SUBQUIRE
Driving rhythms, cinematic melodies, and a vast palette of sonic textures define the music of SUBQUiRE, the latest evolution of Wayne Baker’s lifelong journey with sound. Baker began taking music lessons at age seven, starting with piano and later expanding to guitar, eventually developing into a multi-instrumentalist. Over the years, he has played instruments ranging from violin, trumpet, bagpipes, and harp to banjo, drums, and voice, allowing him to explore a diverse range of musical styles and textures.
His deep connection to music led him to start producing electronic music in high school, blending traditional instrumentation with digital composition—a fusion that continues to define his work today. Spanning genres like ambient, IDM, glitch-hop, drum & bass, shoegaze, and experimental bass music, SUBQUiRE reflects Baker’s broad influences and passion for exploring sound. “Genres have always been tough for me—I’m influenced by so many types of music,” Baker explains. This openness drives his ability to craft music that resonates deeply with listeners.
As his passion deepened, Baker pursued formal training, earning a Bachelor of Music in Composition and Theory with a focus on classical piano from San Francisco State University, graduating cum laude. He studied composition under Dr. Richard Festinger and Dr. Benjamin Sabey, piano under Dr. Victoria Neve, and performed choral music with the San Francisco State Chamber Singers under David Xiques. With the Chamber Singers, he toured the country, earning notoriety and awards for performing a vast repertoire of challenging music compositions from dozens of different countries around the world, ranging from ancient to modern. Beyond electronic music, Baker has an extensive background in choral, orchestral, ensemble, rock, and jazz composition and performance. He has also conducted full orchestras and choirs, collaborating with the San Francisco Symphony and Symphony Chorus. These experiences continue to shape his approach to composition, performance, and production.
Wayne Baker first gained recognition under the alias Fidelium, where he pushed the boundaries of intricate sound design and emotive composition. His early works, such as Believe Me This Is Home, showcased melodic IDM influences akin to Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin. As his sound evolved, he explored heavier bass and complex textures with God Tank (featured on the IDMf Netlabel’s Between The Silence And Story), culminating in the critically acclaimed Diametry LP—an expansive, gapless sonic journey. In 2013, Baker revisited his early compositions for I’ll Be Famous When I’m Dead, remastering tracks from 2003–2007 and releasing them with remix stems for further collaboration. These releases cemented Fidelium’s reputation as a fearless experimenter in electronic music, setting the stage for what would later become SUBQUiRE.
Today, as SUBQUiRE, Baker continues to evolve as an artist. His recent works—Mute, the introspective World Theories, and the immersive dear city,—showcase his ability to craft cinematic, deeply textured soundscapes. His upcoming drum & bass track, Webs & Flowers, continues this journey, further exploring rhythm and emotion. In addition to his solo work, Baker is also one-half of NOTICE, an EDM/trip-hop duo co-founded with Quinn Zimmer in New Orleans. NOTICE blends soulful vocals, deep beats, synths, and guitars, offering a unique take on electronic music with a singer-songwriter sensibility.
Beyond his own music, Baker has contributed significantly to the electronic music community. As co-founder of the IDMf Netlabel, now Glitch Pulse Records, he played a key role in curating and releasing over 30 albums, fostering a global network of electronic producers. His leadership in this space emphasized collaboration and experimentation—values that continue to influence his approach to music today. “I’ve been lucky to work with so many talented people and to learn from every step of the process,” he reflects.
For Baker, music is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a lifelong pursuit. “I’m always in composition mode,” he says. Whether sketching ideas at the piano, crafting intricate sound designs in the studio, or conducting ensembles, he remains deeply immersed in the craft. SUBQUiRE and NOTICE are not just projects; they are expressions of a lifelong devotion to music’s ability to connect people, evoke emotion, and inspire creativity.
From his early days as Fidelium to his latest releases as SUBQUiRE, Wayne Baker’s body of work reflects decades of dedication to sound and storytelling. Whether composing orchestral pieces, leading rock bands, arranging choral music, or creating intricate electronic landscapes, his passion for music remains unwavering, inviting listeners into a world where sound is both immersive and deeply personal.
