| Swiss singer/songwriter Bastian Baker said “bonjour” to the Nashville music industry last month with an acoustic performance at The Back Corner on January 30th. Since performing at Bridgestone Arena in July on Shania Twain’s Now world tour, the platinum-selling recording artist released his self-titled fourth studio/American debut album in October. Baker performed his rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “The River” and Shania Twain’s “Still The One” in addition to well-received tracks from his new album including current single “You Should Call Home,” “Stay,” “So Low,” and “Blame It On Me,” where he invited Nashville-based Swiss-American singer/songwriter Caroline Marquard to join him on stage to perform the ballad they co-wrote. |
| Despite the cool temperatures, the Nashville Music Guide’s “Artists to Watch in 2019” alluded to his quick wit treating the packed room to humor and stories about his first experiences in Nashville. After rivaling on ice playing pro-hockey with Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi, a fellow Swiss native, he credits Josi as the one who first persuaded him to come to town. Josi told him, “Dude, it’s Music City, why aren’t you here?” and even booked his first gig at Douglas Corner Café so he’d cross the pond to check out what Nashville had to offer. Baker often shares with a smile that it was truly “love at first sight.” |
| Forbes recently reported “the Swiss are regarded as some of the most genial people on the planet,” and Bastian’s Swiss upbringing and peaceful demeanor are very evident throughout his music and have been embraced in Nashville. Baker walked his first American red carpet and was the first Swiss to do so at the2018 CMA Awards and has landed on “Artist To Watch” lists from Rolling Stone, Sounds Like Nashville, AOL, Taste of Country and Nashville Music Guide. Influenced by the 850 shows he’s played in over 40 countries in the last seven years, Bastian’s latest album has been named “one of the biggest breakouts of the year” as it “plays with genre, refusing to get pinned down to a singular aesthetic, and yet still feels unified.” (Popdust) The genre-defying project was brought to life by producers and songwriters around the globe including GRAMMY Award-winner Jacquire King (Shawn Mendes, Niall Horan, Kings of Leon, Bon Jovi). The latest project showcases Bastian’s “down-to-Earth storytelling that Johnny Cash would smile and nod at” (Popdust) with writing credits on all 14 tracks. ABOUT BASTIAN BAKER: Sounds Like Nashville hails “Switzerland may be neutral but one of their most talented exports is about to invade America.” Bastian Baker has taken Europe by storm with his chart-topping, platinum-selling albums, sold out arenas around the world with the likes of Bryan Adams, Boy George, Shania Twain and more and has taken home numerous music awards. The only thing missing from his career dance card was the United States… until now. Before embarking on a music career, Baker was a third-generation professional hockey player from Switzerland. After trading in his hockey stick for a guitar, Baker made his first professional appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival after an invite from its founder, Claude Nobs. Yes, ‘Funky Claude’ referenced in Deep Purple’s “Smoke On the Water.” It’s clear that “Bastian Baker wears many hats” (Harper’s Bazaar) – he’s been featured as a competitor on Dancing With The Stars (France), a guest coach on The Voice (Belgium), represents esteemed brands Hugo Boss, Omega, Audi and Harley Davidson as a Brand Ambassador, and recently globe-trotted alongside Shania Twain after accepting her invite to join her on last year’s Now world tour. Praised for being “born for the arena,” (Popdust) Bastian has been named “one to watch” by Rolling Stone, Young Hollywood, Sounds Like Nashville, AOL and Taste of Country. His fourth studio album and American debut, Bastian Baker released in October 2018. With his talent, undeniable charm and captivating charisma, there’s no doubt that it’s “only the beginning of the singer’s U.S. story.” (Sounds Like Nashville) For more information, visit BastianBaker.com. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Stream Bastian Baker on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music. |
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