By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Babeheaven – the West London-based duo of lifelong friends Nancy Andersen and Jamie Travis – recently dropped their debut full-length ‘Home For Now.’
Inspired by the likes of Massive Attack and The Cocteau Twins, ‘Home For Now’ was created in lockdown amidst COVID-19-related restrictions.
So far, the album has been supported by the single “Craziest Things,” which was accompanied by an animated music video directed by “Adult Swim” illustrator Sacha Beeley.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with the duo about ‘Home For Now’ and more.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your debut full-length ‘Home For Now’?
Jamie Travis – It was great and something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. It’s nice seeing the whole picture coming together and trying to figure out what little pieces you still need to make it all fit. Musically, it was one of the most satisfying things we’ve done so far, so we couldn’t really be happier. Excited to start work on the next one.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Nancy Andersen – We were supposed to go touring at the beginning of this year starting at SXSW and then going on for a few months, so when that got cancelled, I was really upset, but I think that everyone has been affected in a small or big way, so I try not to take it personally! All bands have suffered in one way or another over the past few months, but hopefully, we can all get started again next year.
Music Bugle – How would you describe West London to someone who has never been there before?
Jamie Travis – It’s our home and a place which has a really nice mix of different cultures and people. It’s a pretty place, but not much to do at night.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Nancy Andersen – *Googles inspirational quotes* I don’t really have one. I’m writing my own inspirational quotes. (Laughs)
Music Bugle – What do you like the most about being a musical duo?
Jamie Travis – It’s really nice having someone else to experience the writing of music with and to share in the making of songs. I like most the excitement of when I’ve written an instrumental and Nancy is first trying out melodies over it, when Nancy sings something melodically great or I can make out a lyric I really like. That is a really great feeling and can be quite emotional, also.
Music Bugle – Away from music, what’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Nancy Andersen – I love to cook and entertain my friends. It’s my favorite thing to do. Over the past few months, I have gotten really into crocheting hats, so that’s what I do in my spare time at the moment, as well as making loads of slow-cooked meals for my housemates.
Music Bugle – What inspired the name Babeheaven?
Jamie Travis – We were hanging out and just throwing names out there and “babeheaven” came out and made us both laugh. For some reason, we stuck with it.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you feel the need to escape?
Nancy Andersen – I go for long walks in the park or even in the streets with my headphones on. I find walking really relaxing and you can get all your best thinking done whilst pounding the pavement.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your musical style?
Jamie Travis – The most exciting thing is just seeing where it can go, the endless places that we can take the music. There are no restrictions on what we can do, so that’s exciting.
Music Bugle – What are your goals for the rest of 2020?
Nancy Andersen – Release the album and try to play for a small, safely spaced group of people!
