Five by Five—Baxter Hall heads to Nashville

By Max Bowen

Boston singer-songwriter Baxter Hall was invited to perform with the Nashville Symphony as a featured soloist for the opening classical weekend at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center from Sept. 11-13.

Described as a "rising star" by the Nashville Symphony, the appearance arrived just before Hall releases his new EP, “The Work,” a record of emotive and engaging indie folk-rock that centers around a theme of going no-contact with a parent and is now streaming everywhere.

Artist Links: 'The Work' Lyric Video x Homepage x Instagram x TikTok x Spotify

Let’s begin with how this performance came to be.
I was fortunate enough to be approached by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra to participate in their opening classical weekend as a featured soloist. It’s my understanding that their intention was to hire modern folk/country vocalists to bring a contemporary approach to these traditional American folk songs which were arranged by Aaron Copland.

How did you prepare for this? Were you nervous or anxious about it?
I’m really excited for this performance! I have been rehearsing independently and with my vocal coach.

Have you seen the Nashville Symphony before? What’s your take on them?
The Nashville Symphony Orchestra is a prestigious organization. I am beyond grateful and honored to collaborate with them.

I read that you have a new EP out soon, “The Work.” What can people expect?
Yes! I’m thrilled that this EP is finally available after it was released on Sept. 18! You can expect a concept EP that dives much deeper into the themes of “The Work” single. Throughout these songs I share a wider range of emotions that come with this topic.

Did this album take you in any new directions?
I feel like this body of work brought me back to the most authentic depiction of my sound. It has folky acoustic guitar picking and strumming, but also has electric riffs and solos. I also feel like I opened the floodgates, tackling some of the heavier subjects in my life, and that will allow me to go there with my songwriting again in the future if I want.