From the heart of Cognac, France, emerges an artist who has turned sound into storytelling, weaving memory, emotion, and atmosphere into music that resonates beyond borders. Baaj & Baaj is the project of singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Jean-Philippe, a gifted musician whose journey began in a family steeped in jazz. His first piano teacher affectionately nicknamed him “the little Mozart”, a hint at the precocious talent that would later grow into full mastery of voice, instrumentation, and composition. Classically trained at the Conservatory and deeply influenced by both jazz improvisation and the poetic melancholy of British 1980s pop, Baaj & Baaj forges an alternative style that is at once modern and timeless. His inspirations span from Bach, Chopin, and Mozart to The Cure, Simple Minds, The Smiths, and blues traditions, all refracted through the lens of the French touch, that distinct blend of sophistication and sensuality that defines much of contemporary French artistry.
An eclectic creator, Baaj is equally comfortable as a solo act or as part of ensembles, having performed with groups like October, Otherwise, The Cognac Saints, and No Twin. Along the way, he has written and recorded around 50 original works, including film music and scores for the 40k Wargamers TV channel. His deep, emotive voice has often drawn comparisons to Bono, Dave Gahan, and Bryan Ferry, carrying melodies with an intensity that feels both intimate and vast. On stage, Baaj & Baaj is a sonic alchemist: he doesn’t merely perform but transforms. His live shows seamlessly blend original compositions with reimagined versions of rock and pop standards, from U2 and Bowie to Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode, crafting soundscapes that are immersive and cinematic. This dedication to music as a living, breathing art form has earned him over a million streams online, glowing audience praise for his commanding stage presence, and a central role in the local scene as the organizer of Jam XXL at the Cognac Blues Passions Festival. At the core of Baaj & Baaj’s vision is the pursuit of emotion: music that doesn’t just sound but lingers, that revisits the classics with fresh spirit while carving new ground in alternative pop. His voice, his arrangements, and his ethos all converge to create a musical identity rooted in reflection, resilience, and resonance.
On September 12, 2025, Baaj & Baaj unveiled his latest project, “Echoes in the Mind”, an EP that encapsulates his ability to merge past and present into a seamless, atmospheric whole. This is not simply a collection of songs, but a journey through memory, desire, and shared existence, each track sculpted with meticulous care. Drawing on his love for indie pop, synthwave, and new wave, Baaj constructs immersive soundscapes that balance retro grandeur with modern clarity, echoing the spirit of the 1980s while speaking to the anxieties and longings of today. From the cinematic expanse of the title track “Echoes in the Mind” to the infectious pop immediacy of “More ’n More”, and the meditative affirmation of unity in “We Are”, the EP unfolds like a story, each song a chapter, each echo a reminder. It is music that lingers long after the final note fades, leaving imprints not only in the ear but in the soul. With “Echoes in the Mind”, Baaj & Baaj confirms his place as a modern craftsman of emotion and sound, offering listeners a space to reflect, to yearn, and ultimately, to remember.
Echoes In The Mind EP Track List:
Echoes In The Mind:
Baaj & Baaj’s “Echoes In The Mind” is the kind of track that feels less like a simple listening experience and more like being transported into a carefully sculpted atmosphere. From the opening moments, the song builds its identity around lush synth pads, reverberating textures, and a layered sense of space that instantly recalls the grandeur of the ’80s new wave movement. Yet, rather than feeling like mere nostalgia, the production strikes a balance between retro and modern, each sound element, from the deep bass undercurrents to the shimmering high-end effects, is meticulously placed to create an immersive sonic field. The percussion remains understated but steady, grounding the track with rhythmic consistency while allowing the melodies and atmospheric layers to stretch outward, pulling the listener into its cinematic embrace. It’s a soundscape designed to linger, to echo not only in the ears but in the mind itself, perfectly justifying its title.
Vocally, Baaj delivers with a tenderness that is both vulnerable and commanding, his tone reflecting the duality of introspection and urgency that drives the song forward. His voice doesn’t overwhelm the instrumental, but instead rides the crest of the synths, blending into the arrangement in a way that feels intentional and emotional. The lyrical content explores themes of memory, perception, and longing, wrapping its narrative in abstract imagery that leaves room for interpretation. What makes it powerful is not just the words themselves but how they are delivered, the subtle breaks in tone, the moments where his voice hovers between strength and fragility, all of which add authenticity to the performance. The interplay between vocal lines and instrumental swells gives the song its dynamic shape, as if every phrase is being answered by an echo in the soundscape itself.
What truly elevates “Echoes In The Mind” is the way it develops over its runtime. The track doesn’t remain static; instead, it gradually unfolds like a journey, starting with delicate ambient tones before blooming into a fuller, richer arrangement that wraps the listener in waves of sound. This progression mirrors the lyrical narrative of reflection turning into realization, with the music itself acting as an emotional guide. The layers of synths grow more intricate, the rhythm more pronounced, and the vocal delivery more impassioned, creating a slow-burning momentum that rewards patience and immersion. By the time the track reaches its closing moments, the echoes it has created feel less like fleeting sounds and more like imprints, resonating in the listener’s memory long after the final note fades. It’s this lingering effect, this ability to transcend mere listening and touch something deeper, that makes “Echoes In The Mind” not just the centerpiece of the EP but a standout track in Baaj & Baaj’s catalog.
More ‘n More:
Baaj & Baaj’s “More ’n More” is perhaps the most accessible and pop-driven track on the “Echoes in the Mind” EP, yet it doesn’t sacrifice depth or artistry in pursuit of catchiness. From the outset, the song introduces itself with a clean, polished rhythm section that immediately feels upbeat and inviting, drawing the listener into its world of melodic richness. The synths here are brighter and more immediate compared to the more ambient tones of the title track, lending the song a vibrant quality that leans toward radio-friendly sensibilities without losing its sophistication. The groove is infectious, driven by a steady pulse of bass and percussion that sets a playful, danceable foundation. What makes this opening so effective is its simplicity, it doesn’t overwhelm, but instead builds layer by layer, allowing anticipation to rise as the track moves toward its first vocal entry.
Lyrically and vocally, “More ’n More” captures the universal theme of desire and yearning, using repetition as both a structural and emotional device. The chorus is designed to linger, its phrasing looping with increasing intensity to mimic the very concept of wanting “more and more.” Baaj’s vocal delivery here is slightly different from the introspection of “Echoes in the Mind” or the confrontational stance of “Shoot the Tax Haven”, instead, it’s warmer, more direct, almost conversational in its plea. His voice carries a smoothness that balances vulnerability with strength, rising above the instrumental with clarity while still blending seamlessly with the backing layers. The lyrical content, though straightforward, gains depth through this delivery; it feels less like a surface-level pop hook and more like a genuine expression of emotional need, resonating with listeners who recognize the pull of longing in their own lives.
As the track progresses, the arrangement evolves into a fully fleshed-out soundscape that highlights Baaj & Baaj’s skill in marrying catchiness with musical sophistication. Synth layers swell around the vocals, harmonies rise to emphasize key moments, and the rhythm subtly shifts to keep the listener engaged without becoming monotonous. The radio edit format ensures the song remains tight and focused, trimming excess but leaving enough space for the dynamics to shine. By the time the final chorus arrives, the track feels both familiar and fresh, satisfying in its repetition while still carrying enough nuance to reward close listening. “More ’n More” ultimately succeeds as both a standout pop-leaning cut and a crucial component of the EP’s emotional balance, providing a moment of immediacy and uplift that complements the introspection and tension of the other tracks. It’s a reminder that Baaj & Baaj can craft music that resonates across moods, sometimes reflective, sometimes biting, and here, joyously and unashamedly infectious.
We Are:
“We Are” begins in a way that feels almost cinematic, as though it is inviting the listener to step into a vast open space where every sound is carefully placed to create atmosphere. The opening textures are airy yet intentional, with layered synth pads that drift in like waves lapping against a shoreline, immediately setting a contemplative tone. This introduction doesn’t rush; instead, it allows the listener to settle in, breathing with the ebb and flow of its ambience. There is a subtle beauty in the restraint, tiny flickers of electronic detail emerge quietly, suggesting motion without yet revealing where the track will lead. These understated details create anticipation, and it is within this stillness that Baaj & Baaj’s artistry becomes evident, crafting an introduction that feels immersive without ever feeling overcrowded. From the very first notes, the soundscape invites you not just to listen but to enter, to experience the music as a space of reflection and presence.
As the piece unfolds, the instrumentation grows more intricate, gently layering additional textures that bring warmth and depth. The synth melodies begin to weave a fragile yet luminous thread through the composition, flickering softly like starlight against the darker undertones of the bass. The vocals are introduced with a haunting tenderness, their tone both ethereal and deeply grounded in emotion. Each line is delivered with a measured cadence, almost like a whispering affirmation, giving the lyrics a mantra-like quality that resonates long after the words fade. The interplay between the airy top layers of shimmering synths and the grounding bassline creates a balance that feels both spiritual and physical. At moments, the arpeggiated synth patterns ripple across the track like streams of thought, giving the song an almost meditative energy. The fusion of these elements creates not only a sonic progression but an emotional journey, carrying the listener deeper into its layered reflection on unity, identity, and existence.
By the time the song approaches its climax, the energy has been carefully and deliberately nurtured, allowing it to bloom into something full-bodied and expansive without losing its introspective core. The percussion grows subtly more pronounced, creating a steady forward motion that grounds the soaring melodies and amplifies the emotional pull of the vocals. The layering of sounds at this stage feels like multiple voices or perspectives intertwining into one collective resonance, reinforcing the title’s sentiment, “We Are”. It is here that the song becomes not just a piece of music but a statement, an anthem that remains quiet in its delivery yet powerful in its effect. As the track moves toward its closing, it doesn’t cut off abruptly but instead dissolves into fading echoes, leaving behind a sense of open-ended reflection, as though the song’s message continues beyond the silence. The aftertaste of “We Are” is both calming and empowering, reminding the listener of shared humanity and unseen connections that bind us all. It is a track that lingers, not because of grandeur or excess, but because of its ability to transform minimalism into a deeply resonant emotional experience.
Echoes in the Mind is a timeless, immersive journey where Baaj & Baaj transforms emotion, memory, and atmosphere into universal resonance.
“Echoes in the Mind” stands as a compelling testament to Baaj & Baaj’s artistry, blending his jazz-rooted discipline, classical training, and 1980s new wave influences into a work that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary. The EP unfolds as a cohesive journey, carefully balancing atmosphere, emotion, and lyrical depth in a way that captures the listener from the very first note and holds them until the silence that follows. What makes it remarkable is not only its polished production and emotive vocals, but also its ability to transform deeply personal reflections into universal experiences that resonate across moods and moments. It is music designed to be felt as much as it is heard, offering an immersive soundscape that lingers in memory long after the final echo fades. For those seeking a record that combines sophistication with sincerity, “Echoes in the Mind” is highly recommended, best experienced in one uninterrupted sitting where its full resonance can be truly appreciated.
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