by mariah estran
Retro-indie artist Buster Baer started off the new year by releasing his new EP, Mock Twang. Four track's archiving turbulent lessons a relationship can evoke, while coincidingly expressing thoughts found within the unusual years of a pandemic.
It’s a body of work that showcases a polished production upgrade — as it draws from topics that are somewhat disarray. From “Gone Fishin’,” created while spending time with family on a Christmas getaway, to “In His Image" — taking shape after a life-threatening accident. The EP is a peek into a personal journey, wrapped in a groovy tinge, and complete with smooth vocals.
Buster Baer took the time to tell us about Mock Twang. He shares more on the moments that inspired the collection, production, and how the EP represents him as an artist.
You've recently released your EP Mock Twang. The project was written mostly throughout the lockdown period of the pandemic. How did creating this record help you process your thoughts and emotions?
Buster Baer: “Oh God, just having something to obsess over is so sexy. I tweaked those knobs all day and all night.”
The EP title is a play on Mark Twain, and the album art coincides. What drew you to that name and source of inspiration?
Buster Baer: “The ex the EP is sort of based around used to make fun of me ‘cause I wrote a really bad novel when I was younger and I was growing a really thick mustache, so she used to mock me saying, ‘I'm Buster, I'm gonna be just like Mahk Twain.’”
The track "Gone Fishin’" was partially recorded on a canoe. Tell us more about that story and the recording process.
Buster Baer: “My parents were really sad about the pandemic and worried about Christmas, so they decided to blow WAY TOO MUCH money on a ranch for the whole family to make a bubble so we could hang out for the week of Christmas. Everybody was working over FaceTime, so it worked out. The ranch had a lake, and I knew there'd be pretty nature noises, so I brought all my recording equipment. I spent all day on the boat writing the song. It was in Temecula and the adults were all worried about a fire that was close by, and my old dog Pedro (God rest his soul) was having seizures, and everybody was being vague about it in front of my young nieces. So, I thought a lot about innocence, and how the f*** to explain any of this to a child.”
You've been releasing music over the last couple of years, and this isn't your first time releasing an EP. How does this latest release represent where you are as an artist?
Buster Baer: “This EP was a sort of songwriting peak probably. I was really concerned about catchiness and vulnerability. The textures are all retro, without being specific to any certain time, whereas in the past I was really going for specific stuff. I just wanted clean mixes mostly. I think it's clean. It sounds good, you know? It could be better, but it's professional enough that if it was a hit nobody would be disappointed. I'm proud to show it off as a good example of what I'm capable of on a craft level. Now, I'm focused on catching up in time with my generation. And finding magic.”
For you, which song stands out on the EP, and why?
Buster Baer: “I think ‘Get Deeper’ wound up being the best. ‘Sleepy Baby’ was supposed to be, but ‘Get Deeper’ is more fun. A lot of people like ‘Sleepy Baby’ though. Personally speaking, ‘In His Image’ has ‘mattered’ the most. I sang it while on loads of ketamine in the hospital after getting run over at 50mph and I really think it saved my life. Nobody seems to care much about it, but I know God does so I'm happy with it.”
You've just released a quirky video for the track "Get Deeper." What inspired this three-minute story?
Buster Baer: “Gee, I have no idea, you'd have to ask Janelle Brosnan, she's the brains behind that video! I know she was inspired by 70s kids cartoons like HR Pufnstuf etc. She's awesome and I'm really grateful to her for that little piece of art. Hit up ProDuck Productions too!”