BABYLON A.D. – When The World Stops Stories
Interview with Derek Davis
- “When The World Stops”: Derek, you called it an ‘apocalyptic love story.’ Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and how the visual concept came to life for the video?
It is an apocalyptic love story about two young lovers facing the end of the world, it’s how I imagine the last days to come. - Your new album, WHEN THE WORLD STOPS, is the first release with Kivel Records, how has working with this label shaped or supported the album’s creative direction?
So far the Record Company has been very supportive and making all the right moves. - You’ve worked with guest musicians like Julie Pacheco on “Love Is Cruel.” What led to that collaboration, and how did her piano contribution shape the final mood of the track?
Yes Julie is an emence talent and helped shape the sound and melody of the song. She was married to our bass player Eric Pacheco so I have known her a very long time. - The album closes with “Sadness Madness,” a title that suggests some heavy themes. How important is it for you to explore vulnerability and darkness in your songwriting today compared to your earlier records?
I’m always trying to write lyrics that touches a persons soul. I like writing very cinematic and dark melodies. - You’ve always had a knack for writing songs that hit hard but stay melodic. Has the band’s songwriting chemistry changed with the addition of Craig Pepe and Dylan Soto?
The song writing process has not changed just gotten better with 2 extra guys collaborating. - You’ve toured all over, but this is your first time performing in Athens, Greece. What are your expectations for the show at Piraeus Club Academy on September 20th?
We are very excited to be playing this show after we do the U.K. Its a perfect ending for a great tour. - Looking ahead, are there plans to document the upcoming European tour, maybe with a live album or tour film? Fans would love to see a raw snapshot of Babylon A.D. in 2025.
Yes we are planning on shooting a lot of footage at all our shows to document and hopefully use in the future. - Your fans in Europe have been loyal for decades. How does the energy of a European audience compare to shows back home in the U.S.?
The intensity of the fans in the U.K is a much higher level then in the states.. It’s so great playing for people that love HARD ROCK. - From your debut album in 1990 to 2025’s When the World Stops, Babylon A.D. has survived multiple decades, lineup changes, and shifts in the music industry. What’s been the driving force behind the band’s longevity?
We just keep moving forward there really is no secret to it , We just do what we love to do, Record and perform. - You were signed by Clive Davis himself in the late ’80s, a music industry legend. What do you remember most vividly about that moment, and how did it shape your path forward as a band?
It really was a surreal moment , Clive signed us on the spot at a showcase in Hollywood and it was mind blowing.. He gave us a lot of attention and worked with us to be better musicians. - Babylon A.D. has seen fans grow with you across generations. Do you feel a responsibility to carry a certain torch for classic hard rock, especially now that so much of the genre’s golden era is behind us?
We’re here to do what we do best and that’s is entertain and rock the stage as hard as we can, all the other stuff does not matter to us. . - How does it feel looking back at albums like Nothing Sacred or American Blitzkrieg now that you’re five studio records deep? Are there tracks or moments you think were overlooked at the time but stand out now.
I do think the album American Blitzkrieg is our most experimental and diverse album and wish more people gave it a listen but we are now at “WHEN THER WORLD STOPS” and this album, I feel is the best album we have ever done.
Information: https://babylonadband.com/
