Words: Kie Carew

Dublin native Glen Baker is a self-thought musician, Glen has been a professional singer and harmonica player in various bands since 1993. He has spent many years singing and playing in Ireland and abroad.

After graduating from the famous Ballyfermot Rock School, Glen has been working hard gigging around Dublin and Ireland. He has played harmonica alongside David Gray in the Olympia Theatre, and supported Damien Rice. He has also played harmonica on Aslan’s Platinum Collection album.

Glen's debut album "My Blood" was written, arranged, produced and performed by the talented singer.

How long have you been playing music?

I have been playing music for about 20 years now which I feel is not really that long. Most musicians I know start learning to play their instrument of choice before they can walk. I started quite late, I was 15 when I became interested in the harp and I am still learning.

How did you get started?

My Dad wrote a book called "Beginning to play blues harmonica." I bought a copy of it and started to teach myself. I bought some blues albums and tried to imitate the greats like Sonny Boy Williamson and Sonny Terry.

What influences you when writing?

I am mostly influenced by how I am feeling or some times by how someone close to me is feeling. If there is something bothering me it usually finds its way into a song. I suppose I use songwriting like someone would use a diary and when it comes to recording these songs or singing them live, it can be very scary and challenging because the songs are so personal. Its like allowing strangers to look inside your head to see your fears, embarrassments, shame or whatever it is that's going on in there.

Who are your influences?

When I began learning to play the harp Sonny Boy Williamson, Sonny Terry, and of course Don Baker influenced me. They are great blues players and I still listen to them from time to time. From there I got into bands like The Doors, The Rolling Stones I really liked some of the old Blues covers they recorded. I've also been a big fan of Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, David Gray's early recordings and Bob Dylan. More recently I'm listening to Kings of Leon. The live sound they get in the studio on their earlier albums is fantastic and really captures the energy and soul of their songs.

How did you come up with your sound?

I think it's just my personal taste. What I like at the moment and what I feel the songs on the album needed.

Is there something special about the Ballyfermot Rock School? In that it has produced so many great singers?

It's a fantastic college and the tutors are excellent. It's a great environment to be in, surrounded by other like minded musicians and singers who all share the same passion for music and being creative.

What was the thinking behind producing and arranging your debut album yourself?

I knew my songs and what they needed. I had spent many hours in my home studio recording them and experimenting with different sounds and instruments. So when the time came to record in a professional studio I didn't need a producer. I had a great team in the studio (musicians & engineers) who would share there opinions on certain tracks and I found that really helped the recordings.

Where did your production skills come from?

I think its something you develop over the years through listening, experimenting and playing music.

Whats the reaction to the album been like?

So far it's been very positive

Have you had much support from the media?

Yes, considering I haven't spent much time promoting it. My son was born at the time of getting the album pressed eight months ago. So I have been really busy with him, which I am loving and would spend all day, every day with him if I could. I am also gigging around with my band at the moment so it doesn't leave much time for chasing TV / radio spots. I think it might be time to get an agent or manager on board.

You have spent some time abroad playing music. How does Ireland compare in terms of venues and audiences?

The venues and audiences are pretty much the same. Some good, some not so good.

Have you a favourite place to play here and abroad?

I have had the pleasure of playing in the Olympia which is my favorite venue here. I played a few gigs in North Italy which was great fun. One was in a pub in Bruneck called Pub Bruneck. That was a great venue. The people there are really nice. We're going back there in July to headline an outdoor music festival so we're really looking forward to that.

Has the advent of MySpace and the likes had a big impact on your own career?

Yes it's a great tool to have. I get people from all over the world contacting me about the album.

What are the plans for the future?

Keep making and playing music. I want to do some acting too. I am playing a role in a short film by award winning film maker Alan Walsh who won a series of awards for his short film, "What if," which featured cameo appearances by major directors John Boorman and Jim Sheridan. The film is called "No Justice," and it portrays Dublin criminals carrying out murders in the city. I'll play the part of an ex soldier who is shot dead by gang members because he witnessed a murder. Shooting for the film starts in May '09 and I am really looking forward to it and hope to do some more acting in the future.

Check it: www.glenbaker.com

Check it: www.myspace.com/glenbaker