After a period of creative stillness, Babeheaven is back with ‘Slower Than Sound’, an introspective and soul-enriching EP that sees the West London duo returning to their core essence.
With time away offering new insights and emotional richness, the project reestablishes a connection with the spirit of their earliest work while gently exploring new territory. We spoke with vocalist Nancy Andersen ahead of the release to discuss creative renewal, unexpected love, and discovering a sense of belonging in the right community.
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Where are you right now, and how are you feeling as the release approaches?
I’m in my South London flat… in fact, the exact spot where the EP was recorded. I’m doing well. I’m excited to be making music again — it feels like the right time.
You’ve taken quite a break. Can you share your thoughts on that?
Yes, it was a long time, but I needed it. I had to rediscover what I truly wanted from music. I feel like the second album didn’t fully capture what Babeheaven was about. The first one resonated with us completely. So, we took this extended break to reconnect with that.
How does the music sound now, after the hiatus?
I’d say this EP returns to the basics. It has a bit of that Friday Sky vibe, which I appreciate. Many artists are doing the same, going back to what initially felt good.
‘Friday Sky’ was your debut single, correct?
Yes! We released it on Valentine’s Day. It started out as a sort of tongue-in-cheek love song. We wrote it jokingly, published the demo on Soundcloud, and from there, Babeheaven was born. We even chose the name thinking, “What’s romantic on Valentine’s Day?” It all just fell into place.
What do you do if you ever find yourself stuck while writing?
When I struggle to write a song, I tend to do karaoke by myself. ‘Babushka’ by Kate Bush always inspires me, or any George Michael song – I'm a huge fan. And of course the Cocteau Twins!
What was the collaborative process like this time? Were there significant changes in how you wrote or recorded together?
For the first time, I started writing on my own. I had never really done that before. I created some demos solo and then shared them with Jamie; from there, we worked on a few together, wrote some new material, and that became the EP. It felt very organic.
Was there a particular moment or track that became the centerpiece of the project, where everything aligned?
‘Definitely Beloved’. That was the point when I thought, “Oh yes, I remember how to write a song.” It was the first track Jamie and I revisited together. It holds a lot of personal significance for me and anchored the rest of the project.
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Love can take many forms — romantic, platonic, nostalgic. Which type of love resonates most in this record, or specifically in ‘Beloved’?
When I wrote ‘Beloved’, my grandmother was very ill, and sadly, she passed away last year. She was a significant figure in my life, and I was also dealing with my aunt’s illness. It was a time when everything felt heavy. The title comes from Toni Morrison’s 'Beloved', where “Beloved” signifies more than just a person; it embodies a house, a spirit, a presence. I wrote it with that concept in mind. When I played it, my sister remarked, “You know ‘Beloved’ is you, right?” I was surprised, and she explained, “You’re always supporting everyone; that’s why you’ve gone grey early!” That really hit me.
Are there aspects of love that still baffle you?
Love is... ever-expanding. It’s confusing because you think you understand love, then you meet your best friend's baby, and suddenly it reveals a whole new dimension of love that you didn't know existed. That's amazing. Some aspects I grasp, while others I'm still navigating.
Scenic Route has been described as “the most exciting label for underground music.” What has it been like joining that community?
It’s been incredibly meaningful. Meeting people like Theo and John — individuals who genuinely care about music and want to discuss it in a deep, old-school manner — was just what I needed. They communicate in such a human way, which is lacking in London.
The label creates a nurturing environment for growth, something that London has been missing. I feel fortunate that we began releasing music so long ago, as it’s given us the opportunity to let things develop and to discover what we truly want to express.
Have other artists on the label inspired or moved you recently?
I absolutely adore Acopia — they’re fantastic. We saw them perform in London, and I thought, “This is something special.”
What are you hoping for Babeheaven in the next
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Following a phase of creative stillness, Babeheaven comes back with ‘Slower Than Sound’, an introspective and soul-refreshing EP that showcases the West London duo.