Dortmund-based underground darling Bae Blade talks to us about her latest EP ‘Mixed Feelings’, early inspirations, and more.
German artist Bae Blade has made a name for herself throughout dance music with her hard-edged, fast, fun, and infectious sound. A blend of trippy techno, breakbeats, hard groove, and trance – sprinkled with a dash of vocals here and there – her debut EP ‘Mixed Feelings’ is as fun and energetic as her DJ sets that have seen her secure a residency on RinseFM as well as sets at the likes of Hor, Fabric, and RSO.Berlin, to name a few.
Releasing on Partiboi69’s Mutual Pleasure label, ‘Mixed Feelings’ is a four-track, dancefloor-focused rollercoaster that perfectly encapsulates what Bae Blade is all about… a party!
What were some of your early creative influences?
It all started when I was around five years old, rummaging through my parents’ CDs and becoming quite adept at operating the CD player. That’s when I came across 4 THE CAUSE who covered ‘Stand By Me‘ and blew up in Europe with that. It’s one of my earliest memories, and since then, I’ve been hooked on. Even on TV, I’d stick to MTV and watch a lot of American reality shows, where that genre is more a thing there than in Germany. The first single I bought was Ashanti’s ‘Happy’, and ever since then, I’ve been drawn to a lot of R&B, rap, and hip hop. I find the combination of vocals, drums, and the infusion of danceable, fast-paced music intriguing in clubs. It’s a blend of what I love the most, and I think it’s a fantastic match.
Let’s talk about the music scene in Dortmund. What was it like trying to break into the scene there?
I would describe the music scene as not particularly diverse because it’s still very techno-oriented. Therefore, I think I might have been a fresh change that was well-received.
Can you share your inspirations for the Mixed Feelings EP?
My inspiration came from the genres I love to play and listen to: electro, G-tech, bass, hard dance, Jersey. With these genres, I essentially released a condensed set to introduce what to expect from me as an artist. A greeting from the kitchen you could say.
How did it end up releasing on Mutual Pleasure?
The great thing about the internet is that you can connect with people all over the world. In my case, I posted snippets, and Partiboi69, whom I had already met months before, noticed it and luckily liked it. I can hardly imagine anything better than releasing by someone I’ve always incorporated into my sets. It’s still surreal to me at times.
What does your creative process look like when you’re in the studio?
A good (non alcoholic) drink and a catchy loop playing on repeat. Around that, I build everything, and sometimes it can take a while because, as my track in my new EP says, I’m ‘busy overthinking’.
You started off as a pro-photographer, initially photographing bands and acts from various genres. What effect do you think this has had on you as an artist?
The more content, the better, haha!
You secured a Rinse residency back in February. How do you feel radio has helped your career?
It has connected me with many incredible people whom I look up to and may not have met as quickly otherwise. It also expanded my music interests. With my co-host Amadeezy, it strengthened our friendship on a professional level, and we’re a perfect match for it.
What’s next for Bae Blade?
I’m gathering ideas for a new EP and slowly looking for an agency. The perfect one is probably out there waiting for me, and doing everything myself is becoming tiring!
Bae Blade’s ‘Mixed Feelings’ EP is out now on Mutual Pleasure.