Gela (album) explained

Gela
Type:studio
Artist:Baker Boy
Cover:Gela by Baker Boy.webp
Released:15 October 2021
Length:43:40

Gela is the debut studio album by Indigenous Australian rapper Baker Boy, released on 15 October 2021 through Island Records Australia and Universal Music Australia. Gela features guest appearances from JessB, G Flip, Jerome Farah, Thando, Yirrmal, Lara Andallo, and Uncle Jack Charles, alongside production from former TZU member Pip Norman, Willie Tafa, Carl Dimataga, Morgan Jones and Farah.

The album title Gela is Baker's skin name in Yolngu culture.[1]

Gela was supported by seven singles—"Cool as Hell", "Meditjin", "Move", "Ride", "My Mind", "Butterflies", and "Survive".

At the J Awards of 2021, the album was nominated for Australian Album of the Year.[2] At the National Indigenous Music Awards 2022, the album won Album of the Year.[3] [4]

At the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, the album won Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Best Hip Hop Release/Rap Release, Best Mixed Album and Best Cover Art.[5]

At the 2022 Music Victoria Awards, the album won Best Victorian Album.[6] [7]

Background

Baker's debut album follows several years of releasing stand-alone singles.[8] On 18 January 2019, Triple J published a piece detailing their most anticipated albums of the year, which featured Baker's forthcoming debut on the list. A representative for him detailed the album's musicality, revealing it would include "dancehall, traditional, trap, G-Funk and your original Baker Boy styles."[9] On 25 January 2020, in an interview with The Sydney Morning Heralds Craig Mathieson, Baker discussed his intention to release an album before the end of the year, stating: "Finishing an album is one of my main priorities for this year. It's almost finished, so I want everyone to get ready for what's going to happen."[10] On 27 March, Baker premiered the single "Move" on Triple J's Sally & Erica. In an accompanying interview, he revealed details of the album, saying he was "super-pumped" about it, and was "three or two" songs away from completing it.[11]

Recording

During recording for the album alongside various producers, Baker worked 14-hour days from 10am to midnight (AEST).[10]

Release

On 13 April 2018, Baker first teased a debut album alongside the premiere of "Mr. La Di Da Di" in a Triple J interview, stating that he hoped to release an album or EP "by July or even two months after that", adding "if I can't do it this year, I'll have two albums next year."[12] On 4 May 2018, he further teased his debut album, stating he was "currently working on finishing up [his] album.[13] Baker initially intended to release his debut album in mid-2019[9] and then August,[14] and again in 2020.[10] On 24 March 2021, in an interview with Triple J's Bryce & Ebony, Baker reaffirmed his intention to release a debut album.[15] On 16 July, a day after the release of "My Mind", Baker announced that the album would be titled Gela and revealed its release date of 15 October.[16] Gela has been described as highly anticipated.[17]

Promotion

Singles

Gela was supported by seven singles.

"Cool as Hell" was released on 25 January 2019 as the album's lead single.[18] [14]

"Meditjin", featuring JessB, was released as the second single on 21 November 2019.[19]

"Move" was released as the third single on 27 March 2020.[8]

"Ride", featuring Yirrmal, was released as the fourth single on 25 March 2021.[20]

"My Mind", featuring G Flip, was released on 15 July 2021 as the album's fifth single.[21]

"Butterflies" was released on 17 September 2021 as the album's sixth single.[22]

"Survive", featuring Uncle Jack Charles, was released alongside the album on 15 October 2021 as the seventh and final single.[23]

Marketing

On 19 July 2021, Baker made an appearance as a guest host on eighth episode of the ninth series of Have You Been Paying Attention?, during which he discussed his forthcoming album and the release of his single "My Mind".[24] [25]

Artwork

According to Rolling Stone Australia, Gelas front cover features "striking artwork by iconic street artist Adnate [that] perfectly encapsulates the concept behind the record, which sees Baker Boy coming to terms with the sudden fame he's experienced in the past few years, while still maintaining close ties to his family and community in Arnhem Land."[16]

Critical reception

Andrew McMillen of the Australian praised the album as "impressive and versatile", writing that Baker "balance[d] poppy accessibility with battle-ready fierceness and deeper messages."[26]

Personnel

Musicians

Other musicians

Technical

Release history

Release history and formats for Gela! Region! Date! Format! Label! Catalogue!
Various15 October 2021[27]
Australia15 October 2021CD3841120[28]
Australia15 October 2021LP3841122[29]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Newstead . Al . 2021-10-19 . Baker Boy's inspiring Gela is all for vibing and thriving, not surviving . 2023-08-05 . triple j . en-AU.
  2. Web site: Triple j reveals J Awards nominees. The Music Network. 1 November 2021. 1 November 2021. Kelly, Vivienne.
  3. Web site: Nominees and Performers Announced For National Indigenous Music Awards 2022. Music Feeds. 13 July 2022. 14 July 2022.
  4. Web site: 2022 NIMAs: Baker Boy Wins Two Awards, Archie Roach and Gurrumul Honoured . The Music Network. 6 August 2022. 7 August 2022.
  5. Web site: Rüfüs Du Sol Leads 2022 ARIA Awards Nominees (Full List). The Music Network. 12 October 2022. 12 October 2022. Lars Brandle.
  6. Web site: 2022 Music Victoria Awards Reveal Public Voting Categories Nominees. The Music Network. 10 November 2022. 11 November 2022.
  7. Web site: Music Victoria Awards 2022 Winners. Scenestr. 13 December 2022. 15 December 2022.
  8. Web site: Baker Boy releases official music video for 'Move' . . 1 May 2020 . 2 April 2021 . Rose, Anna . https://web.archive.org/web/20210402055021/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/baker-boy-releases-official-music-video-for-move-2657394/ . 2 April 2021 . live.
  9. Web site: triple j's most anticipated albums of 2019 . . 18 January 2019 . 2 April 2021 . Newstead, Al . Tencic, Nat . Quinn, Max . Bracken, Claire . Nat Tencic . https://web.archive.org/web/20190124115352/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/triple-j-most-anticipated-albums-2019/10723400/ . 24 January 2019 . live.
  10. Web site: Expectations high for fabulous Baker Boy and his new album in 2020 . . 25 January 2020 . 2 April 2021 . Mathieson, Craig . Craig Mathieson . https://web.archive.org/web/20200125093749/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/expectations-high-for-fabulous-baker-boy-and-his-new-album-in-2020-20200121-p53tdo.html . 25 January 2020 . live.
  11. Web site: First Spin: Baker Boy’s 'Move' pays tribute to the strong women in his life . . 27 March 2020 . 2 April 2021 . Newstead, Al . https://web.archive.org/web/20210402055256/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/baker-boy-single-move-interview-premiere-strong-women/12089108/ . 2 April 2021 . live.
  12. Web site: First Spin: Baker Boy bops on the deadly funk of 'Mr La Di Da Di' . . 13 April 2018 . 2 April 2021 . Newstead, Al . https://web.archive.org/web/20180415035932/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/first-spin-baker-boy-bops-on-deadly-funk-of-mr-la-di-da-di/9647550/ . 15 April 2018 . live.
  13. Web site: 5 highlights of 2018 so far with Baker Boy . Scenestr . 4 May 2018 . 13 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190325132000/https://scenestr.com.au/music/5-highlights-of-2018-so-far-with-baker-boy/ . 25 March 2019 . live.
  14. Web site: SOTD: Baker Boy brings the heat with 'Cool as Hell' . . 29 January 2019 . 2 April 2021 . Tuskan, Peter . https://web.archive.org/web/20190331084225/https://themusicnetwork.com/sotd-baker-boy-brings-the-heat-with-cool-as-hell/ . 31 March 2019 . live.
  15. Web site: First Spin: Baker Boy and Yirrmal link back up for new single 'Ride' . . 26 March 2021 . 2 April 2021 . Fuamoli, Sose . Sose Fuamoli . https://web.archive.org/web/20210402055611/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/first-spin-baker-boy-yirrmal-ride/13277134/ . 2 April 2021 . live.
  16. Web site: Baker Boy announces long-awaited debut album, 'Gela' . . 16 July 2021 . 16 July 2021 . Jenke, Tyler . https://web.archive.org/web/20210716022503/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/baker-boy-debut-album-gela-27451/ . 16 July 2021 . live.
  17. Web site: Baker Boy's first album is imminent . . 16 July 2021 . 16 July 2021 . Langford, Jackson . https://web.archive.org/web/20210716045316/http://www.mtv.com.au/news/l4khla/baker-boy-album-gela-single-my-mind-g-flip/ . 16 July 2021 . dead.
  18. Web site: First Spin: Baker Boy sounds 'Cool as Hell' on Thundamentals collab . . 25 January 2019 . 2 April 2021 . Tencic, Nat . Nat Tencic . https://web.archive.org/web/20190202085006/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/first-spin-baker-boy-cool-as-hell/10743384/ . 2 February 2019 . live.
  19. Web site: Baker Boy teams up with JessB for new song 'Meditjin' . . 21 November 2019 . 16 July 2021 . Langford, Jackson . https://web.archive.org/web/20210716031055/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/baker-boy-teams-up-with-jessb-for-new-song-meditjin/ . 16 July 2021 . live.
  20. Web site: Baker Boy collaborates with Yirrmal on fresh new single, 'Ride' . . 25 March 2021 . 2 April 2021 . Rose, Anna . https://web.archive.org/web/20210324224317/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/baker-boy-collaborates-with-yirrmal-on-fresh-new-single-ride-2907308/ . 24 March 2021 . live.
  21. Web site: First Spin: Baker Boy ft. G Flip introduce you to 'My Mind' . . 15 July 2021 . 16 July 2021 . Bracken, Clare. https://web.archive.org/web/20210715152307/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/first-spin-baker-boy-g-flip-my-mind/13446966/ . 15 July 2021 . live.
  22. Web site: Baker Boy releases new high-energy single "Butterflies" . . 17 September 2021 . 17 September 2021 . Triscari, Caleb.
  23. Web site: Watch Baker Boy's raw, one-take video for new song 'Survive' . . 15 October 2021 . 21 October 2021 . Langford, Jackson . https://web.archive.org/web/20211015004914/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/watch-baker-boys-raw-one-take-video-for-new-song-survive-3071180/ . 15 October 2021 . live.
  24. Have You Been Paying Attention? . HYBPA . 1417086796760944646 . A huge thank you to the amazing @bakerboymusic for joining us on #HYBPA! Baker Boy's new single 'My Mind' featuring G Flip is OUT NOW! . 19 July 2021 . 22 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210719114004/https://www.twitter.com/HYBPA/status/1417086796760944646/ . 19 July 2021 . live.
  25. Web site: Watch Have You Been Paying Attention? live or on-demand . . 19 July 2021 . 22 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210722082650/https://www.freeview.com.au/watch-tv/shows/3e0c677f-0d4a-4b8e-be94-83e078839902/ . 22 July 2021 . dead.
  26. Web site: Outstanding debut for multi-talented Baker Boy . . 15 October 2021 . 22 October 2021 . McMillen, Andrew . Andrew McMillen . subscription . https://web.archive.org/web/20211018053950/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/album-review-baker-boy-impresses-on-outstanding-debut-gela/news-story/f324d56c3d46f6848a7d932004b7df4d/ . 18 October 2021 . live.
  27. Web site: Gela by Baker Boy on Apple Music . . 16 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210716023610/https://music.apple.com/au/album/gela/1574662056/ . 16 July 2021 . live.
  28. Web site: Gela . . 15 October 2021 . 16 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210716023012/https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/cd-baker-boy-gela-cd/ . 16 July 2021 . live.
  29. Web site: Gela (Limited 180gm Colour Vinyl) . . 15 October 2021 . 16 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210716022828/https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/vinyl-baker-boy-gela-limited-180gm-colour-vinyl-lp/ . 16 July 2021 . live.

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