Meet Baywud | Singer-Songwriter & Musician

So many things. I’m inspired by the good things in life, the bad things, the beautiful things and the ugly things. I think people inspire me more than anything. The human condition is such a delicate thing. Trying to figure out why people are the way they are and why they do the things they do is just so interesting to me. I’m fascinated by it. What is it that makes someone smile. What makes someone cry. What makes you angry or what makes you love. I want to know all of it. There is just so much beauty in all of the many imperfections of the world. You can find beauty in anything really, if you just look hard enough. There’s something beautifully perfect about the imperfect, if that makes sense. There’s so much to be inspired by in this world.

Music and performing has always been a part of my life. I got the ‘artist bug’ at a very early age in life. I always knew this was what I wanted to do, and more so what I was meant to do. I started performing on the stage at a very young age, and it has always been in my blood. It’s what defines me, really. Once I discovered songwriting, that was it. There’s something very euphoric about the songwriting process for me. You create something from the ground up that’s unique and that you’re able to call your own. It doesn’t always matter if someone approves of it or judges it.. It’s all subjective. But you just hope that it reaches out and touches someone. If even just one person is moved by it, then i’ve done my job. I think with any career there are challenges. Being an independent songwriter is no different. It’s very easy to feel frustrated at times, and feel like you’re not where you expected to be in your career. I’ve learned to be patient with myself, to always be grateful, and to just keep going. I think every artist feels this anxiety at a certain point. It’s the tortured artist syndrome, I suppose. But the way I’ve learned to bring myself out of this is by showing up, doing the work, and trusting in the universe. We all have a purpose in life, and I think once we realize what that purpose is, we have to embrace the many challenges that come with it, and try to accept that it’s okay to not be okay all the time. I’m very excited for the recent release of my EP, MMXX.  I’m very proud of it. It has some acoustic versions of two of my previously released singles, a Nashville style mix, as well as a new song that was inspired by a close friend of mine who I unfortunately lost to suicide late last year.  There’s also a single off of the EP that has been getting a lot of radio play, which is cool.  It’s a great feeling to hear my music on the air.  I also have a new single coming out that’s already mixed and mastered and will be released January 3rd, as well as a full album that will be available early next year that I’m really looking forward to sharing with everyone.

There are so many great places to go in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Obviously, due to the pandemic, there are fewer options, but still so many things to do. Before things were shutdown, I’d probably take them to all the tourist sites, if they’d never been to L.A. before. Hollywood is always a great option. You have ‘The Hollywood Walk Of Fame’, which has so much history. One of my favorite places to go is The Magic Castle, which is a private club/mansion on Franklin Avenue that has endless rooms with various magicians performing. It’s pretty amazing. They also have a great dining area if you’re looking to eat, as well as a number of bars. Melrose Avenue is also a great option if you’re looking to shop for unique clothing stores and other shops. Venice Beach, if you want to be closer to the beach. Lots of art and interesting people to see. One of my favorite places to go is El Matador Beach, which is in Malibu. It’s beautiful, and kind of a hidden gem that a lot of people don’t know about. If we had enough time, I’d definitely take a drive up PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), which takes you up the coast all the way to San Francisco. There are some great places to stop on the way. Big Sur is one of my favorite spots up in the North central coastal areas. And if times were different, there are some great concert venues to hit up.  The Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater are great outdoor venues and there’s always The Staples Center, which is a huge indoor venue downtown.  Honestly, there are endless options of places to go. Restaurants, bars, concert venues, mountains, beaches….. L.A. is really one of the best cities in the U.S.

It’s hard to choose just one. There are so many people that have helped and inspired me throughout my life as well as my career. My parents, I suppose would have to be at the top because I obviously wouldn’t be here without them. Haha. They’ve always been a huge support of really anything I’ve ever done in life. And I’ll always be grateful for that. I’m also lucky to have so many amazing and supportive friends in my life that continue to inspire me. I’ve travelled through some pretty dark times in my life, and I honestly couldn’t have come out on the other side without them. My manager, Patrick Conseil is another incredible person and friend in my life, who I owe so much. He has truly been an exceptional guide for me in my career and is such a huge support. He’s introduced me to some insanely talented songwriters and producers, who I’ve had the opportunity to work with and continue to work with.