In 2012, “Harlem Shake” was a huge surprise hit in the electronic music world – an energy laden, hyper-awake, roaring statement. Producer Baauer, aka Harry Bauer Rodriguez, was 23 years at the time, and also didn’t seem to expect this success. He is originally from Philadelphia, grew up in Germany and England, and is now at home in Brooklyn. The piece caused hysteria in the internet; fans made their own videos to the track, and it made its way straight into the charts and clubs. All doors suddenly opened for the young cosmopolitan, and stars queued for him: he was in high demand, both as a remixer for Prodigy and No Doubt as well as as a producer. Meanwhile, the hype has made Baauer himself a little sceptical, which is why he considers his album “Aa”, released in spring, as a radical new beginning – an attempt to contain the spirit of internet fame and present himself as an innovative sound artist. And it has been a huge success. “Aa”, which brings together illustrious guest like Future, Pusha T, Leikeli47 and M.I.A., has a lot of hip hop and R&B in its DNA. It runs hot at the intersections of different electronic music traditions ranging from disco to grime through to trap, spritzed with drizzlings of fun sound snippets from all over the world. “Aa” his borne by a cool massive bass – and has the feel of a club night really gaining momentum.
