FEATURING COLLABORATIONS WITH ALEX ISLEY, MASEGO, LALAH HATHAWAY, JACOB COLLIER, TROMBONE SHORTY, WAYNE BRADY, AND MORE
Best New Artist Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed band Tank and The Bangas return with their third studio album, Red Balloon, set for release on May 13 via Verve Forecast. Fans can pre-order the record HERE.
Red Balloon was born out of a pandemic-ordered break from the band’s rigorous touring schedule. The hiatus gave the band space to breathe and double down on who they are as artists, allowing them to reunite as a more unified group. The new work has evolved and pushes the band to a new level, shedding light on their unique observations and songwriting reflecting on the ills of America while also celebrating the beauty of Black life.“
This has been one of the best attempts thus far at capturing what happens when we’re all playing at the same time,” notes the band. “Red Balloon is coming straight for your heart and your neck. It’s going to make you bop and think and love, hopefully, and even love people that look different.”
Predominantly produced by Tank and the Bangas, the 16-track album was recorded at Bangaville Studios in New Orleans and Revival Studios in Los Angeles. Red Balloon also includes contributions from Alex Isley, Masego, Questlove, Lalah Hathaway, Big Freedia, Jacob Collier, Trombone Shorty, Jamison Ross, The Hamiltones, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Wayne Brady.
In conjunction, the group debuts their new single “No ID” alongside an accompanying video, which premieres today on Consequence. “No ID” is about not letting just anybody into your life; the song concludes with frontwoman and lead vocalist Tarriona “Tank” Ball singing, “If we gon’ go deeper, Ima need to see what’s beneath the surface of your smile and if you’re worth staying a while.” Listen to/share the track HERE and watch/share the video HERE.
In addition, the band will embark on an extensive run of 2022 tour dates with Freedia, Trombone Shorty and Cory Henry. Kicking off on March 9, the tour includes performances at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, DC’s 9:30 Club and Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl as well as shows at New York’s Webster Hall, Blue Note and Central Park Summerstage. Further 2022 dates will be announced soon, while the current tour routing can be found below.
New Orleans-based Tank and the Bangas rose to prominence in 2017 following their unanimous NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest victory. In 2019, the band released their major label debut, Green Balloon, on Verve Forecast to widespread critical praise. Last year, Tank and The Bangas released their EP Friend Goals, featuring CHIKA, Duckwrth and PJ Morton.
Tank and The Bangas are Tarriona “Tank” Ball (frontwoman, lead vocals), Albert Allenback (alto saxophone, flute), Joshua Johnson (drums), and Norman Spence (keys).
TANK AND THE BANGAS—RED BALLOON
1. Intro (featuring Wayne Brady)
2. Mr. Bluebell
3. Anxiety
4. Oak Tree
5. Communion In My Cup (featuring The Hamiltones)
6. Who’s In Charge
7. Why Try
8. No ID
9. Black Folk (featuring Alex Isley and Masego)
10. Café Du Monde (featuring Jamison Ross and Trombone Shorty)
11. Easy Goes It (featuring Lalah Hathaway)
12. Stolen Fruit
13. Big (featuring Big Freedia)
14. Heavy
15. Jellyfish
16. Where Do We Go (featuring Lalah Hathaway and Jacob Collier)