INTERVIEW: BAYBE’s ‘Pretty Gay!’ Is A Pretty Iconic Sapphic Anthem

One of the best parts of discovering an artist you can’t get enough of is getting to step into the immersive world they create with their music and visuals, and we can confidently say that no one does that quite like BAYBE! Her signature fusion of dark pop, metal, hip-hop, and horror has propelled her into a league of her own and proven she’s a genius artist you need to keep a close eye on. And now is the perfect time to start doing so, because BAYBE just dropped her latest single, ‘Pretty Gay!’

‘Pretty Gay!’ is a sapphic anthem that sees BAYBE pining for a girl who says she’s straight, with a chilling soundscape that combines the tumultuous adrenaline of falling in love with the edgy thrill of films like Jennifer’s Body. In fact, we actually need a film inspired by this song, because we’re absolutely obsessed with the plot and imagery. We’re feeling pretty lucky, because we got to ask BAYBE all about the song, her thought-provoking visuals, and so much more! Check out ‘Pretty Gay!’ below, then keep reading for our Q&A.

Hi BAYBE, congrats on the release of ‘Pretty Gay!’ How does it feel to let the song out into the world and see how your fans are reacting?
Thank you! It’s been an interesting release for sure- I’ve been nervously holding onto this song for over two years now so finally getting it out into the world feels great. My music tends to receive a mixed review online, but this one probably wins for most dividing response so far.

What does ‘Pretty Gay!’ mean to you?
This song started as just a song about liking a girl with a boyfriend. When writing the chorus, it evolved into a sort of jab at internet culture and how overly sensitive we all can be. There’s a sort of tip-toe feeling around using the word “gay” in a negative context nowadays, which I think is a complex argument on both sides. The point I wanted to make was that it’s just not that serious. There are many things I will not say, or sing about. I think this one in particular is funny though, and I like laughing. 

There are so many cool lyrics on ‘Pretty Gay!,’ with one of our favorites being “all your boyfriends wanna fight me.” Is there a certain line on the song that you’re especially proud of?
I think the line I’m most proud of is the outro, specifically “When they say the end is near and the missiles head our way, all I think about is you and I think that’s pretty gay.” The producer, Paige Blue, and I couldn’t stop laughing when writing it, but there was such a deeper feeling of dark, satirical sadness tucked into that section which makes me love it so much more.

“Pretty gay” has long been used as an insult against the LGBT+ community – what has it been like for you to get to reclaim the phrase and build such a powerful story around it?
I think if we used it in a lighthearted fun way, as it’s used in the lyrics, it wouldn’t hold such negativity around it. Being gay rocks, and calling things “gay” also rocks. I don’t think we have to choose.

Speaking of reclaiming, you released a reimagined version of your previously-released song ‘Cherry Pie’ this summer after taking it down. How did you approach remaking the song with a new BAYBE flair? What has it been like to see how much fans are embracing it?
It’s been amazing. After two years of comments and messages asking for it to come back to streaming, I decided it was time to give the song a second chance. I gave it my own touch so it’s a lot darker and heavier now- it’s been great hearing from fans that they’re loving this new version more 🙂

Your songs have such a cinematic quality to them while often talking about relatable experiences – how do you go about creating an immersive world around the stories you’re telling in your lyrics?
Thank you! That means a lot. When writing a song, I picture the music video simultaneously. Those two things happen at the same time for me, so I like to keep the visuals in mind when producing or recording, to make sure they’ll lend to something special visually. 

You blend elements of metal, hip-hop, and pop so effortlessly! When you’re starting to write a song, do you typically know which direction it will go in production-wise, or does that come later? Do you feel like certain feelings match certain genres better?
That’s a great question – I think when I go into a session I generally know if I’m feeling like leaning one way or the other beforehand. With that being said, I’m a believer in “the song writes itself” for the most part, so if the song tells me it wants to be heavier with more organic metal instrumentation, I listen. The feeling and emotion of the lyrics play a huge role in dictating the genre as well.

Another defining quality of your work is how much thought you put into your visuals – one of our favorites is the ‘Dinner For One’ video, which sees you killing a creepy guy who wants to go on a date even after you claim to be 14. What’s your creative process like when you’re preparing a music video?
I touched on this earlier, but when I write songs, I write the video concept as well, usually day-of. Last week I had a session in LA and left with such a detailed vision for the music video, that I drove straight to a coffee shop and sat for 3 hours until I finished the entire video treatment. I might not even shoot it for another year, but I had to get it down. I think in another life, or maybe just later in this one haha, I would be a director. I direct all of my music videos, and I don’t think there are many things in life that make me happier.

Something else that stands out to us about songs like ‘Dinner For One’ is how intentional you are with the themes and imagery you use, even if it’s not always apparent on the surface. For example, the cannibal-themed ‘Dinner For One’ makes a statement against predators in the music video and ‘Stray Dog’ explores the effects that toxic relationships can have on someone. How do you go about finding the right balance between surprising or shocking imagery and making sure the message is clear? Do you feel that these messages have been overlooked among casual listeners, or do people seem to grasp them well?
I have absolutely no idea if people catch onto it or not. I hope they do! It’s all very intentional. I’ve tried many times to keep the artwork, visuals, and promo for songs ultra simple (for my own sanity), but I cannot do it. I am obsessed with pairing each song with a visual world, as I think songs on their own hold much less weight than if I can immerse someone into it fully. 

How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since releasing your God’s Favorite EP last year?
I think I change as an artist every single day, as we all do, so it’s a tough thing to measure. I’ve discovered new music that changed the way I think, experienced new things for the first time, etc. – it’s such a cool thing to think about. To answer the question: immensely, and in many ways.

What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2024?
I have one more release coming out this year that I’m so excited about, which may or may not have a featured artist on it.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
Not really, other than my constant “thank you.” The artist-to-fan relationship is so special, and I love finding my people while releasing the music I love creating.

As a site with a mission to celebrate the connection between artists and fans, we couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much to BAYBE for answering our questions and sharing your vision with the world! You’re a truly special artist and we’re so excited to see what ‘Pretty Gay!’ and this new chapter bring to you.

Now honeybees, we have some questions for you! What do you think of ‘Pretty Gay!’ and BAYBE’s music? Which of her songs do you think is the best sapphic anthem, and which one is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! We could talk about her work all day, so we’ll be waiting to hear your thoughts.

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