Veteran musician Ben Labat, hailing from Louisiana, has unveiled his latest album, 'Echolocationism,' a deeply personal return to his folk-rock origins. After a career spanning nearly three decades, which included a major record deal with Capitol Records and music placements in hit television series like 'The Real World' and 'Jersey Shore,' Labat is now most at home when expressing his life's narrative through heartfelt, acoustic-driven songs. This new collection represents a deliberate shift away from the complexities of modern, technology-infused music, emphasizing raw emotion and lyrical simplicity.
Labat acknowledges the advancements in artificial intelligence and technology across various creative fields, from film to graphic design and music. However, he found himself drawn in the opposite direction, seeking comfort in the unadorned authenticity of his own voice and an acoustic guitar. This pursuit of simplicity is evident throughout 'Echolocationism,' his seventh studio release since 2006. The album features ten original tracks, with the only exception being a cover of Harry Styles' 'Matilda,' a nod to his daughter's favorite song.
The album's title, 'Echolocationism,' draws inspiration from Labat's past as a physics teacher and his fascination with the sonar-like navigation of marine animals. This scientific concept serves as a metaphor for his journey, using his inner senses to guide his musical path. The recording process for 'Echolocationism' was a solitary endeavor, with Labat playing his grandfather's cherished Martin D-28 acoustic guitar. This instrument, which he reacquired after it had been sold, became the cornerstone of the album. He delved into a trove of unreleased material, weaving together songs that felt right for this intimate, acoustic setting.
The opening track, 'Set a New Course,' immediately immerses listeners in Labat's signature gravelly Louisiana cadence, accompanied by the distinctive sounds of his acoustic guitar. The melody evokes echoes of Bruce Springsteen's most stripped-down works, particularly when Labat reflects on life's challenges, singing, "Life tuned me up and played me like a song/so I set a new course." He explains that this song, and indeed the album, is about embracing change, whether it's in one's career, relationships, or personal growth. It's about accepting that life rarely unfolds as planned and that evolving through experience is an inevitable part of the human journey.
Labat's commitment to a more stripped-down sound traces back two decades to his full-band debut with the alt-rock group The Terms. Their 2006 album, 'Small Town Computer Crash,' was produced by the late Grammy-winning Greg Ladanyi, known for his work with artists like Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon. Ladanyi's meticulous approach to studio production left a lasting impression on Labat, influencing his current recording philosophy. He recalls Ladanyi's emphasis on refining arrangements, thorough rehearsals, and capturing the emotional essence of vocal performances. These principles continue to guide Labat in his quest to produce high-quality music today.
He vividly remembers Ladanyi's practice of testing masters on various audio systems, from car stereos to high-quality headphones, ensuring the music sounded good everywhere. This dedication to detail is something Labat still practices, often asking himself, "Would Greg approve?" The success of 'Small Town Computer Crash' landed The Terms on the Billboard Heatseeker chart and led to television appearances. However, a serious auto accident brought an untimely end to the band. After a brief pursuit of a new record deal in New York, Labat returned to Louisiana, started a family, and formed Ben Labat & the Happy Devil, a regional band that released four full-length albums starting in 2010. While The Happy Devil still exists, Labat now primarily tours solo, balancing his music career with a day job and coaching youth soccer. He cherishes the intimate atmosphere of his solo performances, believing it truly reflects his artistic and songwriting ethos.
Much like the dolphins whose echolocation inspired his album, Labat is navigating his musical future by relying on his instincts and internal compass. He admits to once attempting to write more commercially viable music, and while he proved capable, it wasn't a fulfilling endeavor. His true passion lies in creating music that flows naturally from his experiences and allows him to explore any topic he desires. For Labat, songwriting is not just a profession; it is a vital creative outlet, a means of authentic self-expression.