funny, emotionally unpredictable, reserved but secretly wild, and definitely a perfectionist.
What’s next for Bailey Baum in 2021?
The rest of this year for me is going to be a lot of creating with my favorite collaborators and just getting back out into the world and experiencing and feeling everything I possibly can to draw inspiration from. I have a big surprise coming up in a few months that’s still under wraps, and I can’t quite share anything about it yet but expect something super exciting on the way!
How would you explain your fashion style?
I used to work in the fashion industry and pull a lot of inspiration from my favorite designers. I love people like Devon Lee Carlson, Danielle Guizio, and Dua Lipa too. A lot of my style is inspired by high fashion mixed with streetwear. Lately, I’ve loved pulling inspiration from Y2K fashion trends and that’s translated a lot into my creative content for my EP.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness is found in little things. Going outside, making time for yourself, being around family and friends, and finding what you’re passionate about and doing whatever that is as much as possible.
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Currently, I would love to meet Lana Del Rey and just hangout and learn from her. I would love to learn more about her work process and just hear all her stories.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I’m not too sure. Life can take you so many places you never expect, but I hope to still making doing music, I would love to be touring and just creating!
Favorite song? Why?
I have a few favorites but one that sticks out is definitely Arms by Christina Perri. I love to drive around and sing this song on repeat! The lyrics are so relatable and the melodies are so so good!
Book: The Alchemist is a good one and also The Four Agreements.
Quote: “I think you can have anything you want. Find someone who has a life that you want and figure out how they got it. Read books. Figure out what you’re passionate about. Pick your role models wisely. Find out what they did and do it.” -Lana Del Rey
Movie: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band The Movie!
TV Series: The Vampire Diaries
Food: Candy!
Travel Destination: Anywhere with a beach
Sports Team: I don’t watch a ton of sports but if I have to choose one team it’s probably The Raiders!
Where can we follow you on social media?
TikTok @thebaileybaum
Photo Credit: Skylar Steinberg
