100% Bakar: the irresistible troublemaker climbing the ranks

The Face hung out with London’s favourite “badkid” ahead of the release of his new track Hell N Back, out today.

Music

Words: Amy Francombe15th August 2019

Straddling genres with his spirited sound, Bakar is a tearaway with an onslaught of talent. Defined by his unique sound that’s, well, undefinable, the Camden-based musician’s spunky energy sees him successfully bounce between scatty rock ‘n’ roll guitar riffs, woozy electronic numbers and gentle spoken word cuts. He’s also caught the attention of Virgil Abloh, who’s given the singer the call up to walk the Louis Vuitton runway (twice) and granted him a spot in the house’s SS19 campaign.

After wreaking havoc across the country with his band of badkids earlier this year, performing sold out shows to zealous fans who go ga ga for Bakar’s off-the-wall-ceiling-and-floor performances, he’s just dropped a brand new track Hell N Back. A jazzy number that shows a more loved-up side to the musician, while perfectly whetting our appetites ahead of his upcoming Will You Be My Yellow EP.

We sat down with the rising star and got the 100% scoop.

10%: Where were you born, where were you raised and where are you now based?

Camden, Camden, Camden.

20%: At what point did you realise you’d be able to do what you love for a living?

When I dropped out of college after the third term and realised this is what I wanted and could do.

30%: What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?

Virgil said when it comes to a decision and it’s like safe option or roll the dice, always roll the dice. Every single time.

40%: What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work?

Love, hate, and everything in between.

50%: What can you tell us about your next project?

That it is going to be a generation defining album and that it’s gonna be bigger and better. Everything is gonna be more honest, more poppy, the emotional part is going to be more emotional and it’s really just going to represent a period.

60%: Break down your typical day at work…

Wake up, I get on the bus, I sit on the bus for like three hours, maybe even longer, sometimes eight hours. I get out, do a sound check. I try and eat some food, maybe. I get ready and then I go on stage. I do a show. I come off. I try and eat and then I go to sleep. I wake up, get on the bus, and do it all again.

70%: What can artists do to help save the world?

I don’t think any artist can save the world but we can just try and make people’s days better. We can make people’s moments bolder, make people feel better, try and make people heal with whatever they’re going through. That’s what we’re here for.