Babe Rainbow:
A Psychedelic Homecoming with Slipper Imp and Shakaerator
After signing with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s (p)doom records imprint last year, Australian psych-rockers Babe Rainbow are back with their most “homegrown” album yet. Slipper Imp and Shakaerator, out April 4th, is a sun-soaked journey through acid-pop grooves, recorded in a sprawling banana farm warehouse with longtime collaborators. The lead single, Like Cleopatra, channels 80s funk-pop energy, inspired by surreal musings on fresh milk, ancient Egyptian coolness, and Byron Bay’s natural magic. With a massive Australian and New Zealand tour on the horizon, Babe Rainbow continues to embrace the free-flowing, psychedelic spirit that has defined their sound from the very beginning.
Your new album, Slipper Imp and Shakaerator, is described as your most ‘homegrown’ project yet. How did the environment of the banana farm warehouse and your connection to Byron Bay shape the creative process and sound of this album?
We are just vessels in which life flows through us. Much like breathing in the smell of a beautiful rose. Alternatively stoned and sunburnt. All we know and hope to learn went into this album.
How do everyday moments and nature inspire your songwriting and themes?
Growing up in farming communities taught us to reflect nature through agriculture. simple. beautiful and timeless.
You’ve described a desire to maintain the ‘hippie power’ of your music while experimenting with synths, drum machines, and overdubs. How do you strike a balance between these contrasting elements in your creative process?
I love elements that contrast. Especially when it helps define an edge or shape a boundary. If I'm thinking of a bass line and the cows moo in the background. It's the go-between that creates something original.
The collaboration with Camille Jansen on ‘Like Cleopatra’ brings a unique energy to the track. How did that partnership come about, and what elements are you most stoked about?
Camille has a glow in her eyes that to me reflected her joy for life and all that is glad and good in our hearts.
You’ve had a long-standing relationship with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, from touring together early on to signing with their p(doom) records imprint. How has that relationship influenced your journey as a band?
They are troubadours of the trade and accomplished more in a few years then most bands do in a lifetime. We will be forever grateful for there friendship
You describe Slipper Imp and Shakaerator as a celebration of the ‘psychedelic family’ you’ve built together. What does this sense of community mean to Babe Rainbow, and how does it manifest in your music and live performances?
We have toured the world many times over. In every place we meet people that expand our concepts of life and music. We play the same set each night yet it never sounds the same. I think there is a silver chord between musicians and the audience that makes you spellbound. It is this vital fluid that grows the flower. Just like community and family.
Completed by: bassist Elliot O'Reilly
BABE RAINBOW AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Fri 7 Feb - Party In The Paddock Festival, Tasmania
Fri 14 Feb - Polish White Eagle Club, Canberra
Sat 15 Feb - Thredbo Bike Cannonball After Party, Thredbo
Sun 2 Mar - Yours And Owls Festival, Wollongong
Fri 21 Mar - Crown & Anchor Hotel, Adelaide
Sat 22 Mar - Howler, Melbourne
Thu 27 Mar - King St Bandroom, Newcastle
Fri 28 Mar - Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach
Sat 29 Mar - Avalon RSL, Avalon
Fri 4 Apr - Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
Sat 5 Apr - Imperial Hotel, Eumundi
Sun 6 Apr - Lefty's Music Hall, Brisbane
+ NZ DATES
Thu 10 Apr - Meow, Wellington
Fri 11 Apr - Totara Street, Tauranga
Sat 12 Apr - The Yard, Raglan
Sun 13 Apr - Double Whammy, Auckland
TICKETS ON SALE HERE
