Joshua Fernandez, the Chennai-based artist known professionally as JBABE, has released a new short film to accompany his latest album, A Little Larger Than The Universe, featuring a dramatic sequence in which he is set on fire. The artist, who also serves as the vocalist and guitarist for the band The F16s, performed the stunt under the direction of filmmaker Lendrick Kumar to capture a visual aesthetic he describes as a distillation of fantasy. While the project resulted in what Fernandez characterized as “mild burns,” the musician remains focused on his upcoming tour and future creative endeavors.
The short film, which features the track “Days I Will Endure,” depicts the artist being carried across a simulated battlefield. The climactic scene involves Fernandez being ignited while rigged with fire-retardant materials, a decision he made to ensure the production captured a visceral, cinematic moment. According to the artist, the scene was completed in one take under the guidance of a professional pyro technician on set.
“I was 100 percent committed, like, ‘Let’s do it. Do your worst,’” Fernandez stated regarding the filming process. He noted that he instructed the production crew to continue filming regardless of any potential complications, emphasizing his desire to create imagery that deviates from conventional music video standards.
Artistic Ambition and Financial Realities
The production of A Little Larger Than The Universe has been an intensive undertaking for the independent artist, who confirmed that the project has left him in financial debt. Despite the fiscal challenges, Fernandez maintains that the collaborative nature of the work and the final artistic output outweigh the monetary strain. The album, which spans nine tracks, represents a thematic shift from his previous work, moving away from ironic humor toward a more sincere exploration of faith, mortality, and human connection.
The visual identity of the project is further defined by a commissioned Tanjore-style painting of the artist, which features a flower crown and a cross. Fernandez also incorporated personal elements, such as a voice note from his mother reading a biblical hymn on the track “Psalms 5.” He described the inclusion of his mother’s voice as a more fulfilling creative choice than typical lyrical tropes regarding past relationships.
Fernandez’s history with ambitious video projects includes a seven-year-old, previously unreleased music video for the song “Fela Kuti.” Filmed on an island in Tamil Nadu that he reports no longer exists, the project involved local fishermen and surfers. The artist intends to release the footage once he secures the resources for professional color grading.
Upcoming Performances and Future Projects
As he transitions into the promotional phase for his new album, Fernandez is preparing for a four-city tour. The opening show is scheduled for July 23 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. For these performances, the artist plans to move away from his traditional band setup, opting instead to incorporate a children’s choir to emphasize the vocal quality of his new material.
Beyond his solo work, Fernandez is preparing for the release of a new album with The F16s, titled All Dogs Go to Heaven, slated for later this year. He emphasized that he and his bandmates have been diligent about maintaining a clear distinction between his solo project and the band’s output to avoid an overlap of sound and imagery. With approximately 20 new songs expected from his various projects this year, the artist is currently focused on reestablishing his presence in the independent music scene after a period of relative silence lasting three to four years.
Readers interested in updates regarding the tour or upcoming releases from The F16s can follow official artist channels for further announcements. Comments and discussions regarding the new album are encouraged below.
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