The Ringmaster

Released in October 2020, The Ringmaster serves as Bakermat's debut full-length studio album, arriving nearly eight years after his breakout success with 'One Day (Vandaag)'. The album functions as a definitive statement of his 'soulful house' aesthetic, synthesizing his various influences into a polished, ten-track collection. Musically, it is characterized by the prominent use of saxophone, gospel-inspired vocal arrangements, and a bright, major-key melodic sensibility. The album features a diverse range of collaborators, including Kiesza and GoldFord, which helps bridge the gap between underground house and mainstream dance-pop. Critical reception highlighted Bakermat's ability to maintain a signature sound while experimenting with different cultural textures, such as the Brazilian influences on 'Baianá'. The record solidified his position as a leading figure in the melodic house movement, moving away from the 'tropical house' trend of the mid-2010s toward a more timeless, jazz-inflected sound.