Is it fair to draw parallels between this Alberta-based group and the legendary Liverpool quartet? That’s a question for Baby Jey’s devoted fans to answer. The Edmonton-born band may not yet be filling stadiums, but they’ve carved out their niche and earned recognition at home and beyond. Here’s a closer look at their journey, featured on edmonton-trend.
The Beginning of Baby Jey
In 2015, in Alberta’s capital, Edmonton, a band emerged with a distinct indie rock style. Their aesthetic perfectly complemented their chosen musical direction.
The band was founded by Jeremy Witten, who took on the roles of guitarist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist, making him the group’s natural frontman. Dean Kheroufi joined as the bassist and backing vocalist, and for two years, the duo carried the band.
In 2017, the lineup expanded to include Trevor McKinley on guitar and Connor Ellinger on drums, solidifying the quartet.
Before forming Baby Jey, Jeremy had a notable solo career under the pseudonym Jey Witten, participating in various music festivals and releasing two solo albums. His work earned accolades, including songwriting awards in Calgary and Canmore.
Dean Kheroufi brought his experience from performing with The Velveteins, a band recognized in niche circles. With this seasoned lineup, Baby Jey released their debut album, Wishes, in 2017, produced by the acclaimed Rene Wilson. Tracks from the album even found airtime on local radio stations.
Life After the Debut Album
Following the success of Wishes, Baby Jey embarked on their first tour across Canada and the United States. The experience inspired their second album, Someday Cowboy, released in 2018. Shortly after, the band relocated from Edmonton to Brooklyn.
In 2019, the lead single from the album, Someday My Space Cowboy Will Come, was nominated for the “People’s Choice” category at the Edmonton Music Awards.
By the early 2020s, Baby Jey had made a name for themselves with their two albums and unique style. However, comparisons to the iconic Liverpool quartet still felt premature. Despite their accomplishments, including music videos and a growing fanbase, they had yet to achieve a global breakthrough.
Brooklyn Indie Rockers
Nicknamed “Brooklyn Indie Rockers” by some, the band infused their music with themes of “American upbringing,” a recurring motif in their interviews. Frontman Jeremy Witten often credited the streets more than his family for shaping him.
Baby Jey consistently rejected mainstream pop trends, choosing instead to embrace a vibrant and unconventional image, both on and off the stage.
While comparing them to England’s Fab Four might be an overstatement, Edmonton can certainly take pride in giving the world these talented musicians. Baby Jey’s growing fanbase and distinct artistry prove they’ve found their place in the global music scene.
