May 1st, 2025
Charleston-based Babe Club crafts cool-toned synth-pop with an emotive edge. The band is the brainchild of Jenna Desmond and Corey Campbell, who met at the College of Charleston and quickly became creative collaborators. After graduating, they joined the Americana act Susto, touring nationally and performing at major festivals. While playing on big stages, they began developing their own sound—dreamy, remote, and melancholic. In 2018, they left Susto to forge their own path. Babe Club’s debut album, Ruin My Life, is set for release in August 2025.
Jenna and seven other finalists will perform, network, and compete at the 11th annual LEAF Performance & Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music, at LEAF Global Arts Retreat on Saturday, May 10.
NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Jenna Desmond: Sassy, sad-girlish, melancholy pop songs. It’s emotional, authentic and empowering. The production is very cinematic, soundscape-y, and modern.
What is the first album you bought, and why?
Dreamboat Annie by Heart. It wasn’t my first album, ever because that would be Oops I did it again!. I bought Dreamboat Annie when I first got my license and drove to FYE after seeing the movie The Virgin Suicides. It made me feel alive and free, I guess. It could have been that or songs on iTunes from the “Grey’s Anatomy” soundtrack.
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
Podcasts and conversations — I definitely get inspired when I’m listening to conversations about life or stories about other people’s lives inspired me.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m releasing my first album this year in August called Ruin My Life. I’m also starting a songwriting collective in Charleston. I’ve written with a few other artists — Local Nomad, Georgia VanNewkirk and Slow Funeral — and I’m excited for that material to come out as well.
