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The Charger Online

The official news source for Oxford High School

The Charger Online

The official news source for Oxford High School

The Charger Online

2023 graduate begins music career, releases first single

2023+graduate+begins+music+career%2C+releases+first+single

Class of 2023 graduate, Harley Baker, graduated high school early to pursue her music career. Baker released her newest song on Sept. 12 at midnight. This next step in her career has made her lifelong dreams come true. Since middle school Baker has wanted to pursue a serious career in the music industry.

“My love grew more and more and I was able to write so many songs about so many different things,” Baker said. “From there on out I knew music was my calling.”

Baker enjoys listening to Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Billie Eillish, Melanie Martinez, Paramore, Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Rey, Grace Abrams, Claire and the list goes on. She has always loved a wide variety of genres.

“When I was little my dad would quiz me in the car on what song was playing and who was singing it,” Baker said. “Ranging from Led Zeppelin to Nirvana, I grew up and thrived off of music.”

Baker’s biggest influence is Phoebe Bridgers. Baker has been a big fan of her ever since she released her first album and has been in love with her music since that release. Baker believes that Bridgers is one of the most talented artists of our time and loves how her music resonates with her and she wants to do that for others.

“Knowing that people want to listen to my music and share it is truly so motivational,” Baker said.

Baker wrote “Our Garden” all the way back in 2021 and has cherished it ever since. She has continued to work on it for all these years and now it’s finally ready to be released to the world.

“I can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts and opinions,” Baker said. “I hope it can be the song for someone to hold close to their heart just like I do.”

One of Baker’s favorite parts about making music, as well as music in general, is watching people take the message from a song and apply it to their own lives. 

“Our Garden’ can be interpreted many ways, but that’s the fun in music,” Baker said. “You get to hear how it resonates with different people.”

Baker’s favorite musical memory she’s made is just being able to play for her friends. Baker enjoys seeing how much they support her. The love her friends have given her music has been the most rewarding thing to her.

“It’s comforting to know if I do or don’t get big or famous, my friends will always be my number one fan,” Baker said.

Baker started writing songs here and there for fun and eventually put two songs out on SoundCloud just to see what would happen. She realized her love for music and kept writing and singing for herself until recently.

“Just any moment where I pull out my guitar while they’re at my house has been so memorable,” Baker said. “I love getting to hear their thoughts and feedback.”

Baker wants her fans to love music as much as she does so that they can appreciate it together. She hopes to grow a supportive and caring fanbase who love her music as much as she does.

“I look forward to getting to play shows for people who not only love music, but love my music,” Baker said.

Baker’s project of many years, “Our Garden”, is out now on many platforms and making her dreams

She’s had since middle school come true. Listen now on the platform of your choice.

“I’m at a little over 200 streams on Spotify and almost 300 streams over all platforms,” Baker said.

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About the Contributor
Lucy Lilly
Lucy Lilly, staff writer
Lucy is a sophomore at Oxford High School. This is her first year on the staff. She is on the OHS Tennis Team and likes to travel around the world, cook, and hang out with friends.