Babitha is the debut music project of Imogen Grist. Though there are only two songs under the Babitha name, they are both songs that conjure a singular incandesce.
There’s a restless, and acutely feminine energy to Babitha’s work. A kind of divine playfulness. With latest single, ‘The Clown’, Grist expertly, and empathetically, pleads with a friend whose party habits concern her.
“I wrote this song after a friend of mine was partying too hard and I was getting a bit concerned,” she explains of the track. “It’s about the pressure you feel to perform and put on a show – when you’re heading down a path that feels inauthentic or contrived. I wanted this song to be a tender reminder that it’s ok to slow down and think about who you really want to be.”
It’s swaggering, sensual music. The kind that oozes with old-timey mystique of a western heroine. To celebrate the release of ‘The Clown’, we asked Babitha a bunch of burning get to know questions. So pop on the track below and immerse yourself in her sacred world.
Check out ‘The Clown’ by Babitha:
How did your artist name come about?
It was a little joke with a boyfriend I had at the time. If one of us was late, we had these names of fake people we were having affairs with – mine was Nathaniel and his was Babitha. I guess it was a way for me to explore being the “other woman”
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
Love Indie?
Get the latest Indie news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
You’ll like it I promise!!
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
I wrote ‘The Clown’ after a friend of mine was partying too hard and I was getting a bit concerned. It made me think about all the ways we put on a show and present a false version of ourselves for the enjoyment/acceptance of others. I wanted this song to be a gentle reminder that it’s ok to slow down and think about who you really want to be.
Another song from the EP is called “Through the Light”, which explores feelings of inadequacy and putting people on a pedestal. It’s about accepting your flaws and failures while striving to be better.
What do you love about your hometown?
I love going to Orange so I can tap out – our house is about half an hour out of town so it’s really nice to disconnect from the world for a few days. It’s especially nice in Winter with the fires cranking, but it does get bloody cold
Career highlight so far?
Probably my last gig at The Lansdowne. It was the first time I performed without my lyrics in front of me so I felt like a BOSS
Fave non-music hobby?
CROSSWORDS! I’m addicted! I’m a massive cheat though
What’s on your dream rider?
Affordable housing and a box of BBQ shapes
Dream music collaboration?
I’d love to make a Nancy & Lee duet style album with someone like Marlon Williams or Kurt Vile
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
After COVID I’m just trying to see myself to the next week!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ by Foreigner
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It all works out in the end
What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?
Trashy reality TV – I love it
