After nearly four decades of making music, Babylon A.D. returns with When The World Stops, marking another defining chapter in the band’s career. Staying true to the signature sound that has earned them fans worldwide, this new album sits comfortably alongside both their debut and 2024’s Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day. Featuring high-energy tracks and emotionally charged ballads, the band celebrates the transformative power of music while paying tribute to the artists who have shaped their style.

By Sandra Pinto

In this interview, Derek Davis talks about the songwriting process, the inspiration behind singles like Power Of Music, the experience of returning to the stage, and what fans can expect from this exciting new era of Babylon A.D.

When The World Stops marks another chapter in Babylon A.D.’s career. How would you describe this album compared to your previous work?
I think all our albums have the Babylon A.D. signature sound and we have never left it. This album fits right next to our 1st album as well as the last one “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day’ released in 2024.

The single “Power Of Music” celebrates the transformative power of music. What inspired this particular track?
I wrote this track to celebrate the musical influence’s that have inspired me since I was a child. I always wanted to write a song like this and finally I had the right music that would tell the story. Music is a huge part of almost every human so we need to cherish the feelings that music brings.

The music video for “Power Of Music” blends live performances with iconic moments from legendary artists. How did the concept for the video come together?
The concept of the video is exactly how I see the lyrics, I always write lyrics through a cinematic focus, seeing the lyrics and film movements when I write a track. Every song I write I would like to do a video too but usually I don’t have enough time.

Derek, you’ve mentioned that the song pays tribute to your musical influences. Which artists or bands have had the biggest impact on your style and the band’s sound?
Oh man so many,,, James Brown, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Sade, Bobby Womack, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, The Babys, Cheap Trick, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Stones, and a whole lot more … I love Soul, Blues and Rock Music, Old classic country too, so I have a lot of
influences to choose from when I am writing a song.

How did the songwriting process work for this album? Was there a new approach compared to previous records?
No new approach, I write all the lyrics, melodies, and usually have 4-5 songs already demoed for the band to learn and the other guys contribute music and send it to me and I’ll find the best music ideas from them and put it all together. Then record and produce at my studio and we usually have more songs to choose from left over that might go on the next record.

The album features tracks ranging from “Love Is Cruel” to “Sadness Madness.” How did you decide on the balance between high-energy rock and emotional depth?
Theres no grand scheme, we demo the songs and let a few close friends score the songs, like a focus group, and then we take the top ten or 11 scored highest, It works pretty well for us. Because sometimes us band members might think a song is great but then get feed back from the
outside that tells you well it’s not that great, just really good.

Babylon A.D. has a career dating back to 1987. What’s it like returning to the studio and stage while keeping the hard rock essence alive and staying relevant for today’s fans?
It’s mind blowing that we can still do this and have a great time and still have so many fans. Our last show in October was in Athens Greece and we could not believe how many people knew all our songs and were singing along including the newer ones. A sold out crowd in Greece. I would have never imagined that after all these years.

Which moments from the band’s history continue to influence what you create now?
We have lots of memories and it’s funny because sometimes the past really does repeat itself. Interesting fact record- The song “Sadness Madness” is the first song that John Matthews and I wrote and recorded together in 1987. While tracking this record I brought out the original demo to the band and the rest of the guys were like “Wow this is a great track and still sounds current. So you really never know as time goes by what is still a great timeless song when you write it.

Do you have a tour planned to promote When The World Stops? What kind of live experience can fans expect?
Currently are putting together on a tour and have been asked to come back to the U.K . Our fans know when we play we always give a hundred percent live performance. And thats why they still show up.

Looking ahead, are there new musical directions or experiments you want to explore as a band?
I think we are pretty set in our style as a band with our sound and direction. But as a solo artist I am constantly writing and recording my own tracks, I’ve got a couple hard rock tracks that I will be releasing over the next few months and I am in the process of finishing up Revolutionary Soul #2. It&’s a “Rock N Soul” album in the vein of a late 70s style “Isley Brothers” meet “Terence Trent D’Arby” sound. Really cool and different than Babylon A.D.

For new listeners who haven’t heard Babylon A.D. before, how would you describe the experience of listening to When The World Stops?
This album is firing on all cylinders and has high energy as well as some well crafted ballads.

Is there a funny or inspiring story behind the making of “Power Of Music” or another track from the album?
Well I thing the song “Oh Suki” is the most different track on the record, it’s a funny story with a really big hook, It’s kinda silly but it still fits with our sound.

If you could collaborate with any legendary artist—either on this album or live—who would it be and why?
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Bobby Womack and of these guys would be a dream fantasy come true.