The Man Behind the Shadows: Marc Neil Baker
Anomalous Style: We have had the pleasure of knowing you as an incredible charismatic performer and friend but for those who don’t know could you tell us a little bit about yourself. What drew you out to the states, California in particular?
Marc Neil Baker: Firstly the pleasure has been all mine so thank you. Well, I spent a lot time coming back and forth between America and Australia growing up. Like most people moving away it’s an escape from something right? I graduated college in Melbourne and was looking around town at what my future might hold and I wasn’t excited about it. I wasn’t really taken by LA but I fell head over heels for it somewhere along the way. So I packed my bags, said goodbye to love and moved. Now I can almost glimpse the man I’ve always wanted to be.
AS: We know that you work in the arts along with your music career, would you call yourself a musician or more of a performance artist? Do you feel that there is a difference?
MNB: I don’t feel like what I’m doing is performance because I don’t feel like I’m performing. I hold the stage in such high regard. It’s honestly the most truthful place you can find me. It’s the one place I can deal with everything, I understand the irony in that because it so public but it really doesn’t feel like “performing”. I just don’t know any other way to live, my life is the art. I have to do these things or I’m afraid my heart will stop.
AS: Where do you draw your inspiration from? Who is your favorite artist, musician etc?
MNB: I wish I could answer this question with names and examples but the list would be long and I would never feel safe about it. I’m attracted to the artists who are more then just the songs, who try and create an experience above all else. Take that answer as you like but just know they are out there and I love them.
AS: Where have you performed and who has been the best audience?
MNB: San Diego, Melbourne, New York and of course LA. Melbourne shows are always great. I do this “annual” show down there around Christmas with my friends CERES. I once did a show at Jeffrey Deitch’s house. Worst sound I’ve ever had and least people I’ve ever played in front of but it was a notch on my belt I was happy to earn. But in all honesty, every show is so important to me because it really is me giving everything I have, I never take the stage for granted. It’s life and death up there for me. I struggle with really expressing my joy and thanks to people who come and watch. It takes everything out of me because I put everything into it. I really want people to have an experience with me. I will always try my hardest to win you because you’re worth it.
AS: What is the significance with roses you hand out at your shows?
MNB: I have always just loved flowers and roses in particular, always wanted to work at a florist when I was in college. But like I said, the stage is really life and death for me and that’s what a rose signifies to me. It brings people together and also says goodbye. That’s why they need to be at my shows. I want everyone to be involved and celebrate all the fears and heartache they have. Hopefully leave all of those ideas behind at the shows. I’m hoping I can stop bringing them one day and they’ll just be there, like an old friend telling me everything is going to be okay.
AS: What makes one worthy of a rose?
MNB: Everybody has somebody in this strange world that wants to give them a rose. Some night’s, I’m that person.
Since we touch base on so many creative and cultural elements on our site we’d love to pick your brain about some of your go to things.
AS: You are always dressed to the 9! How many suits do you own?
MNB: In LA I have at least 10 I think. I have more back home and I’m always getting new ones when I can. It’s an expensive way to bury sadness isn’t it?
AS: What does your favorite casual outfit consist of? *Other than a suit haha!
MNB: It’s still pretty formal, me biggest fear is being underdressed at the dress-up party. Casual doesn’t exist; hopefully me and casual never officially meet.
AS: Any secret LA gems food wise?
MNB: I only ever eat out, I like being around people. Jones, Bottega Louie, L&E and The Cat & Fiddle, all of those places are amazing. Mostly you can find me at Jones or Bottega Louie drinking like a fish and eating like a bird.
AS: Favorite hangouts or pastime when you aren’t working/performing?
MNB: But I’m always working, I’m taking it all in to use it for something later. But as far as hangouts go, on Sundays Ben (Miami Horror) and I always go for afternoon tea at Mauro's Cafe. Sometimes I go to the record store. I’m mostly always out at night though. Still chasing romantic visions of drinking in the city and falling in love. I’m just a man trying to do European things.
AS: Favorite movie?
MNB: Casablanca.
AS: Any style advice to men who aren’t as savvy a dresser as yourself?
MNB: Dress like a man not a boy. Classic will always be classic and confidence is key.
AS: For our lady viewers, what is the easiest way to Marc Neil Baker’s heart?
MNB: They have already found the way, we just haven’t met yet.
Xx
N & R
www.marcneilbaker.com
insta: @marcneilbaker
twitter: @marcneilbaker
facebook: facebook.com/thisismarcbaker
Photos: Alicia Zumback | @aliciazumback