With a sound inspired by soundsystem culture and the rebellious spirit of pirate radio, Leeds-based multi-hyphenate Bakey continues to solidify his place as one of the hottest and most exciting visionary artists in bass music. Drawing influence from the likes of Breakage, El-B and Zed Bias, Bakey’s sets deliver a dynamic blend of electrifying dancefloor energy, a reflection of his time spent in the golden age of Leeds’ underground music scene. Continuing to garner a huge amount of momentum, Bakey has already received co-signs from a slew of artists including the Brighter Days family, shared the decks with some of the most respected names in dance music such as Interplanetary Criminal and performed at some of the UK’s and Europe’s most esteemed festivals, from Glastonbury to Gottwood.
Recently, Bakey joined Manchester’s legendary institution, The Warehouse Project, as a resident in 2024, going on to sign to their freshly-minted label Warehouse Project Records. Following his debut release on the imprint, the incendiary “Wouldn’t Believe”, and his second offering, “International Man”, in collaboration with fellow hotshots Champion and Jamakabi, Bakey has now unveiled his highly-anticipated debut project on the label—BACKROOMS—a three-track EP packed with gritty basslines and haunting samples. In line with BACKROOMS’ release, we caught up with the young talent to chat more about the EP and the tracks that inspired its creation…
What’s the story behind the EP name ‘BACKROOMS’?
There’s no real story behind the EP as a whole. The tracks came together pretty randomly. The visual side, I came up with based on the title track “BACKROOMS”—it just sounded like it should be played in a liminal space like ‘The Backrooms’, given the eerie sounds and sparseness.
How did the creative process for this record differ from your last project?
My creative process is usually quite random. I usually start tracks when I’m on the train to gigs or travelling home. It feels like a good space to think about ideas and I’m often inspired the morning after gigs.
Releasing via Warehouse Project Records, how does the imprint align with your vision and ethos?
After hearing about the label starting up, I just wanted to be a part of it really. I feel lucky to be able to put out music on a platform like The Warehouse Project. They’ve played a big part in building up the scene to where it is today.
What’s the reaction been like when you’ve played these tracks during your sets? Any highlights?
It’s always a wicked feeling playing out your own music and hearing how it goes down. To be fair, actually, I remember playing “UNDER CONTROL” at BassCoast in Canada during a B2B with Breaka, and it had a super good reaction.
You’ve got a residency coming up at Phonox, which is wicked. Tell us more about what to expect across the four weeks?
I had so much fun planning the lineups and I really wanted each night to focus on a different style that inspired me in some shape or form. I feel very lucky to be able to host so many talented artists, new and old, that have helped shape the scenes we know and love today. Week 1 focusses on Garage & Funky. Week 2 focusses on UK Techno and Percussive Bass. Week 3 is a bit of a mixing pot with a lot of different stuff in there. And the final week I want to focus on Jungle and the faster tempos.
What’s next for Bakey?
Gassed to get my album out which has been in the works for a while now. I’m also looking forward to festival season this year. I’ll be at Glastonbury, We Out Here and Croatia to name a few.
5 Tracks Which Inspired BACKROOMS