Bright future ahead for musician Brigitte Calls Me Baby
Brigitte Calls Me Baby vocalist, Wes Leavins, and drummer, Jeremy Benshish, engage in a discussion about the band’s recent album and journey in a shared interview. Leavins expresses a mix of excitement and confusion as he navigates the backstage area before their Bowery Ballroom performance in New York, playfully likening it to a mysterious portal.
The band’s evolution from Leavins’ early days as a musician in Texas to forming Brigitte Calls Me Baby in Chicago showcases a path marked by milestones. Following their debut performance at New York’s Mercury Lounge, Brigitte Calls Me Baby garnered attention with their critically acclaimed album, “The Future Is Our Way Out,” produced by the acclaimed Dave Cobb. Embarking on tours across continents like America and Europe, the band headlined prestigious shows alongside acts like Muse and Morrissey.
Their latest release, “Irreversible,” dropped earlier this year under ATO Records, with the majority of the tracks produced by the band in collaboration with the Rothmans from Los Angeles. Leavins and Benshish revisited fond memories ahead of their Bowery Ballroom gig, reminiscing about their Mercury Lounge debut and working with Dave Cobb to shape their initial album.
Reflecting on the band’s journey, Leavins recalls the significance of their first show at the Mercury Lounge, a venue famed for launching The Strokes. Nonetheless, their hometown was still buzzing with the energy of that inaugural performance. Benshish humorously recounts how his commitment to the band cost him his day job as a teacher’s assistant in Chicago, highlighting the sacrifices made to pursue their musical ambitions.
Delving into their creative process, Leavins emphasizes Cobb’s hands-on approach, utilizing various instruments during recording sessions to enhance their sound. Benshish echoes this sentiment, praising Cobb’s ability to connect with their vision while adding subtle refinements to their tracks. Leavins reveals a personal shift in mindset, recounting a shift towards authenticity in his songwriting and performances, prioritizing genuine self-expression over image upkeep.
Intriguingly, the band opted to record most of “Irreversible” live, aiming to capture the raw energy of their performances. Highlighting tracks like “Slumber Party,” Leavins and Benshish recount the transformative impact of Lawrence Rothman’s suggestion to elevate the drum rhythms, infusing new life into the song. Their dedication to preserving the authenticity and dynamism of their live shows shines through in their studio recordings, reflecting their commitment to delivering a genuine and captivating musical experience.