The Bapti$$'s "Mister 808" is a Soulful, Empowering Tribute to the Power of Simplicity and the Iconic 808 Drum
• LISTEN TO/SHARE “MISTER 808” HERE •
Raised in Saskatchewan and now residing on the archipelago of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, The Bapti$$—the new musical project from multi-instrumentalist Joseph LaPlante—presents “Mister 808,” a raw and captivating track that blends the lush, soulful tones of acoustic guitars with the driving force of the iconic 808 bass drum. This new single is an ode to simplicity and the beauty of God's creation, capturing a sound that is as confident and peaceful as it is ambitious.
The Bapti$$, a project born from LaPlante's mid-career rebirth, marks a turning point in his artistic journey, and “Mister 808” encapsulates the essence of his growth. The song's narrative comes from LaPlante’s longstanding love for the 808 bass drum and his reverence for both family and faith. It’s a sonic reflection of the artist's world, melding the powerful foundation of the 808 with the introspective beauty of acoustic music.
“I am inspired by the beauty of God’s creation and the love of family,” says LaPlante. “‘Mister 808’ feels like the sun emerging from rain clouds on a misty west coast morning.”
The song merges two of LaPlante’s musical passions—the legendary 808 bass and acoustic guitars—creating a sound that is unlike anything currently in mainstream music. With its sparse, minimalistic production, “Mister 808” allows the song's raw emotions, melodies, and lyrics to shine through.
“The 808 drum has been central to my creative journey,” LaPlante explains. “Since I’ve been a creative in the music game, my main go-to sounds have been the 808 bass drum and acoustic guitars. This song is a love letter to that iconic sound.”
Listen to “Mister 808” HERE.
The unique production of “Mister 808” relies on simplicity, with little vocal layering and a thin production approach. LaPlante wanted to keep the focus on the story, the feel, and the vibe. His personal touch is evident throughout, with only a guitar lead from collaborator Graham Smith at the end of the track.
“The simplicity of the song makes the production unlike anything out there right now,” LaPlante says. “I wanted to make something fresh, something I haven’t heard yet, and this combination really worked.”
The track’s introspective lyrics explore themes of growth, redemption, and faith, showcasing LaPlante’s unique perspective shaped by his experiences. It’s a song with a tone of sarcasm, but also hipness, and will resonate with anyone who's ever had to overcome obstacles in their journey to peace.
The Bapti$$ is the new project from multi-instrumentalist and artist Joseph LaPlante. It’s a musical cleansing and rebirth, a blank slate for a veteran musician and songwriter—a mid-career baptism of sorts, hence the name. As The Bapti$$, LaPlante, who is from Saskatchewan but is now based in Haida Gwaii, has created a world of warm, lush, 808-driven acoustic indie-pop and cozy, stripped-back singer-songwriter R&B. There are romantic, late-night love ballads, booming hip-hop vocals and verses, rootsy folk sing-alongs, gritty country-noir slow-burns, and spacy, electronic astro-pop.
Before creating The Bapti$$, LaPlante gained widespread acclaim and recognition in hip-hop as Joey Stylez, with features in Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Reservation Dogs, and the film Wind River. LaPlante wants to use The Bapti$$’s work to help youth stay on the right track and away from those sorts of traumatic outcomes, while also staying deeply connected to the people stuck on the margins who need strength the most. The Bapti$$ brings calming waters in a chaotic world.
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