Recently singed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records/Columbia, the Australian 60s-esque trio The Babe Rainbow released their self-titled debut record this summer, produced by Eric Moore from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. From classic guitar riffs to throwback harmonies, it’s simple: The Babe Rainbow makes you want to get up and groove. Their music videos, like the one for “Peace Blossom Boogy,” exhibit their vintage feel while bringing something new and vibrant to the music scene. I caught up with the band who tossed around some pretty far out answers regarding their formation, the new record, and their inspired processes as a band.
How did you all meet? How did the band form?
One April morning in the sixth grade we became, first by accident and then by premeditation, the Babe Rainbow. It came about this way, we were a strange bunch of kids!
Who are your musical influences? What influences can be heard on your debut record?
Sea Sea Rider, The Mayor of the 21st Century, The Salt Creek Coyotes, Nirvana, and Teddy Roosevelt.
(All of the above).
Where are you all from? How do you think where you grew up influenced your taste in music and how you play?
Oh it’s far far away in the mountains. Imagine a murder mystery themed murder mystery, like a murder mystery themed dinner party around Christmas Eve or New Years where everybody comes dressed, MUST come dressed and very much in character, but a real murder occurs! And it’s up to us to solve the mystery at Styles. That would be soooo mysterioso!
There’s a cosmic 60’s-vibe going on sonically – could you talk a little about your inspiration production-wise for the debut record?
Saturday was the first day of Autumn and there was a festival being held at Wategos Beach. It was a hot day and the Ferris wheel was turning in the air like a thermometer bent in a circle and given the grace of music.
What is the songwriting process like as a band?
Pretty good. Really good. We’re the musketeers; everything’s unanimous.
You released an EP in 2015. What do you think has changed and evolved within the band from the EP to the debut record?
Absolutely nothing at all we’re an open book, but you never know your favorite part until you’ve finished the whole thing.
You recently released a music video for “Johny Says Stay Cool,” which I can’t help but want to smile and dance to. Can you talk a little bit about the production of this video, the location, and the idea behind it?
On this funky winter day in LA an extremely deadly animal named Kristofski threw out a salmon egg and let it drift down over that rock by the ocean and WHAM! a good hit!
What artists/bands are you currently listening to?
Enid Blyton and Parsnip.
Any advice for aspiring bands?
Take your shoes off.
For more from The Babe Rainbow follow them on Instagram: @thebaberainbow. Don’t miss their show in Los Angeles at The Echoplex on Tuesday, October 17th.