Aotearoa’s modern-soul master, Louis Baker shares a new video for ‘Overdrive’ today, his summer banger of a tune featuring double-platinum independent rapper/producer Kings.
The striking visuals, directed by photographer and filmmaker Abe Mora (Chaii, Troy Kingi, Stan Walker), take the viewer on an intimate night out in and around Auckland’s Strand Railway Station. Filmed under the glow of street light, it features one woman portrayed by Dianne Esther Maree Gavin, embodying the single’s seductive narrative through her own display of organic movement and dance. This clever take on ‘Overdrive’ offers another perspective to Baker’s much-loved tune where the rush of new affection is found for oneself.
Mora says of the video: “The idea behind the video was to offer another perspective in the way we interpret love, with the growing trend of self-awareness and self-love, waiting on the traditional lover is taking a back seat to the idea of falling in love with oneself. Louis’ track provided a well-balanced platform for a w?hine in the thick of her own journey toward emotional freedom to share her story.”
WATCH: Louis Baker – ‘Overdrive’ feat. Kings (Official Music Video)
The irresistible soul-funk grooves of ‘Overdrive’ shot up the NZ radio charts with its wide-reaching appeal gathering up plays on commercial radio giants: Mai FM, ZM, The Edge, More FM, George FM, and Flava Fresh, and alternative radio across the country alike. Upon release in February, the single secured the #1 spot on the Hot NZ Singles Chart and has clocked over 200k Spotify streams and support from California tastemaker radio station KCRW.
The track was produced by New Zealand producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Devin Abrams (Dallas Tamaira, Drax Project, Pacific Heights). Baker has since performed ‘Overdrive’ to a live TV audience at the 58th Halberg Sporting Awards at Spark Arena on March 24th. The appearance follows Baker’s one-off headline show with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) at Auckland’s Town Hall in February to a standing ovation.
With over 25 million Spotify streams and a loyal global following, the successful touring artist has sold out previous shows in New Zealand and performed on the European festival circuit multiple times. Baker’s debut album Open was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, including a prestigious Taite Music Prize nomination, and Recorded Music NZnominations for Best Soul Artist and Best M?ori Artist. Previous singles ‘Back On My Feet’ (2014), ‘Rainbow’ (2016), and ‘Black Crow’ (2018) have been recognised with APRA Silver Scroll nominations.
Stay tuned for more music from Louis Baker this year.
‘Overdrive’ feat. Kings is out now via all online streaming platforms
