Interview: Babe Rainbow Embrace Psychedelia, Nature & Their Origins on 'Slipper Imp and Shakaerator' - Atwood Magazine

      Australian psych-rock group Babe Rainbow returns to their origins with ‘Slipper imp and shakaerator,’ a dreamy new album inspired by nature, memories, and the enchantment of genuine connection. Bringing together the founding members for the first time since their debut EP, the band draws from deep forests, rolling hills, and cosmic influences to craft a soundscape that is both grounded and ethereal.

      ‘Slipper imp and shakaerator’ – Babe Rainbow

      Based in Byron Bay, Australian psychedelic rock band Babe Rainbow embraces the natural beauty of their environment. The band's four members, well-acquainted with the elements, weave their surroundings into their latest album. Set for release on April 4th via p(doom) Records, Slipper imp and shakaerator was recorded in a vast warehouse on an old banana farm. The remote setting transformed the production process, allowing the band to channel the sounds of the forest and nature into their music. With new surroundings came fresh inspiration, resulting in an album shaped by location, memory, and collaboration.

      “This is the first record since our debut EP where it’s just the ‘original Gs,’ focusing on the songwriting direction we want, without any groove geniuses helping us in those deeply special moments,” says vocalist Angus Dowling to Atwood Magazine. The album's intriguing title comes from a subsoiler chisel plow designed for harsh Australian conditions. The idea that something simple can be incredibly powerful resonates with the album’s stripped-down, ‘original babes’ approach. Even though the band—comprising Dowling, Jack ‘Cool-Breeze’ Crowther, and Dr. Elliot ‘Love Wisdom’ O'Reilly—relied on fewer external contributors, they still included contributions from Camille Jansen and Stu Mackenzie.

      “Cami contributed vocals to all the tracks, but I feel we haven’t fully explored our connection yet,” Angus shares. “She brings an incredible new flavor, which is fantastic. It feels really cool and empowering to include her in this lineup.”

      Babe Rainbow consistently offers fans new music to enrich their nature appreciation soundtrack. The first single from the album, “LONG LIVE THE WILDERNESS,” hints at the record’s psychedelic essence, setting the stage for what’s to come:

      Looking for a constellation

      Looking for a better life

      Everything dances

      Everything becomes clear

      We made it to the other side

      Guided by nature and their personal evolution, slipper imp and shakaerator encapsulates who Babe Rainbow has become and where they are headed. Music serves as a medium of expression and self-discovery, marking their songs as exactly that. “Despite the touring and changing dynamics, the creative bond within the band remains incredibly strong. I feel fortunate to have this psychedelic family, which truly embodies the essence of the band. We’re just a group of relaxed surfers and sons of cattlemen.”

      Rainbows symbolize hope, revealing new horizons of possibilities for all who witness them. Babe Rainbow embodies this spirit, with their latest release radiating creativity and fresh perspectives. As time progresses, new memories are crafted—reflecting the band’s journey through music, nature, and friendship. The future is in their favor as they explore new paths while remaining true to their beloved psychedelic roots.

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      :: stream/purchase Slipper imp and shakaerator here ::

      :: connect with Babe Rainbow here ::

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      **A CONVERSATION WITH BABE RAINBOW**

      Atwood Magazine: How would you describe your latest LP? What memories and places, whether physical or from a specific time in your life, does it evoke? Is there a particular song that captures these feelings?

      Babe Rainbow: It’s definitely very forest-like, deep forest. Our friend acquired a studio, and we recorded everything there in just two weeks. It’s quite a long drive through the forest, with creeks, and we all lived closer to the beach, so this was a deep venture into the forest. I feel the songs began in that environment. They’re earthy, resonating with water signs, not house music, but more like a romantic fantasy.

      The creation of this album was different from your previous projects, with a focus on the original members of Babe Rainbow. How did you tap into this, and what was it like to change your usual approach? What did the process entail?

      Babe Rainbow: We used to meet people we found inspiring and bring them in as collaborators. This time, we just created together as we were at our friend’s forest farm.

      With this new album on the way, how do you feel you've evolved as a band? What drives you to keep producing music?

      Babe Rainbow: Definitely performing live informs us about which songs resonate well in concert. Ideally, the more we perform, the more we realize what kinds of songs we want to create for those experiences. It’s all about live playing for us.