Babeheaven on their New EP, Being Homebodies, and Staying Honest

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Babeheaven are back and better than ever. Comprised of close friends and proud Londoners, Nancy Andersen and Jamie Travis, this exceptionally underrated duo have returned after a three year break from music. Longtime fans, like myself, can finally indulge in their new EP ‘Slower Than Sound‘.

I first came across Nancy’s smoother-than-honey vocals through their album ‘Sink Into Me’ in 2022. Safe to say, I was smitten. Moreover, I was seriously impressed by the euphoric, ethereal, and polished production, courtesy of Jamie. This new record however, is a short, tender, and nostalgic peek into to the comforting, dreamy world of Babeheaven. I’m going to be bold and say its my favourite project from them to date.

The twosome blend indie, soul, dream pop, and alternative sounds into their own concoction of deeply personal music. The pair are true DIY artists, recording at home and birthing a deeply reflective discography. In their own words, they describe their sound as ‘post rave’ music. Their sound is a safe space, and they have become my comfort listen. IndustryMe caught up with them to discover how they do it.

How did you both meet and start making music together?

Nancy – We have known each other since we were about 13-14 years old and grew up in the same neighbourhood. Jamie was in a band called H0me with one of our friends, so I always knew he made music. When that ended we thought, ‘Why not give it a go?’. I would say we are like family. I’ve known Jamie for so long and we know each other very well. Writing together has become like second nature. We are very honest and try not to take it personally if one or the other don’t like each others ideas. 

Who inspired your sound, and how do your tastes differ?

N– Lots of different inspirations. I think for me, on this project, I had been listening to a lot of Zero 7 and Air. I love that acoustic guitar and Rhodes [keyboard] sound. I am always looking for new music and listening to new stuff to be inspired by. There is nothing better than hearing your new favourite song for the first time. I am always looking for that buzz. 

Is there an artist your fans would be surprised to know you listen to? 

N– I love Addison Rae, I think her album, ‘Addison‘, is absolutely fantastic.  

Do you tend to work independently and bring your ideas together in the studio, or is the entire creative process is done together?

N– It depends. This [EP] is the first time I have gone away and written songs by myself and brought them to Jamie, as generally we write together. On our last album, we wrote in the studio with the full band a lot, but I can get a bit shy. 

I love the track ‘Picture This‘ from the new record. What inspired that song and your return to music more generally?

N– I wanted to write a song that was snapshots of life in different phases, and I had the idea of the line ‘picture this‘. It lends itself really easily to writing lovely little scenarios, so I just went with it.

I think its super important to take breaks whenever you need to, and not just keep pushing for the sake of it. I needed some time off and I’m really glad I had it. 

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned thus far in your musical journey?

J– Stick to what you believe. Don’t let [the] pressure of what everyone else does become your reason for doing something.

Nancy, you’ve spoken about the complexity of being a Black woman fronting an alternative band in the UK – and the expectation to be R&B. Do you feel perceptions are changing?

N– I think things have changed a lot for the better. The landscape for music is definitely broadening and I am so happy about it.

A lot of your songs reflect on melancholy and loneliness, what themes are in this new project? Does it follow a similar tone? 

N– To be honest more of the same. I am trying to write more positively because I am a positive person, and I think that shows in the new music. However, love and grief are things that are ever present, and I can’t seem to get away from them. I want to write about the human experience – I hope I do a good job of it.

How do you feel your sound has evolved from ‘Sink Into Me‘?

J– [Our new record] probably has reverted back a little to our debut sound, but I’d say a bit more minimal [in] instruments used. It was a simpler set up for this EP with no studios used, unlike the previous albums. 

Your music feels homely and nostalgic. I love the concept that home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling or a person. What feels like home to you? I heard Nancy you love Harry Potter, and Jamie likes comfy sofas and ambient lighting!

N– I am a home body! Home is home. It’s all the bits and bobs I’ve collected and its personal.

How has performing live been, and what has been your favourite gig you’ve done thus far?

J– Performing live is always a rollercoaster, and sometimes [you get] some amazing shows and some that are very demoralising. However, they are mostly good. My favourite gig we did was probably Village Underground a couple years ago to celebrate the release of our second album.

You’ve been compared to artists like Portishead and The XX – how do you feel about those comparisons?

J– Portishead is one of our favourite bands, so that’s very kind and nice to hear. Through our production, we have definitely tried to emulate some of the things they did, both technically and mood wise. 

Finally, you express so much sincerity and honesty in your songwriting. How important is it to you to write from personal experience?

N– I’ve always written from my perspective and personal experience. Sometimes I think I’m too honest, and other times I think, ‘Why not tell my truth?’. It makes me so happy to meet fans who have personal experiences [with us] and connected to our music. But, it’s funny [when] people take different meanings from songs that might not have been written from [that] perspective. Music is for the taking and I love that people can place themselves in my lyrics, whether it’s what I was writing about or not. 

Babeheaven are on Instagram. Stream ‘Slower Than Sound’ below or buy the album here. You can read more IndustryMe interviews here.

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