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- A quarter century after the death of his father, Ian Dury-the iconic Cockney poet, punk, and actor-Baxter Dury continues to navigate a musical path both connected to and...
- baxter Dury acknowledges the undeniable influence of his father, especially in vocal style and lyrical themes. Both share a distinctive London inflection and a penchant for "outsider music"-songs...
- "It's a forensic question, innit?" Dury reflects on the connection between his work and his father's.
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Baxter Dury on Legacy, Electronic Music, and Embracing the ”Nepo Baby” Label
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A quarter century after the death of his father, Ian Dury-the iconic Cockney poet, punk, and actor-Baxter Dury continues to navigate a musical path both connected to and distinct from his father’s legacy. His latest album, Allbarone, released last fall, blends his signature dry, witty vocal delivery with vibrant electronic soundscapes, marking a compelling evolution in his artistic expression.
The Echoes of Ian dury and a Unique Artistic Identity
baxter Dury acknowledges the undeniable influence of his father, especially in vocal style and lyrical themes. Both share a distinctive London inflection and a penchant for “outsider music”-songs that defy easy categorization. Though, Baxter’s embrace of electronic music represents a significant departure from Ian Dury’s more traditionally rock-oriented sound. This blending of old and new creates a sound that is recognizably dury, yet distinctly his own.
“It’s a forensic question, innit?” Dury reflects on the connection between his work and his father’s. “There is a London growl to my voice that’s deep. I don’t sing. He didn’t sing. We share outsider music. Is all that by accident? Of course not. I was brought up by two ambitious artistic people [his mom is portraitist Elizabeth rathmell]. His influence is there. When I work, I often think about his delivery and timing, not all the time.”
Allbarone: A Deep Dive into Electronic Exploration
Allbarone, released on October 27, 2023, via Heavenly Recordings, showcases Dury’s willingness to experiment with electronic textures. The album was co-produced with Craig Silvey, known for his work with Arcade Fire and Portishead, resulting in a sound that is both atmospheric and danceable. Critics have praised the album’s nuanced production and Dury’s continued lyrical prowess.
The album’s title, Allbarone, refers to a type of Italian marble, hinting at the album’s themes of surface and depth, and the complexities of identity. Tracks like “Shadow” and “I Need To Know” demonstrate Dury’s ability to craft compelling narratives within a minimalist electronic framework. The album’s success has led to a series of live performances, including a UK tour in november 2023.
Dury addresses the frequently enough-controversial topic of “nepo babies”-individuals who benefit from familial connections in the entertainment industry-with characteristic candor. He acknowledges the advantages he’s had but reframes the narrative as a source of empowerment rather than shame. This viewpoint reflects a broader conversation within the music industry about privilege and access.
“Do the words, ‘nepo baby’ frighten me? No. I love it,” Dury states. “So, where do you go from there?” This playful acceptance challenges the negative connotations often associated with the term, suggesting that acknowledging one’s advantages can be a catalyst for further creative exploration. The debate surrounding “nepo babies” gained significant traction in late 2022 and early 2023, fueled by social media discussions and articles in publications like The New York Times