Bringing their fans an eclectic mix of blues, country and funk is the Amsterdam-based band My Bay. With brother-sister duo Joost van Dijck on the drums and Cato van Dijck on vocals, the band also includes Daniel ‘Dafreez’ Johnston on the guitar. Their sound oscillates between rock and dance, folk and blues, that come together so organically.
It also somehow brings on the nostalgia of the ’70s — and that is the main inspiration behind the name of the band as well. It was around that time that ‘my baby’ had become a popular term to refer to one’s lover. It was a familiar for endearment and a blues reference. And the members, who have worked in different bands together before forming this one, felt it was the right fit for the kind of music they wanted to put out.
Their debut album My Baby Loves Voodoo! was nominated for various awards in 2013, and was followed by Shamanaid (2015), Remedy II EP (2015), Prehistoric Rhythm (2017) and Mounaiki — By the Bright of Night (2018). The band will be performing at the 13th edition of SulaFest in Nashik. Here’s more from them:
Have you been working on new music?
Well yes, we are working on a new album at the moment. We tend to work with some simple musical themes which we improvise and add vocals and lyrics to, later. This album is influenced by alternative dance crossed with indie folk. In a way a softer sound than some of our previous efforts but then again, we aren’t finished yet.
Do you think you’re more of an’ on-stage’ band than a ‘recording-studio’ band?
Most of our fans will probably tell you we are a live-band, and are best to experience that way. It is true that our ‘uniqueness’ was created live on stage in the sense that we had to develop a way to play as a three piece, which isn’t how we started the recording process. So, there are two versions of the band — high energy live act and the recording band that has more sonic depth. There are also few fans which prefer the albums, so it is up to your personal preferences as to how would you like to enjoy our music.
What are some of your favourite music festivals across the world to perform as a band and to enjoy as visitors?
We have played in a lot of festivals in the UK which has a great scene. Few of them are Think, Glastonbury, Womad and Shambala. In New Zealand, we played at a festival called Luminate, which was set up on the top of a crystal quartz hill under the stars. Festivals in idyllic places are often fun and more inspiring but it is the energy and attitude of the audiences that makes the difference in the end. We are also looking forward to playing at the vineyards at SulaFest 2020.
How has your sound evolved over the years? How have you evolved as artists?
We started off as a roots and blues band with leanings toward EDM. Over the years, we developed our live act into a more hard edged and high energy affair which is really more of a rock n roll experience with experimental trance explorations. We learned to be creative with effects but still, we only use live instruments including drums, guitars and violin. We have never ventured into using laptop driven sounds, backing tracks, loops and the like.
What is the rapport and relationship you share as band members, and how does it reflect in your music?
Cato, the singer, and Joost, the drummer, are siblings. They have been performing together since childhood. That is especially reflected in the way they sing together. The band has a family like warmth and connection. Daniel came over from New Zealand to the Netherlands years ago but quickly established a rhythmic connection with Joost and after 14 years of playing together, he is also one of the family.
If you got a chance to collaborate with a DJ, who would it be and why, and for which track?
Good question. At the moment, we are collaborating with MoZes Meijer who is our producer on the upcoming album. He is also a DJ. We always had this idea to make a collaborative album with lesser known DJs across the globe and across different cultures. So, hopefully one day we’ll get a chance to setup a project like that.
What are your plans for 2020?
Well, our debut in India of course, followed by a tour in New Zealand. We will then be working on finishing off the next album. We will also be playing in the United States and will be making several visits there; so that’s an exciting prospect we are looking forward to.
Tell us about your performance at SulaFest 2020, what is it going to be like?
Hypnotic, voodoo, trance and rock with lots of high energy vibes and plenty of improvisation, audience participation and lots of love.
ST Reader Service
My Baby will perform at the 13th edition of SulaFest to be held on February 1 and 2 at Sula Vineyards, Nashik
