A Quick Chat with Robert Baxter
PHOTO: Sulaiman Enayatzada
Congratulations on your new EP STARGIRL – can you talk us through the themes you explore on the EP and what you approached differently this time, compared to your last EP, you wouldn’t expect cupid to cry?
Everything was very emotional and reflective in ywectc, talking about love and loss. STARGIRL is more playful, definitely a different side of myself. I think “WEEDKILLER” captures the ywectc lyrical content in a way that reflects where I’m at now. Instead of writing at the piano, I wrote and produced at the same time to feel the energy of the track.
What was influencing you while creating the EP? Music or otherwise…
My community is always a big influence. I started DJing so I was influenced by a lot more dance music and nightlife. My relationship with social media and seeing how it changed my feelings influenced me too. I had been listening to more non-pop music, like hip hop, jersey and jungle, and so you can hear little references to those genres throughout.
What was the creative process like for STARGIRL, from writing through to recording? Was there anything you were trying to achieve specifically?
It happened pretty naturally. I worked with Keelan Mak and we wrote “SUSPICIOUS” a couple of months before ywectccame out, so I’ve had in my head the direction I want to go with this project for a long time and I was teasing the songs in my live shows. I wanted 4 songs that make you want to move – sort of cheeky and those that get it get it type of attitude. Not everyone can like everything I do at all times so I may as well make music I want to listen to.
What do you think makes a pop record truly great?
I like drama in a pop song – could be from a catchy hook, a switch up in production, a good line, anything. I don't like cheesy lyrics but some people can make them work, there’s really no rules. Maybe there’s something to the idea that pop songs are catchy.
How has living in Naarm/Melbourne for so long now – after moving from Yorta Yorta Country/Shepparton – affected your music?
If I didn’t move to the city I wouldn’t be making music the way I am. I work with these incredible musicians I respect so much, met such wonderful creatives and we make beautiful music videos I’m so proud of. This is the art that younger me dreamed of. I didn’t feel that there was any chance I could achieve these things before.
We know you’re an active member of the Naarm queer ballroom scene! Can you tell us a bit about how you got into this, and whether you think it has an impact on your creative output?
I met a few people from the ballroom scene and started going to classes and training. Eventually, when I was ready, I started walking balls and vogue nights – walking sometimes face and vogue femme but mostly runway. Honestly, it has completely changed me as a person. I have grown in confidence, understood myself as a performer more, and met some beautiful people who I’ve battled, performed with, made music with, and had in videos.
Who are some local artists we should check out?
I love local music so much. Like, there are so many artists here investing in their careers, creating something different and doing the work.
Am I allowed to shout out an entire playlist? – I updated this one with all of my fave emerging artists:
If you’d like a shorter list, Lyds is an incredible artist who just released wanna play?, which I love, and I recently caught JUPiTA at a live show and she was incredible.
What will celebrating the EP look like for you, on release day?
I might order takeout and have a little night in with some friends (after I get over my stress and posting anxiety, and let go of the project I’ve been holding so close to my chest for so long).
You also have your upcoming STARGIRL LIVE launch on 1 May at The Curtin – what can we expect from a Robert Baxter gig in 2025?
A Robert Baxter gig in 2025 is energetic and fun and incorporates more forms of art than you’d expect. I think it’s a lot more personalised and a unique experience. I am releasing myself from expectations of what will perform well and what will please people, and just be really present and appreciate the people in the room.
LIVE DATES: Thurs 1 May - STARGIRL LIVE @ The Curtin, Naarm/Mel
