Baauer has had a strange road on his journey as an artist/ producer. His infectious dance floor jump starter Harlem Shake took a hold of the popular media this year in a way no other dance music has been able to do. Everyone from frat dudes to my grandmother (bless her heart), were talking about this “Harlem Shake business” this year; and then almost out of nowhere, the hype disappeared nearly as quickly as it came. The song that inspired hundreds of Youtube videos, and had the Miami Heat doing the same dance as Jimmy Fallon and friends, simply drifted out of the limelight. But for dance music fans, one thing from the Harlem Shake tidal wave remained. Baauer. And he is making a name for himself as one of the most promising up-and-coming producers in the game, while already boasting such recognizable success already.

That being said, it goes without saying that we at Run The Trap have mad respect for Harry Bauer Rodrigues; and after an interview with Pitchfork, the insight into how this all looked from Baauer’s eyes makes for only more respect for this humble and talented young producer. According to the interview, from Baauer’s seat, the entire experience of Harlem Shake blowing up the way it did was a, “mindfuck” one can only imagine. He really puts things into perspective by explaining that hearing the likes of Skrillex and Bassnectar play out his tune was a big deal for him initially, but eventually things got so big, and so far past dance music, that he realized it was all out of his control. As cool as the experience must have been, Baauer explains that it didn’t grow to the magnitude it was by anything he personally did, so that element took away from the whole experience.

“I got a taste of what it’s like to have a song in that stratosphere
and I can tell you that I’m happy with that being the
only time it happens. I don’t want that shit.”

Baauer goes on to tell that Harlem Shake hasn’t yielded a penny yet, due to its exposure being such a blessing and a curse all at once. What was once a frivolous tune with catchy samples and sirens, became entangled in serious, messy legal complications. With the song gaining so much unexpected popularity, its uncleared samples brought a huge mess that Diplo had to bail the young prodigy out of. He explains that he didn’t even know who did the samples, as he never thought any work being produced from his bedroom, would take over the world.

And take over the world it did. Everyone can hum the tune, nobody can escape it. And really, I can’t help but smile and get down just a little bit whenever I hear the immediately recognizable track creep up in a set or at a party, but make sure to maintain my cool as well. I have a new-found level of respect for Baauer, as he hasn’t fully embraced what most other artists envy so greatly. His drive, creativity and desire to produce good music that he is proud of shines through in this interview with Pitchfork, and it is crystal clear in his latest release “Higher” with Just Blaze ft. Jay Z. Check both out, enjoy, and watch out for Baauer. We know that this is only the beginning of a great career for this creative and unique styled producer.

BAAUER

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Baauer Speaks on the Harlem Shake Phenomenon + Why He Still Hasn’t Seen Any Money