Brigitte Calls Me Baby
Brigitte Calls Me Baby | |
|---|---|
Brigitte Calls Me Baby performing Palm of Your Hand live in Chicago. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Labels | ATO |
| Members |
|
| Website | brigittecallsmebaby |
Brigitte Calls Me Baby is an American alternative rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 2022.[1][2][3][4] The band consists of lead singer Wes Leavins, guitarists Jack Fluegel and Trevor Lynch, bassist Devin Wessels, and drummer Jeremy Benshish.[5] The name comes from Leavins' teenaged pen-pal correspondence with French actress Brigitte Bardot.[6]
Prior to the release of any of their music, Brigitte Calls Me Baby had their first gig in 2022, opening for Irish rock band Inhaler, and later opening for English rock band Muse.[1][2][3] Following their performance at the Austin South by Southwest music festival in 2023, they caught the attention of ATO records, who signed them and oversaw the release of their EP This House is Made of Corners. In 2024, Brigitte Calls Me Baby released their debut album The Future is Our Way Out.[5]
Brigitte Calls Me Baby's musical style was described by SPIN as "a smattering of upbeat new wave-style synths, jangly post-punk guitar and tight, punchy arrangements".[2]
History
Formation and early performances: 2022–2023
Originally from Port Arthur, Texas, Wes Leavins moved to Chicago, Illinois in 2016 to explore the local music scene and connect with potential bandmates he found online.[3][5] Within the next few years, he would link up with guitarists Jack Fluegel and Trevor Lynch, bassist Devin Wessels, and drummer Jeremy Benshish, all Chicago locals, and form Brigitte Calls Me Baby in 2022.[3][5] After being noticed by film director Baz Luhrmann for his performance as Elvis Presley in a touring production of Million Dollar Quartet, Leavins was asked to work on the biopic Elvis (2022) to help recreate Presley's songs.[3] While working on the set, Leavins met producer Dave Cobb, who later worked with the band to record their 2023 debut EP This House Is Made of Corners and their 2024 debut album The Future Is Our Way Out.[3][4]
Early-on performances prior to the band's signing began with gigs in 2022, including opening for Irish rock band Inhaler and English rock band Muse.[1][2] In January 2023, the band released their first single, Eddie My Love, and began consistently touring throughout the year.[5] Their breakout performance was at the 2023 South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. There, they caught the attention of ATO Records, who quickly signed the band onto their label.[2][5]
ATO Records: 2023–present
In August 2023, Brigitte Calls Me Baby played their first international show at the All Points East festival in London, England, where they opened for the Strokes.[1][3] In November 2023, Brigitte Calls Me Baby, working with Cobb, released their debut EP This House Is Made of Corners under ATO Records.[2] The band had their first nationally televised performance in March 2024, performing on CBS Saturday Morning.[3] Their debut album The Future Is Our Way Out was released in August 2024, once more working with Cobb as producer.[2][3]
Music Style and influences
Their music had been compared by NME to bands like the Smiths and the Strokes.[7] Leavins' vocals have been likened to artists Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Morrissey (whom the band opened for in 2025)[8] for his crooner style of singing.[2][5][9] Primary inspirations cited by Leavins include Orbison, Presley and Frank Sinatra, with other stylistic influences including Radiohead, New Order, and the Strokes.[10]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| The Future Is Our Way Out |
|
Extended Plays
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| This House Is Made of Corners |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Impressively Average | 2022 | The Future Is Our Way Out |
| Eddie My Love | 2023 | |
| You Are Only Made Of Dreams | ||
| We Were Never Alive | 2024 | |
| Pink Palace | ||
| Too Easy | ||
| Careless Whisper (George Michael cover) | 2025 | Non-album single |
References
- ^ a b c d Buchanan, Rhys (November 1, 2023). "Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Chicago romantics deliver the thrills of a bygone era". NME. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fragassi, Selena (August 1, 2024). "There's No Putting Brigitte Calls Me Baby In A Corner". SPIN. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "The Swift Rise of Brigitte Calls Me Baby". Chicago Magazine. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "New ATO Records Signing Brigitte Calls Me Baby Announces Debut EP Out November 3". ATO RECORDS. October 4, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Fresh rock for the romantic existentialists". Firebird. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ "Brigitte Calls Me Baby: "Sure, being famous sounds nice, but how do you achieve permanence?"". DIY. August 2, 2024. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ Buchanan, Rhys (November 1, 2023). "Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Chicago romantics deliver the thrills of a bygone era". NME. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ Bourne, Dianne (February 11, 2025). "Morrissey at Co-op Live Manchester seating plan, capacity and map for 2025 tour". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ Buchanan, Rhys (August 2, 2024). "Brigitte Calls Me Baby – 'The Future Is Our Way Out' review: fun, heartfelt retro revival". NME. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
- ^ Ream, Anne K. (February 22, 2024). "Brigitte Calls Me Baby's Joyful, Era-Jumping Musical Homage". Retrieved June 9, 2025.