All Of It Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Tank And The Bangas' Grammy Award-Winning Spoken Word Collection
Host: Alison Stewart | Release Date: February 6, 2025 | Produced by WNYC
Introduction: Celebrating Grammy Achievements
In this standout episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the recent Grammys, highlighting significant changes and memorable moments. The 2019 expansion of the Grammy Academy brought thousands of new members, including 3,000 women and 38% people of color, fostering a more inclusive voting body. This shift led to a Grammys that "made sense," as per Alison, where deserving artists received recognition, and impactful messages resonated through acceptance speeches.
Notable Highlights:
- Doja Cat emphasized the importance of representation for young Black girls.
- Chapel Roan, after winning Best Rap Album and Best New Artist, advocated for livable wages and healthcare for artists.
- Lady Gaga addressed the visibility of trans people in her Best Pop Duo acceptance speech.
- Beyoncé triumphed in winning Album of the Year, solidifying her legacy.
Guest Spotlight: Tank and the Bangas
The episode spotlights the Grammy-winning New Orleans band, Tank and the Bangas, winners of Best Spoken Word Album for their three-part collection: Heart, Mind, and Soul. Formed in 2011, the band gained widespread acclaim with their 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Concert, amassing over 14 million views. Their collaborative spirit includes working with notable artists like Robert Glasper and Big Freeda, culminating in their latest spoken word collection.
Live Performance: "Enjoy the Ride"
Tank and the Bangas returned to the studio for a live performance of their track "Enjoy the Ride", featuring members Tank Ball and **guitarist/composer Norman Spence. The performance showcases their seamless blend of spoken word and musicality.
Performance Excerpt:
“I can't deny I surely enjoy the ride, man I can't deny I surely enjoy the ride.”
[04:20] - Norman Spence
In-Depth Conversation: Crafting Spoken Word and Music
Alison Stewart engages Tank Ball and Norm Spence in a deep conversation about their creative processes, the intersection of poetry and music, and the inspiration behind their latest album.
Poetry as First Love
Tank Ball describes poetry as her "first love," driven by intense emotion and vulnerability.
“Feeling curious, being lost, finding yourself being incredibly vulnerable? Very honest.”
[07:06]
She contrasts poetry with songwriting, noting that sometimes her poems naturally transition into songs based on an internal whisper guiding her approach.
“My poems can be my songs and my songs can be my poems.”
[07:42]
Collaborative Creation
Norm Spence discusses the dynamic of integrating poetry with instrumental arrangements, emphasizing the importance of balancing Tank's artistic vision with the band's collective synergy.
“Sometimes you just gotta feel a vibe... and it all comes together.”
[08:18]
Album Structure: Heart, Mind, and Soul
The trio explores the conceptualization of their album's three parts. Tank Ball explains the division based on her relationships with her mind, body, and soul, aiming to create a listening experience that encourages deep engagement rather than quick consumption.
“I want you to really soak this in. It's important.”
[09:08]
Collaborations with Esteemed Producers
They reflect on working with James Poyser, whose influence brought a Philly soul vibe to their music, and Iman Omari, whose creative prowess inspired them to push their artistic boundaries.
“It was an honor to work with such a hero.”
[11:49]
Another Live Performance: "Ghetto Earth"
The band presents "Ghetto Earth", a track from their acclaimed collection, interwoven with intricate poetic narratives and vibrant instrumentation.
Performance Excerpt:
“Ghetto Earth get a worth From a million worlds away.”
[13:28] - Terriana Tank Ball
Exploring New Orleans’ Influence
Tank Ball elaborates on how their New Orleans spirit permeates their music. While they incorporate elements like bounce music and brass instruments, they also diverge from traditional sounds to create a unique, genre-blending experience.
“It's just spirit wise, for sure. Definitely not in sound because the sound is a bit unusual.”
[16:45]
Personal Journeys and Musical Roots
Norm Spence shares his background growing up in a church environment in Baltimore, influenced by his pianist father. This upbringing instilled in him a love for melody and rhythm, which he seamlessly integrates into Tank and the Bangas' sound.
“Watching my dad play for churches... anything I picked up there is what I brought there.”
[17:33]
Creative Synergy: Duo Dynamics
Participating as a duo, Tank Ball and Norm Spence discuss the balance of maintaining individual creativity while fostering a collaborative environment. They prioritize solo brainstorming before integrating ideas into the larger group's framework.
“I need you and you need me.”
[18:43]
The Art of Improvisation and Preparation
They delve into their approach to performance, balancing structured practice with the freedom to improvise. Tank Ball emphasizes that while improvisation is key, Norm ensures the spontaneity aligns with their artistic vision.
“You make your balance and be prepared to ride the wave in whatever way it goes.”
[20:22]
Final Performance: "Little Things"
The episode concludes with a poignant rendition of "Little Things", a track addressing the fragility of life and the societal issues affecting Black communities. The song intertwines personal reflections with broader social commentary.
Performance Excerpt:
“Love him, show him. And baby, don't you worry about those little things they turn to bigger things over time.”
[23:34] - Terriana Tank Ball
Closing Thoughts: Embracing Art and Community
Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by celebrating Tank and the Bangas' artistic contributions and their commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for spoken word and music within the community.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusivity in Music Awards: The Grammys' expansion led to a more diverse and representative recognition of artists.
- Spoken Word and Music Fusion: Tank and the Bangas exemplify the powerful blend of poetry and music, creating immersive and meaningful art.
- Creative Collaboration: Working with esteemed producers like James Poyser and Iman Omari enriches their musical landscape.
- Cultural Roots: Their New Orleans heritage profoundly influences their innovative sound, balancing tradition with modernity.
- Artistic Integrity: Emphasizing depth over fleeting consumption, they advocate for listeners to engage deeply with their work.
Quotes for Reflection
“You gotta live in. It's just a little bit more for me. I need you to do that.”
[10:19] - Tank Ball
“Music is the glue.”
[22:39] - Norman Spence
“If you wanna make God laugh, show him your plans.”
[20:46] - Tank Ball
Supporting WNYC
To support WNYC during our centennial year, consider donating your used car at wnyc.org/car.
This episode of All Of It offers an intimate exploration of Tank and the Bangas' artistry, celebrating their Grammy triumph while delving into the cultural and personal narratives that shape their music. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their work, this conversation provides valuable insights into the powerful synergy of poetry and music.