Published: September 24, 2009 9:25 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Exclusive Spotlight October 2009 Edition
Juniors Cave - Bau Down Interview
Bau Down Will Chen Photography
This next artist is driven by a sense of honor, passion, and extreme love for music. He is a mad genius when it comes to his lyrical flows and his pop appeal has been generating thousands of loyal fans who all are dedicated to this artist's musical journey. Our webzine would like to introduce to the online readers of this magazine the extremely multi-talented entertainer known as Bau Down. He candidly speaks about his humble beginnings to his personal philosophy about fame and fortune to his influences in this super hot exclusive. Enjoy!
Isaac:
Thanks for taking the time to complete this interview with our magazine. I wanted to first ask you a little about your upbringing. I read in your bio that you were born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 11, 1982. You were born as a twin. What happened that caused your family and you to move to Birmingham, Alabama and later to Chicago, IL?
Bau Down:
Thank you for having me my man, honored to have this chance. Yeah, I was born in Memphis with my twin brother Carsten. He was born with a complicated heart condition and God took him home 8 months later. I really feel like he was and still is my other half and this week actually had our initials tattooed on my arm. I am not big on the whole tattoo thing personally, but doing that was something very important to me.
As far as moving a lot over the years, my father was and still is a Lutheran Pastor, and in that profession you really do bounce around a lot from church to church. Both of my parents were originally from Illinois, had family around there, and wanted to make their way back up around there when they had the chance to.
The summer heading into my 1st grade school year they got that chance at a church outside of Chicago, and took it.
Isaac:
I read in your bio that your experience in music goes as far back as when you would hang out in your grandfather's studio in Skokie, IL. How did this exposure help shape your love for music?
Yes sir! My grandpa was big into music and art. I mean big. When he was young, he traveled and performed in a barbershop quartet. As he got older…he put together his own studio in the basement of his Skokie home. There he recorded everything from kids sing along music to original music.
I will always remember being a little kid on trips to visit from the south and hanging out in his studio amazed at everything I heard and saw. My grandpa used to sit me down at his keyboards and turn on one of the programmed songs and I used to think I was playing!
As I got older, I really got attached to him and appreciated who he was. I always called him my "Hero"…cause he could literally do everything, and do it great. Better than anyone else in the world.
However, being so young, I wasn't really all there yet, and that really didn't jump start my love for music, but it did get my feet wet as a youngster. Unfortunately, I didn't fall in love with music, and develop a real skill for it until a couple years before my grandfather passed.
He was always buying the new and latest equipment and so excited to show me. I really wish he could hear my music and see what equipment is out there now, he would be amazed.
Isaac:
While in grade school, you continued with your interest in performing, acting in musicals, and auditioning for movie roles. Describe one of your fondest memories while you were discovering your love for the arts?
Bau Down:
Yeah, as a youngster, I was in all sorts of plays and musicals in school. The funny thing about it is I didn't have a choice! My mom was a teacher at my school, and in charge of that kinda stuff…so she made me and my siblings…usually with the main roles! I will never forget being in a high school play when I was in 3rd grade, performing in front of so many people. It was an awesome feeling…and I looked up to all my high school cast mates.
At first, I wasn't too fond of that kinda stuff to be honest, but over time it became something I loved.
As far as movie roles, I never really got into that. It just never interested me…but…if you have ever seen the movie, "Rookie Of The Year", I made it to the top 10 for the lead role…not that I cared…and my brother actually made the top 2. It was between him and that Jewish kid for the lead of the movie, and they picked the other kid.
Isaac:
What do you believe was the one pivotal moment that made you decide that you wanted to perform?
Bau Down:
Good question. These are the kinds of things I never really think about. I can't really say there was ever one pivotal moment at all. It was definitely a series of many things which would take a long time to explain.
But, to put it in a nutshell, I really got into writing and performing my own music after I started listening to B96, the Chicago radio station in the 90's.
As a kid, I had always listened to Oldies, and loved them so much. But once I heard this new age fun up beat 90's music like Ace Of Base, K7, Coolio and all that kinda stuff…I was blown away on how it could alter my mood.
I learned all the songs, sang along, and over time figured out I wasn't so bad.
Isaac:
Elaborate a little about the origin of your name Bau Down.
Bau Down:
The name Bau Down basically came from my last name. Back when I got my first car, I couldn't think of a cool vanity plate to match my awesome car, and my best friend came up with BAU DOWN. Taking Bau from my last name, "Bauman", and Down.
Over time, that became my nick name…people would always say…"here comes bau down!"…and then when I started taking music seriously…it was only natural.
Isaac:
When you were introduced to Hip-Hop, how did this introduction changed the way you wanted to make music?
Bau Down:
I was first introduced to hip-hop back in the 90's. When I first heard music like K7, Shaggy, Ini Kamoozie, Naughty By Nature and Coolio…I was blown away. It was awesome. A couple of my brother's friends always played stuff like 2Pac and initially I wasn't feeling it. It wasn't until I spent an entire day playing the video game Mortal Kombat with my brother and his friend, with 2Pac's album "All Eyez On Me" playing over and over again til really took a liking to him. I was like 10 or 11 then. After I got into Pac, I was always searching for other good stuff.
Like a lot of people, I never really even thought about writing my own hip-hop music until I heard Eminem. I just never thought it was for me…but he changed my mind…and really motivated me to write. Not just cause he was white, but because his music was so different from every other hip-hop artist ever.
I guess it has influenced me in a big way…cause it got me into this music thing. But I really feel like I am such a developed musician now, I can venture beyond the hip-hop world, and do any kind of music I feel like at a given time…sometimes with a hip-hop twist.
Isaac:
What do you think is the main reason why you are drawn to Hip-Hop music in particular?
Bau Down:
Like I said before, I was always drawn to hip-hop music because of the mood it put me in. Most of the times it was always upbeat and put me in a good mood or brought me back to a time or place. I always liked to feel that way...sooo it was only right.
Isaac:
One of the main reasons why I have enjoyed listening to your music over the years is your lyrical flow is top notch. I can tell you are putting your heart and soul into the music you make. What do you say to those people who did not believe in what you are doing?
Bau Down:
Awwww man I really appreciate that. I mean it, which means a lot to me. I can't speak for everyone, but I work real hard on making my music stand out from everything else you hear…and always try my best to put my heart in it…never just write just to write.
If I could say something to people who did not, or do not believe in what I'm doing with this music thing…I would tell em it isn't about them, and never was. I do this cause I love doing it, and for no other reason. Not for the money, not for the fame, not for any other reason that being my outlet and something I love doing. I will always be my own biggest fan…and feel so lucky to be able to express myself in my music. God has been really great to me. Sometimes some people in this world just know what they are born to do…and I really feel like this is what I am here for.
Isaac:
Who would you say has been your biggest influences?
Bau Down:
Man, I have so many. Where do I start? I've talked a little about them already…but I would say my biggest influences musically are ones people would never guess. To name a few, musicians like Michael Jackson, Robert Miles, Coolio, Skee-Lo, Phil Collins, Will Smith, Ja Rule, Nas, Eminem, groups like Peter, Paul & Mary, K7, Ace Of Base, The Real McCoy, Fun Factory, Naughty By Nature, Green Day, Tag Team, Boyz II Men, All-4-One, The Fugees…even NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. I could list hundreds. I love so much music, and have been influenced by so much its crazy.
I love 90's music…and the musicians that defined it. Most likely cause those were the years I really came of age.
Isaac:
You released your first L.P. back in 2003. What can you tell me about the feedback you have received from fans about this release?
Bau Down:
Yeah man…my very first album. Man it's crazy to even think about whom I was back then…let alone who I was musically. But, I named that album, "Another Perspective", mainly because I wanted people to see who I was from my view…and let em know not every single rapper in the world was the same.
I'm big on album names…and that album will always mean a lot to me.
As far as the fans…back then they loved it…and by fans back then I mean my friends. That was before things like MySpace and stuff…so the only people that ever heard my music was my friends, and their friends. I wasn't really trying to get it out there, it was more for me.
Isaac:
You are super talented artist especially since you write, produce, engineer, and record your music. How important is it for you to have a big input in the music that comes out to fans?
Bau Down:
Man I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you saying that. It is very important to me…and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Trust me when I say life would be a lot easier if I had other people make my beats, write and produce my music, and mix my tracks…but that isn't being a musician.
So many musicians limit themselves and their creativity just like that. I love doing all that stuff, cause it makes every record so much more important to me, and it's an awesome feeling thinking that I was responsible for every single thing the fans hear.
Isaac:
As hard of a worker as you are Bau Down, are you upset over the fact that you have not secured a major record deal?
Bau Down:
I get that question at least 4 times a day. Literally…either people in real life asking me…or people messaging me on MySpace trying to find out my deal.
To set the record straight…I truly could care less about a record deal. My experiences with major labels have all been negative ones. Either they want to sign me and change who I am musically…or they try and screw me over.
Like many musicians…I wanna be successful. Unfortunately, the way the world works today…they easiest way to make that happen is by signing to a major and letting them do what they want to with you.
However, I would really like to break the mold. I have already been one of the only musicians ever to turn away a major…and unless they can respect me for me and the music I make, I'll continue on this way with a smile on my face.
Isaac:
What advice do you have for other entertainers/artists out in the industry who are struggling to gain recognition?
Bau Down:
Ha! Trust me they won't want advice from me; I am not the guy to ask for recognition advice. People have been sleeping on me since day one…and for some reason still are. But like I said, I could careless…I don't do this for them.
The only advice I can give is never try to imitate or be anyone else. Real people can see right through that stuff. Make your mark making music that portrays you…believe in yourself…and in time you'll get the respect you deserve.
Isaac:
You recently graduated from Valparaiso University, Indiana - in December 2006. How has obtaining an education helped you musically/professionally in your opinion?
Bau Down:
You know…I never really thought about that too much…but it really has had a huge impact on me and my music. Not only the music I make…but my music career as well.
I feel like my experiences with school have really developed me intellectually. It has also given me a great perspective and a backbone to stand up to people at record labels trying to screw me over with stupid contracts and reading people who are trying to waste my time.
Bottom line is graduating from a University was huge in molding me into the person I am today.
Will Chen Photography
Isaac:
Elaborate a little about your record label, Bau Down Records. What is the main goal that you wish to achieve with your record label?
Bau Down:
Bau Down Records was a label I founded in 2003 under my Grandfather publishing company. Back then the only reason I founded it was because I needed to have the publishing rights to my music.
However, over time it worked out very well as I started producing music for other people, and starting working with other musicians as well. It made things a lot easier to legally own the music I composed and produced.
As far as the future, my brother and I recently joined forces in the business sense…and renamed Bau Down Records to TrendSettin' Entertainment. Over the next few years, we look to work with and sign new musical talent…and ultimately create a label that does things the way they are supposed to be done.
Isaac:
Another project you are involved with is fanfound.com. What can you tell others about this site?
Bau Down:
Yeah…for sure. FanFound is a music company that my brother & I started back in 2006. I could talk for hours about it…but basically…it is a music site that links musicians, fans and venues together on one site. Enabling fans to check out music…make mixes and stay in touch with musicians. Musicians obviously get their music out there, gain new fans and can actually get booked for shows directly by venues.
The site is awesome I must say…we also are very involved in the Chicago music scene, sponsoring shows everywhere from Logan Square Auditorium and the Metro, to Congress Theater.
If you love music, you need to check out what were doing for sure.
Isaac:
What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Bau Down:
Man my goal with music has always been nothing more than just making it, and helping others make it…and enjoying every second of it. I was never the guy to stand on the corner selling my CD's…I think that's corny. Good music sells itself…and now with the Internet, I have gotten so many opportunities to turn this into a career without having to sell out.
Like a lot of people, my ultimate goal is to someday be making enough money from music and what I love doing to pay the bills…but I hate even saying that cause so many people have given that a bad name…and unfortunately that's all they care about.
I'm a big Christian, and know God has a plan for everyone's life. I feel like I have become very talented through hard work and it will pay off one day. If it was up to me…I'd wanna be touring the world and on the radio now…but I'm not. There's a reason for it…beyond my comprehension with God…and all I can do it keep moving and working hard at what I love. If it is meant to be…it'll happen. I really believe that…and if it doesn't every happen…I will still be just as happy cause I'll still be making music doing my thing.
Isaac:
What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Bau Down:
Jeez, I have had more obstacles in my way than I can count man. I am a very persistent person. When I first started out…I wasn't very good. I didn't know how to write a song…make a beat…anything really. Teaching that all to myself was a huge obstacle.
I could sit here and name hundreds literally…but I think the two I'm most proud of would be my album BELIEVE, because it was the first full length album that I did everything on.
The second would be last fall a huge storm hit the Chicago area and completely ruined my studio. I was out of town, and came home to a mess. I was in the middle of so many things. Most importantly to me…my newest albums, "Beginner's Luck" and "Thy Will Be Done". Needless to say I lost everything and had to start from scratch.
Recovering from that…was hard…but made me a lot stronger of a person. I'll never forget really thinking about giving up right then…but I came back stronger than ever.
Isaac:
Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Bau Down:
To be honest, no I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. If someone is looking to make a career out of this, I wish them luck…cause it is pretty much one of the hardest things in the world to make happen.
I feel like I am among the hardest working and talented musicians in the world, and every day is still always a struggle.
But, on the other hand, if they are just trying to be a musician, in the very essence of the word, and wanna make music for the fun and accomplishment of making music...then yes…I recommend it.
Isaac:
Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Bau Down:
Man, my homeboy and great friend Kevin Rivera, better known as "Bassick" has taught me so much about this music thing. If I had to pick one piece of advice from him, it was back when we lived together at school, and was in his room one day making beats. I was writing some song, and he stopped me and told me to start being me.
At first I was like, what the? But after a good talk…I took it to heart…and to this day…will always be me in my music.
Isaac:
What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Bau Down:
Ha! It's funny you should ask me that. I ain't gonna lie; a few years ago I might have gotten upset about that question.
Reason being, I started out and always thought I was a hip-hop artist…and got mad whenever people didn't respect it for that…but nowadays I really don't think so.
If I had to pin myself on one genre, I would have to pick Pop. Just because I ain't the average rapper, and don't make any certain kind of music. I have been influenced by so much and Pop is a very very general genre. I rap, and sing…and love doing both.
Isaac:
What has been your favorite piece of work?
Bau Down:
Man every record I make it my new favorite. But, if I had to pick one or two, I would have to pick my records "Heart Of Stone" & "March 6th, 1983".
I wrote "Heart Of Stone" this spring when I was really feeling down about my love life, and all my experiences with girls. I composed the beat, wrote the song and recorded it in one day. Needless to say it turned out amazing, and in my eyes is a timeless song.
"March 6th, 1983" is perhaps my favorite song I have ever written, ever. Anyone who knows my story will know why…and to sum it up…that was the day God took my twin Carsten to Heaven.
Oddly enough, I never really listen to that song…it gets me way too emotional.
Isaac:
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Bau Down:
Yeah, I got websites and ways to find out more about me for days. My official website is www.baudown.com, my official MySpace is www.myspace.com/baudown and at my website fans can check out everything from my music discography, to lyrics to where to buy the music, and I always have new and free music to download on there too.
One of the things I have taught myself with this music thing is graphic and web arts…so I do all that stuff for myself too. Websites, album covers, you name it.
Isaac:
Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Bau Down:
Man I have so many people to acknowledge out there it would take all day! But I will shout out one, and that is my daddy. Yeah, I call him daddy, cause he is the single most important person in the world to me. He has always been there for me, emotionally, and financially. I would not be anywhere near whom I am or where I'm at without him.
Isaac:
Any last words?
Bau Down:
Thanks so much for having me…and thanks to everyone for taking the time to find out about me and my music!
