LOUIS BAKER finds release in new single, 'Trouble' + Official Music Video
From one of Aotearoa’s treasured voices comes proof of the cathartic, healing power of music. Louis Baker’s powerful new single Trouble, out August 7, sees the acclaimed artist transform personal turmoil into a deeply personal and resonant new work. Trouble cements Baker’s standing as an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, producer, and captivating vocalist. The perfect follow-up to breakthrough single All We Need, new release, Trouble, accompanied by an official music video, showcases Baker at his most emotive and authentic.
A hard-hitting soul cut built on blues foundations, ‘Trouble’ reveals a grittier side to Baker’s forthcoming album, due for release later this year. Raw lead vocals cut through punchy drums and Motown-inspired guitar stabs, while congas, bass, organ and clav drive the groove. Above it, soaring flute from award winning jazz musician Louisa Williamson and sweeping strings bring a cinematic lift to the track’s raw, hard-edged production.
Written and produced by Baker, ‘Trouble’ emerged during a period of inner turmoil and reflection. At its core, the song explores the weight of stress, worry and exhaustion, while searching for hope and stability.
‘Trouble’ was one of my favourite songs to produce on the record,” says Baker. “I really leaned into my blues influences in the lyric with this one, and in many ways it’s a blues song at its core.”
“Looking back, I don’t think I fully realised the amount of mental stress I was going through until after the song was finished. Music has always been an outlet for me, and writing this helped put things into perspective.”
Recorded with some of Wellington, New Zealand's finest musicians, Baker performs vocals, guitars and bass, alongside Louisa Williamson (flute), Tristan Carter (violin), Leo Coghini (organ, clav and Wurlitzer) and Riki Gooch (congas).
The single is accompanied by an official music video, filmed across some of Wellington's most iconic live music venues, including Meow Nui and Bedlam & Squalor, the video also captures Baker moving through familiar corners of the city on a stormy winter's night, reflecting the song's atmosphere and emotional weight. Directed by award-winning director & producer, Shae Sterling, and continuing with their successful creative partnership, after also previously producing the visuals for Baker’s Addict and The People.
‘Trouble’ follows recent single ‘All We Need’, which received early DSP support from Spotify’s New Music Friday AU & NZ and Apple Music’s New Music Daily playlists, alongside international radio airplay and strong support from DJs and tastemakers across Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US. The Track also debuted at #5 on the Aotearoa Hot Chart.
‘Trouble’ the single & official music video is available on all digital platforms 7 August 2026.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.