New Cork four-piece Babyrat have released their debut single, Roses – a first taste of their self-proclaimed ‘bitch-pop’. We asked front woman Zoe Jordan the BIG questions . . .
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Formed in late 2024 and tipped as one of the best new acts in Ireland, the band have spent the last year building their audience with live performances, sharing early demos directly with fans, and cultivating a community around the band in real life.
The punky power pop act have already gone from local stages to headline shows in Cork and London and support slots with Bell X1 at Live At The Marquee, The Coronas at the Gleneagle Arena and Feeder at Cork City Hall.
“Roses is about love turning to spite in a coming-of-age setting,” the band says. “The reason it’s the opening song in every set is the same reason why it is our first release, it’s the perfect introduction to us and sets the tone for what we are and what’s to come.”
Babyrat play: Sunday Sessiún, London Irish Centre, 20 September and Other Voices Music Trail, Derry, 26 September.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My phone is always dead or below 10%, I’m currently sitting in my beloved Toyota Yaris on McCurtain Street in Cork hungover. I just enjoyed a lovely toastie with Jamo that I promised I’d buy him when I was drunk last night at our single release party.
How would you describe your music?
It’s pop music wearing rock music’s clothes! Or pop music in leather jackets. Whichever you prefer.
Who are your musical inspirations?
As a band we take a lot of inspiration from The Strokes in our arrangements. We all love Paramore and I’m also very inspired by female rockers like Olivia Rodrigo, No Doubt, Blondie, and that first Katy Perry album.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I always tell people it was The Boomtown Rats in the Marquee, but it was totally Jedward.
What was the first record you ever bought?
It was the self-titled 5 Seconds of Summer album! I remember being in Mahon Point and begging my dad for a tenner to go get it in Claires. Think he gave me it as long as I cleaned my room when I got home. Still have it and love it.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Whatever You Wanna by Annabelle Dinda! I stumbled across it a week or two ago and whenever I listen to it, it feels like scratching an itch, so addicting.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I really love The Strokes line ‘The room is on fire and she’s fixing her hair’ because that’s so me. Like I totally get her and would do the same…
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sk8r Boi by Avril Lavigne!
Where can people find your music/more information?
Roses is out on Spotify now! Our website and Instagram.
Alan Corr