The Baroness is the solo project of Newcastle singer-songwriter Michaela Baranov. Baranov has cut her teeth on the Australian touring circuit for years, as the official touring vocalist for Canberra electronic monarchs Peking Duk.

Now, Baranov unveils her ethereal debut single ‘Another Day’. The Baroness teamed up with Sydney superproducer Xavier Dunn (Jack River, GRAACE) on a simmering, sexy, slick slice of ’80s-tinged pop perfection.

“‘Another day’ is a song I wrote to motivate and stimulate people to live each day as it comes with passion, gratitude and enthusiasm,” explains The Baroness. “I wanted the beat to be high energy, fun and infectious and chorus vocals to have a euphoric, sing-along vibe.”

To celebrate her delectable debut, we sent The Baroness through a couple burning Get To Know questions. Pop on the track and hear what she had to say for herself.

How did your artist name come about?

I tour as the vocalist for Peking Duk and everyone in the team has (numerous) nicknames. I got Mic, Micci, Baz, Bara, Bazza and then I requested to be called something more feminine and elegant so they came up with The Baroness, derived from my last name, Baranov.

How would you describe your music to your grandma?

Fun, energetic, sing-along songs that will bring out your wild dance moves.

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Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?

Another Day is my debut release, it’s an infusion of my main influences, Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Chemical Brothers and Gesaffelstein. I wanted my first song to make people feel really happy, stimulated, excited and grateful for being alive. I’m already working on more releases to follow Another Day, I’ve been playing around with faster tempo’s, drum and bass vibes and in contrast to that, also songs that have a RÜFÜS DU SOL vibe to them but still keeping elements of dance and pop. I write everything for stage as I’m creating my own live show and go on tour. I’m making sure each song is a change in tempo, mood and energy to keep it exciting and for the set to be unpredictable and as fun as possible.

What do you love about your hometown?

I moved to Newcastle 6 months ago. I love the country town vibe mixed with the friendly coastal community. I do a lot of outdoor walking (sometimes up to 24km) and covering that kind of circuit in Newcastle it’s like walking through Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania over the course of a few hours.

Career highlight so far?

Singing for Peking Duk at the Fire Fight concert earlier this year. It was the most magical, surreal atmosphere in the ANZ stadium. The whole crowd felt so loving and knowing that we were all helping others by coming together and creating such a special moment made me feel humbly grateful and very emotional!

Fave non-music hobby?

There’s a bunch, I love gardening, mowing lawns, cooking, yoga, sewing, reading (philosophy) and as I mentioned before, walking! I’m definitely an old soul!

What’s on your dream rider?

I’m quite a simple person when it comes to my rider – almond milk (I usually drink this before the show), single-barrel jack daniels with ice (perfect to sip during the show), a veggie platter, green apples and bananas (perfect to nibble before and after the show), towels (I sweat sooo much during shows so these are very important!) My dream rider would just include dogs/puppies to this list.

Dream music collaboration?

Calvin Harris. I’m a big fan of all of his work and his philosophies of life. Like myself, he enjoys music of many different genres and he’s incredible at directing vocalists in the studio so I know I could learn a lot from him and make something fun for the dance floor.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would love to have a little family with my partner and be able to take them on tour with me for half the year then the other half to be enjoying the same simplicities of life I really enjoy now – walking out in the sunshine, making music, yoga, gardening and cooking.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Karaoke terrifies me, I feel like I completely forget how to sing and I get sooo nervous. Very funny/weird indeed! The last song I did in Karaoke ‘Allstar’ – Smashmouth

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Nothing is as bad as it seems, nothing is as good as it seems.

After reaching different milestones, experiencing career highs and also devastation and disappointment this really resonates. Hindsight teaches us that our experiences change our values and as we grow, our memories evolve with us. I love this quote because it reminds me to enjoy the simplicities of life and that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?

I’m obsessed with ants and bees. I think they’re fascinating and know a long list of facts about them!