Catch Brixton four-piece band The Baytrees in Clapham tomorrow
Brixton four-piece The Baytrees have been crafting their unique blend of hip hop, funk rock and pop since 2018, and are taking it to Bread & Roses in Clapham tomorrow.
The Baytrees are made up of brothers Mensah (songwriter, producer, lead singer, keyboard, guitarist and producer) and Kwame Hart (bass guitar), who are joined by friends Marcus Harris (drums and vocals) and Cujoe Ryan (guitarist and keys).
The band describes the inspirations behind their new single, Sunshine, as a combination of Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, J Hus, Metronomy and Daft Punk.
The song is about having a positive outlook on life and living to the fullest.
Mensah said: “I grew up on Michael Jackson and James Brown and Booker T, my dad was in a band so he would play these records in the house.
“My mum had a massive record collection so together they had a really eclectic mix of music which has shaped the music that I make.”
The Baytrees are well accustomed to the harsh realities of the music industry, having been dropped by their previous record label when performing as initial incarnation The Thirst.
As The Thirst they toured with and supported iconic bands including the Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones.
Mensah said: “We got hit with reality hard.
“We all had to get jobs again, I’m now the head of music in three schools in Hackney.
“The music industry is hard but I would make music even if I didn’t make a penny. I’m compelled to make it.
“I close my eyes and I hear music.
“The love for what you do has to outweigh all the hurdles.”
As songwriters, The Baytrees have worked with legendary Italian artist Gianna Nannini on her album La Differenza which reached number 2 in the Italian charts.
Mensah said: “On tour it’s very fun. I love travelling with those guys, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
“I think you should smile every day, there are a lot of people who don’t realise that.
“Two years ago I lost my mum. It flipped a switch. When you lose someone close it changes your outlook on life and what’s
important.”
The Baytrees will be releasing more music later this year.
Picture: The Baytrees, Mensah, Kwame Hart, Marcus Harris and Cujoe Ryan (Picture: Roderick Ryan)
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