Dutch producer Bakermat chats about his new album 'The Spirit' and creates an exclusive mix for Notion.

The name Bakermat is synonymous with the international dance music scene. Blending a base of electronic or house music with an option of jazz, pop, soul, and now gospel, his tracks have listeners hooked.

 

Kicking his career off in 2014, the Dutch producer and DJ had his breakout with the platinum-selling single “One Day (Vandaag)”.

 

Over the years, Bakermat, real name Lodewijk Fluttert, has swept in more success with singles “Baby”, “Baiana”, “Games Continued”, and his 2020 debut album ‘The Ringmaster’.

 

Now, Bakermat has shared his sophomore album, ‘The Spirit’, which infuses gospel and soul with his trademark house sound. Popular track “Ain’t Nobody” featuring LaShun Pace has already become a fan favourite.

 

Notion caught up with Bakermat to chat about the new record, highs and lows, and what he’s most looking forward to. Plus, he’s made an exclusive mix. Turn it up!

You’ve recently dropped your sophomore album, ‘The Spirit’. How long did it take you to make the record from start to finish?

Oh man, that’s a tough question. I think it took me about three months (I made it during COVID), but I also included some tracks that I made 7 years ago. So, let’s say a total of 4 months!

A lot of the album features soul and gospel music. What drew you work with these genres?

When I was young my dad gave me a CD by James Brown and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve always been listening to soul, (old-school) gospel and funk, and any combination between the three. I think it’s so interesting to mix elements of these genres with house music!

Blending genres comes naturally to you. What would you like to mix in the future?

The ones that I think could be interesting to mix with house music are Metal, Bossa Nova, and Eastern European Folk.

What highs and lows did you experience while making the album?

No real lows to be honest. I mean, I was devastated about COVID, but making the album was a very positive distraction. The whole process was very fluent and easy-going. I kept the album as raw and unpolished as possible.

How has the reception been to it so far?

Way better than expected! Some fans even call it my best work yet. And a lot of people were inspired and surprised by it. That is the best compliment I can get!

Do you have a favourite song from the album?

I think it might be “Tapdancer” because of the constant build-ups and chords. I also really love “Chorale”, where I mixed classical with dance.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

To be performing again of course! It’s almost surreal imagining myself playing in front of big crowds again. Seeing the actual real-life effect of the stuff you produced in your studio is something I’m really looking forward to!

Talk us through your mix – what vibe were you hoping to create and why did you pick these tracks?

The mix consists of my entire album, plus some tunes that really fit their sound from previous releases. I thought the sequence through and think it’s a nice and balanced yet surprising listening experience!