Tank and the Bangas' Latest Album, 'The Last Balloon'

Summary

Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart

Episode: Tank and the Bangas' Latest Album, 'The Last Balloon'
Host: Alison Stewart (A)
Guests:

• Tarriona "Tank" Ball – Vocalist (C)
• Norman Spence – Guitarist/Keyboardist (E)
• Devin Tresklar – Drummer (D)
• Austin Brown – Executive Producer, Guitarist (F)
  Date: May 14, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode celebrates the imminent release of Tank and the Bangas’ highly anticipated album, The Last Balloon, the final installment in a trilogy following The Green Balloon (2019) and The Red Balloon (2022). The band discusses their artistic evolution, performances, the creative process, and the messages behind their new music. Listeners are treated to live performances, energetic storytelling, and personal insights into what keeps their sound fresh and authentic.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Album Trilogy & Artistic Evolution

• The close of a musical chapter:
  • The Last Balloon is described as both an ending and a space for new beginnings, marking the completion of a three-album journey.
• Growth through the trilogy:
  • Norman (E):

    "Growing, maturing and becoming more and more free. More comfortable being ourselves ... it's evolving and I'm grateful." [06:16]

  • Tank (C):

    "It's like the teenager, the 20-something year old, the adult... I can hear our change, our growth, our evolution." [06:43]

  • Each album reflects a different life stage and sonic approach, shaped in part by different producers and collaborators.

The Creative Process and Band Dynamic

• Collaboration & role of producers:

  • Austin Brown (F) describes striving to capture the band's genuine, fun spirit and simplify the sound for clarity without losing integrity:

    "If you get to see the fun I have and I can help bring that out more in these songs, then we have a win here. While still being true to their sound." [07:28]

  • Tank (C) on Austin’s influence:

    "He told me to trust the process a lot. Especially even when I was like, oh, I don't know. ... Just making it fun again, you know? Austin Brown at this point is our cousin." [08:19]

• 'Secret sauce' in their music:

  • Norman is credited as the "secret sauce," bringing unique flavor despite not being a formally trained musician:

    "But, you know, I do know what feels good to me. ... some of my attempts have been cool. We made a lot of nice music." [15:35]

• On following Tank’s muse:

  • Tank (C):

    "The song dictates what it’s gonna be ... It’ll whisper to you. ... You should have your nice, deep alto voice right here." [14:18]

  • Norman (E):

    "You gotta feel it." [15:03]

Personal Stories, Origins, and Band Chemistry

• Discovering artistic range:

  • Tank credits her creativity and lyrical agility to growing up with siblings (and sometimes alone), inventing worlds and stories with Barbie dolls and homemade toys:

    "When she didn’t want me to play with her, I just had to figure out the world on my own and navigate the characters." [13:45]

• Musical beginnings:

  • Norman learned by experimenting at home, inspired by his father's playing and artists like D’Angelo:

    "We had a piano house. My dad, he plays. ... D’Angelo playing on me and those dreaming Eyes of mine made me know I could play all these instruments." [16:02]

• First taste of professional music:

  • Tank’s first big show was a family affair, hand-delivering invites and feeling the emotional impact of a supportive crowd:

    "After you do a show like that, you just know, like, ain’t no turning back. Ain’t no going back to win Dixie or ihop." [16:45]

• Welcoming Devin – the band’s “secret weapon” drummer:

  • Tank and Norman describe Devin as “hardworking, energetic, and the heart of gold"—essential to the group’s spirit and sound.
    • Tank:

      "He is a secret weapon. ... He is the person that's gonna be like, oh, yo, feet hurt, sis. I got some slippers. ... It's just so appreciated." [17:43]

---

Live Performances & Song Stories

“Move” [01:39–05:01]

• Uplifting R&B/neo-soul track about taking initiative in love and life.
  • Tank:

    "That song is about moving, just not staying in one place. ... Don't be afraid to make that move on them and go there." [05:07]

  • Also a tribute to New Orleans:

    "Just encouraging, you know, like move to New Orleans. It's amazing. Aside from the hurricanes, of course." [05:27]

“No Invite” [09:35–13:17]

• An anthem for the left-out, blending humor and empowerment:
  • Tank:

    "If you ever felt like, you know, that you should have been invited to that party...this is your song." [09:11]

  • Lyrics revel in self-confidence and the energy of showing up, invited or not.

“Whole World” [19:39–22:43]

• A cathartic, high-energy song about overcoming internal and external criticism:
  • Tank’s favorite line:

    "Feels like the whole world's laughing at me. When the whole world's clapping for me." [19:09]

  • Calls for self-acceptance even in the face of perceived judgment.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Trust the process. … Just making it fun again, you know? Austin Brown at this point is our cousin. … Magic. Cause one minute it was not there, and now it is.”
  — Tank (C) [08:19]

• “I just wanted it to be well seasoned.”
  — Norman (E) on his approach to music and “secret sauce” [15:15]

• “After you do a show like that, you just know, like, ain’t no turning back. Ain’t no going back to win Dixie or ihop.”
  — Tank (C) on first performance [16:45]

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Introduction & Album Overview: [00:07–01:25]
• “Move” Live Performance: [01:39–05:01]
• Song meaning & New Orleans connection: [05:01–05:48]
• Evolution of the Balloon Trilogy: [06:02–07:13]
• Austin Brown on production/process: [07:16–08:17]
• “No Invite” Live Performance: [09:35–13:17]
• Tank’s Artistic Range/Origins: [13:29–14:34]
• Creative Process & Band Dynamics: [14:34–16:16]
• Norman’s Musical Journey: [16:00–16:34]
• First Professional Show Story: [16:39–17:26]
• Welcoming Devin Tresklar: [17:33–18:38]
• “Whole World” Live Performance: [19:39–22:43]
• Closing reflections: [22:52–23:14]

---

Conclusion

This vibrant episode offers an intimate backstage pass into Tank and the Bangas’ world as they close their beloved “Balloon” album trilogy. With laughter, candor, and plenty of musical magic, the band’s authenticity and chemistry shine through—making a case for self-discovery, creativity, and moving forward, no matter what. The live performances encapsulate their dynamic range, joy, and the uplifting spirit that has defined their journey so far.

Highly recommended for fans of genre-bending music, artistic process, and the infectious spirit of New Orleans.

Transcript

[A]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. Tank and the Banga's latest album reminds us that all good things must come to an end. However, it leaves rooms for new beginnings. The album, appropriately titled the Last Balloon, concludes a trilogy of releases which includes 2019's the Green Balloon and 2022's the Red Balloon. Composed of 13 tracks, it retains the soulful and spirited sound the group has become known for. Shifting between funk, hip hop, R and B, a little New Orleans bounce and spoken word. Exploring themes of frustration, resilience and self realization, the new project shares words of encouragement and uplifting message that makes you want to dance. The Last Balloon is out tomorrow, Friday, May 15. To celebrate its release, Tank and the Bangus has an in store performance and signing at rough trade at 30 Rockefeller Praza tomorrow at 6pm and at Brooklyn bowl on Saturday, June 6. Vocalist Teriana Tank Ball, guitarist and keyboard player Norman Spence, drummer Devin Traskaler and executive producer Austin Brown on the guitar are all here to give us a special live performance and to talk about the album. Welcome back to all of it.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

It's good to be back.

[A]

I am so happy to see you. Tell us about the first song you're gonna perform.

[C]

Oh my goodness. It's one of my favorites off the album. It's Move F featuring Lucky Day. But not today.

[A]

Not today. Let's listen it. This is Move.

[B]

Come on. I still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take

[D]

you nowhere Flowers in my garden Bring

[B]

toys to my room Kids who jump the road with don't you leave too soon Ain't too many days I get

[D]

to lose this heavy Take it up to prove that I can move to you Move closer do

[B]

Move to you

[D]

Move close I do Come on Lord

[B]

Love to bathe in gladness Fall in

[D]

love at the fair I've been lost in sadness I cannot stay there Please don't leave me lonely Leave me lonely can't bear Stuck inside a feeling I cannot share I should move to you Move closer to

[B]

Move. Closer to this y' all bar right here we go I still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere so move me close Move me closer to you Move me closer

[D]

Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer to you Move

[B]

me closer Move me closer Set a

[D]

fly wings don't take me high enough Instead of hiding behind the guys that it's enough to see you once my love, my friend I need to see you once again

[B]

Come on baby come on baby come on Come on baby come on baby, come on.

[D]

I should do to you Move closer

[B]

to

[D]

Move to you Wanna move closer

[B]

Everybody clap your hands Come on, move

[D]

to Wanna move closer to you Move

[B]

to you Wanna move closer to you. I'm gonna take you nowhere don't take you nowhere okay. Take you nowhere don't take you nowhere thank you. Nowhere thank you. Woo.

[A]

That is Tank and the Bangers. Tank, what is that song about?

[C]

Oh my goodness. That song is about moving, just not staying in one place. You know, if you find somebody that you love, don't be afraid to make that move on them and go there. Just go there. Go be with them.

[A]

I heard somewhere that it was about you wanting your beau to move to New Orleans.

[C]

That's right.

[A]

Her bow, her boo or her bow

[C]

boo is another one that's like B, E, A, U, I think, right?

[B]

Either one.

[C]

Know my bu. You know, my whatever. You know, it's like. No. Something from Beauty and the Beast. Yes. That's where it originally came from though. Just encouraging, you know, like move to New Orleans. It's amazing. Aside from the hurricanes, of course.

[B]

Uh huh.

[A]

That's another story. Hey Norman, you got a mic there, I see.

[E]

What is this about?

[C]

Oh, I don't know.

[A]

We're gonna talk to you. Well, here comes Irene. She's gonna go in the studio. She's gonna turn you up. Let's see if you can hear.

[E]

Sweet.

[B]

Awesome.

[E]

Can you hear me?

[A]

I can hear you.

[C]

Great.

[E]

Can you hear me now? You remember that commercial?

[A]

Can you hear me now? Can you hear me now? This is the last in a trilogy. Can you explain the evolution of your sound between these three albums? From the Green Balloon to the Red Balloon to the Last balloon,

[E]

Growing, maturing and becoming more and more free. More comfortable being, you know, more comfortable being ourselves and this consistently it's been trying to be genuine and just pour out the things that we feel. Being honest, even like some of the subject matter is just a view of the world and even the sound of the company. It's like where we were, but it's evolving and I'm grateful.

[A]

Tank, how do you see the evolution between these three albums?

[C]

Oh my goodness. It's like the teenager, the 20 something year old, the adult, you know, that's how I see it like different stages of life. I love how every album I could hear our change, our growth, our evolution. Even different producers just bring different things out of us. Different. You know, a keyboardist could come in the studio and bring a whole different feeling out of us. And we go with it. We never deny the feeling. We go with it. I like that about us.

[A]

I'm gonna ask you to jump to a microphone, Austin. Jump on with.

[E]

Hey, come on, share. Yeah, bro.

[A]

So Austin Brown, who's also played guitar, he's also a producer on the album. What is something that you wanted to try on this record with Tank and the Bangus? Everything.

[F]

Okay, cool.

[B]

Yeah.

[F]

I mean, for me, I. I've gotten to become friends with them. And so over the years, it started with Red Balloon and then the Spoken. Beautiful spoken word joint, and then now this album. And so for me, what I felt was important was we always have so much fun, and they're so cool. And here's the thing. When you have really talented musicians, I know for me, it can be intimidating to hang and to feel like, yo, they could be brought down to earth and be with the common folks because they got that skill level. So for me, I wanted people to see how cool they were to me and to simplify it, but still present it in the way that still holds the integrity and play that part. And I'm like, if you get to see the fun I have and I can help bring that out more in these songs, then we have a win here. While still being true to their sound,

[A]

what did Austin bring to the project, Tank?

[C]

He told me to trust the process a lot. Especially even when I was like, oh, I don't know. I'm online. And he'll be like, trust the process. That's exactly how he sounded when he said it too. Just making it fun again, you know? Making it fun again. Austin Brown at this point is our cousin. You know, he's our cousin. And it's just fun to create fun, to see what it's gonna be to watch all the boys just change from instrument to instrument. Cause they're so talented. And it's just fun. It's always fun. We always leave out with something. I call it magic. Cause one minute it was not there, and now it is. And if that's not magic, I don't know it is.

[A]

My guests are Tank and the Bangas. Their latest release is the Last Balloon. We're gonna hear another song. What are we gonna hear?

[C]

I think we're gonna do no invite. Next.

[A]

No, no invite. You wanna Tell us a little bit about it.

[C]

If you ever felt like, you know, that you should have been invited to that party, if you should have been invited to that community event, that office party, or your friend's bachelorette party, or even to an awards show, this is your song.

[A]

This is no invite by Tank and the Bangers.

[C]

Oh, so you just not gonna invite me, huh? Oh, I. I ain't never been invited

[B]

to the party I might start a

[C]

ride get this whole thing started Never

[B]

tell me when the things start I pops up late cause it pops off

[C]

so what I got an attitude so rude with it I kiss my mom,

[B]

I'm still cute with it Big flex what to do with it? I'm next, get used to it I ain't never been invited to the party

[A]

they be getting mad cause I got

[B]

the things started they be looking mad cause I call it out I'm the spray stuff like from Shut It Out. So when I got an attitude I'm a real kind of sweet, kind of rude you bake the girl but I'm so groovy with it so hey like a jacuzzi with it Making real movies is in no Toby business I ain't never been invited to the party might start a whack I get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party might start a r Get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party might start a ride get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party huh? I ain't never been invited to the party Love and the bad M Swag so Lou, we fitted no work done It's a real booty in it It's a real booty in it Bringing out my list, let me get my checks Combat boost get it right there Next banks I ain't getting no rest only bank moves I ain't gotta make threats Alpha Zeta Delta Sigma giving with the Greek side missing no steps give me your best don't come with nonetheless got a few days then they get off my chest like you wigs look tacky my hair still nappy, you do move sassy sweeter than a taffy poetry grammy still in these rapps you always drop subs but you never gone and me,

[D]

Andy and me and me Still a

[B]

no BAE can't stand me why you girls damn, I'm happy Never been invited to the party never started ride to get the started I ain't never been invited to the party might start a ride get this whole thing started I Never been invited to the party my starter ride get this how things started I ain't never been invited to the party I never been invited I never been invited I ain't never been invited to the party My starter ride get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party My starter ride get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party Night started racking this whole thing started I ain't never been invited Yo, I never been invited Go north.

[D]

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na, na, na look, look, look.

[B]

I. So what?

[C]

You don't want to be here?

[B]

They got drinks, Got, Got girls here. Got what? Got team here. Whole team here. Whole team here. I need you to be clear. So you mean to tell me you just came to the party just to look like you don't wanna be here? Got your hair done, nose done, toes done, face done. You could post that, you were there. You're not a part of the circle you a whole square? You're not the apple of my eye. You're a whole pair. Wanna play games? What? You don't play fair? I feel a way about the but I don't share Just to be clear, you can have several seats. There's a home chair. You don't wanna go there but I don't care I've never been invited to the party My stutter racket is how

[C]

things started I ain't never been invited

[B]

to the party My stutter riot get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party My stutter riot get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party I've never been invited to the party

[D]

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na nah, nah

[B]

I never been invited to the party I never been invited I never been invited.

[A]

That was Tank and the Bangas. Their new album is called the Last Balloon. I need you to come around with me. Just over my shoulder. What she said.

[B]

Whatever she said.

[A]

What she said. Oh, my God. I was feeling that. Anyway, you know what's really great about you, Tank, is, like, you're a poet. You can rap, you can sing beautifully. When did you realize you had the range to do all of these things?

[C]

Playing with my Barbie dolls alone and with my sister because when she didn't want me to play with her, I just had to figure out the world on my own and navigate the characters. And it just Was so much fun. Even by my grandmother's house where they had no Barbie dolls. I had to make, you know, stockings and rollers out of Barbie dolls and stuff like that, and even plants. I had a good time growing up with my siblings and by myself.

[A]

How do you experiment with a lyric? Do you start out by singing it? Do you start out by rapping it? Is it the song that dictates what you want to do with your voice?

[C]

I think it's. I think it's the song. I think, that dictates what it's gonna be because, like, you know, it'll whisper to you. I think you should play a little right here. Oh, you should. You should have your. Your nice, deep alto voice right here. Or go a little. You know what? I think it's the song mostly.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I think it's the key.

[E]

Sometimes, I don't know, she could have melodies in her head and send those, and we gotta create around that, or something could be happening, and she might just start freestyling. And then she got this. Somebody called it a Rolodex or something full of legs. A file cabinet full of just. I don't know. I've witnessed all. That's why I'm chiming out, you know, that's why I'm.

[B]

Yeah, please.

[G]

But I'm.

[E]

Geez, you never know.

[A]

How do you follow her when she's on one of those vibes?

[E]

You gotta feel it.

[C]

Norman as the. We always. Me and Tavi always talk about Norman as the secret sauce. To the tank in the bank of sound.

[E]

He's gotta feel.

[C]

Oh, I need you to know more.

[A]

All right.

[C]

I like sauce, too.

[E]

I just wanted it to be well seasoned.

[B]

It's definitely seasoned. No. Yeah.

[A]

Tell me about your secret sauce. I want to hear a little more about that.

[E]

Well, look, it's ketchup base, right?

[H]

With a little vinegar.

[C]

Old Bay.

[E]

That's right.

[A]

Old Bay in the side.

[E]

You don't even.

[C]

Baltimore.

[E]

A lot of people don't know seasoned on McCormick.

[B]

No.

[E]

Anyway, I'm back, but I'm not a trained musician. But, you know, I do know what feels good to me. And I don't know, accompanying her has been easy because she brings something that it's like, okay. What could feel good with that? And some of my attempts have been cool. We made a lot of nice music.

[A]

That's really interesting. You're not a trained musician.

[E]

No.

[A]

How did you first learn to play?

[E]

We had a piano house. My dad, he plays. He was an inspiration. D' Angelo playing on me and those dreaming Eyes of mine made me know I could play all these instruments.

[C]

All the instruments.

[E]

I've played horns on our albums before. Guitar, bass, drums. Like, that's me. And trombone. Shorty on Oaktree. I'm on trumpet and trombone. I'm not great. I'll never do it on stage. Cause I suck, but I'm grateful to God. Gifts. I ain't giving me none of them.

[C]

A true music child.

[E]

Yeah. Just truly willing to explore.

[C]

Child of music.

[A]

When did you first realize, Tank, you were going to do this professionally? When you really realized in your soul, I can do this?

[C]

Oh, I think it probably was Our first show. December 10, years ago. My first show, and so many people were there. And we hand delivered all the invitations. Five dollars. That's how much the show costs. Five or ten. I think it was five, but. And it was so special. And it was full of people. And I was. It was theatrical. It was full. And I just saw how many people was there to support me. All my siblings were there. And I was just like, I can do this. This is like. After you do a show like that, you just know, like, ain't no turning back. Ain't no going back to win Dixie or ihop. Like, I was waitressing.

[A]

Oh, were you a good waitress?

[C]

I was a great waitress.

[B]

I bet you were.

[C]

I was so sweet.

[E]

She was eating the people big, boy.

[C]

I was eating the people big, so.

[B]

What.

[C]

A little taste.

[E]

Oh, man.

[A]

I want you to look behind you on your drums. It's the newest member of the band. Tell us a little bit about Devin. We're gonna talk like, you're not here.

[B]

Devin.

[C]

I love it. Okay. Like, he's not here. Okay. He's so hardworking. He is a secret weapon. He is incredibly energetic. He is down for the cause always and upfront. He is somebody that you want to travel this road with. He is the person that's gonna be like, oh, yo, feet her, sis. I got some slippers. I got some. They big, but I got them for you, sis. And it's just so appreciated. I love what we are, what we're cultivating now. It's just such a ground of positivity and fun, and everybody respects each other and their ideas and always trying to move forward and be just so. What's the word I'm looking for that. It's like collective building all the time, especially in rehearsals. It's fun.

[E]

Yeah. He's definitely a heart of gold and super talent. You know what I mean? Ain't nothing like.

[C]

But you didn't hear that he's not here?

[E]

No, he's. I don't. Is he here?

[A]

He's here. He didn't think I could see him

[B]

from where I'm sitting, but I see you.

[E]

By the way, that's definitely the drummer.

[A]

Tank, you're gonna perform one more song for us. Tell us a little bit about it. The story behind it.

[C]

It's got a lot of energy.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

So much energy, so much fun. Featuring the amazing Letici, who was from New Orleans as well. This is what I love about this song. Whole world is that it's. The best line is. Feels like the whole world's laughing at me. When the whole world's clapping for me.

[A]

Here's Tank and the bang.

[D]

Who says I can say there's a stupid reason Just by believing the world's

[B]

view how I see myself.

[D]

There's a better way to look at yourself. This circus rings for somebody else. I won't let them hide feelings.

[B]

I felt I'm just being myself.

[D]

Oh well, it's life and manual. Laughing at me, laughing at me. Feels like the whole world is laughing at me. Laughing at me, laughing at me. Finally I'm seeing things differently. I will let what vibing me affect me today.

[B]

If I feel what is real I

[D]

will need to appeal to what everybody has to say. Come on, there's a better way to look at yourself. This circus rings for somebody else. I won't let them hide feelings I felt.

[B]

When I'm just being myself. I just being myself.

[D]

Just like the whole world is laughing at me. Laughing at me, laughing at me. Feels like the whole world is laughing at me. Laughing at me, laughing at me. It's like the whole world laughing at me. Laughing at me, laughing at me. It's like the whole world is laughing at me.

[B]

This my part right here. Feels like the whole world's laughing at me. When the whole world's clapping for me. Everybody clap. Feels like the whole world's laughing at me. When the whole world's clapping for me. You're laughing at me. The whole world, the whole world. You're laughing at me. You're laughing at me. Whole world

[D]

you're laughing at me.

[B]

You're laughing at me. Really clapping, really clapping for me. Yeah,

[D]

They really clapping for you.

[B]

Don't worry, baby.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

You're so stupid. You're so silly.

[D]

No, I liked it.

[C]

You should have kept going.

[A]

My guests have been Tank Ball, Norman Spence, Devin Tresklar as well as Austin Brown. The new album the Last Balloon is out tomorrow, Friday, May 15th to celebrate its release. Tank and The Bengas has an in store performance and a signing at rough trade at 30 Roc a Fella Plaza tomorrow night at 6pm it was a joy to have you in the studio. Thank you.

[C]

It felt amazing. I hope you guys liked it.

[G]

Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.

[C]

Oh no.

[G]

That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away, all through text, phone, email or the LifeLock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 40% your first [e-mail] Spotify terms apply.

[H]

Dish has been connecting communities like yours for the last 45 years, providing the TV you love at a price you can trust. Watch live sports news and the latest movies, plus your favorite streaming apps, all in one place. Switch to Dish today and lock in the lowest price in satellite TV, starting at $89.99 a month with our two year price guarantee. Call 888-D dish or visit dish.com today.