Carrie Baxter - Keep Swimming (EP)
After taking a brief hiatus from releasing music in 2023, acclaimed singer-songwriter Carrie Baxter is back with her highly anticipated new EP, 'Keep Swimming'. Leading the collection is the sultry, groove-filled single, 'In The Morning', which pays homage to the 90s neo-soul sound and introduces a new era for Baxter, one filled with soulful melodies, introspection, and raw authenticity.
Originally from Waterford, Ireland, and now based in London, Carrie Baxter has become known for her unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B. Often compared to legendary artists such as Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu, Baxter's sound is a contemporary twist on a classic genre, marked by smooth, emotive vocals and deeply personal lyrics. Her debut EP, Placebo (2020), and the follow-up, What Now (2021), cemented her reputation as one of the most exciting voices in the UK music scene. She has garnered praise from major media outlets including COLORS, Hot Press, and Wonderland, and received extensive airplay across BBC Radio 1, Jazz FM, RTÉ 2fm, and more.
‘In The Morning’ serves as the lead single from Baxter’s new EP. It’s a sumptuous neo-soul track full of warmth and groove, capturing a sexy, late-night vibe with its soulful melodies and irresistible rhythm. The song reflects a new level of musical maturity for Baxter, balancing pop sensibilities with her distinct soulful edge. As Baxter describes it, "The song is about meeting someone that you connect with instantly… that connection of energy that you feel maybe you’ve known before without explanation." The track is a tribute to the influence of soul icons like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott and draws inspiration from the rich sounds of 90s neo-soul.
The creation of 'Keep Swimming' was a journey of self-discovery and renewal for Baxter. After experiencing burnout in 2022, she made the bold decision to go independent and take time away from the industry pressures. This period of reflection allowed her to explore her vulnerabilities as an artist and delve deeper into her songwriting, resulting in a new collection of music that covers themes of love, religion, self-awareness, and connection. “I needed the sound to ignite a certain amount of sexiness but also be super chilled at the same time,” Baxter shares on ‘In The Morning’. "Once we got the chords right, everything else flowed effortlessly."
The infectious and pop-woven melodies throughout 'In The Morning' hit that sweet spot between soul and pop, and Baxter has masterfully crafted this unique sonic space that she resides in. This new EP showcases Baxter’s evolution as an artist while maintaining the signature elements that have endeared her to fans.
‘In The Morning’ represents a transition period for Baxter, offering a fresh yet familiar sound that resonates with the honesty and authenticity listeners crave in today’s music landscape. With over 70 million streams across her catalogue and 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Baxter is poised to build on her success with ‘Keep Swimming’.