Tank and the Bangas Share 'The Last Balloon' - All Of It with Alison Stewart

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[00:13]
A
This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. We've got some music for you this hour performed live from some extremely talented artists right here in WNYC's performance studio. In a bit, we'll hear some music from rapper and composer Dessa's new EP called Tough Call, Camelot and my conversation with Bristen Maroney, who played some tracks from his latest album called Jimmy. But first, Tank and the Bangas close out a trilogy. All good things must come to an end. But the latest album from Tank and the Bangas also leaves room for new beginnings. It's called the Last Balloon and it concludes a trilogy of releases which includes 2019's the Green Balloon and 2022's the Red Balloon. Composed of 13 tracks, it keeps the soulful and spirited sound the group has become known for. Shifting between funk, hip hop and R and B. They collaborate with artists like Lucky Day and Leticy. The band consists of vocalist Terianna Tank, Balloon, guitarist and keyboard player Norman Spence, drummer Devin Tresklair, with executive producer Austin Brown on guitar. They joined us back in May when the Last Balloon came out. Let's get into that conversation. Tell us about the first song you're going to perform.
[01:50]
B
Oh, my goodness. It's one of my favorites off the album. It's Moved, featuring Lucky Day. But not today, not today.
[01:57]
A
Let's listen it. This is Move.
[02:04]
C
Come on. I still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take
[02:16]
D
you nowhere Flowers in my garden Bring toys to my room Kids who jump the road with don't you leave too soon Alone ain't too many days I get to lose this heavy Take it off to prove that I can move to you Move close I do
[02:41]
C
Move
[02:42]
D
to you Move close I do Come on love love to babe and gladness Fall in love at the fair I've been lost in sadness I cannot stay there Please don't leave me lone Leave me lonely Camper stuck inside a feeling I cannot share I should move to you Move closer to you Move to you Wanna move closer to.
[03:18]
C
Cause y' all are right Here we
[03:19]
D
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
[03:27]
C
nowhere still can't take you nowher still can't take you nowhere still can't take
[03:32]
D
you nowhere still can't take you nowhere so move me close Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer Set a 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 Come on, come on, baby Come on, come on, come on, come on. I should do to you new clouds I do move to you Wanna move closer Everybody clap your hands Come on, move to Wanna move closer to you Wanna move to you Wanna move closer to you I do 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 Take you nowhere thank you. Woo.
[05:26]
A
That is Tank and the Bangers. Tank, what is that song about?
[05:32]
C
Oh my goodness.
[05:33]
B
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.
[05:44]
A
I heard somewhere that it was about you wanting your beau to move to New Orleans.
[05:50]
B
That's right.
[05:50]
A
Her bow, her boo or her bow
[05:52]
B
boo is another one that's like B, E, A, U, I think, right?
[05:55]
C
Either one.
[05:56]
B
My view, 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, that's another story.
[06:14]
A
Hey, Norman, you got a mic there, I see.
[06:16]
E
What is this about?
[06:17]
A
Oh, I don't know. 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.
[06:22]
E
Sweet.
[06:22]
A
Awesome.
[06:23]
E
Can you hear me?
[06:24]
A
I can hear you. Great.
[06:25]
E
Can you hear me now? You remember that commercial?
[06:27]
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.
[06:41]
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 accompaniment is like where we were. But it's evolving and I'm grateful.
[07:04]
A
Tank, how do you see the evolution between these three albums?
[07:07]
B
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.
[07:34]
A
I'm gonna ask you to jump to a microphone, Austin. Jump on with.
[07:38]
E
Hey, come on, share. Yeah, pull that chair up, bro.
[07:41]
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? The Tank and the Bangas.
[07:51]
F
Everything. Okay, cool.
[07:52]
D
Yeah.
[07:53]
F
I mean, for me, 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 just 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,
[08:41]
A
what did Austin bring to the project, Tank?
[08:44]
B
He told me to trust the process a lot. Especially even when I was like, oh, I don't know.
[08:48]
G
I'm online.
[08:49]
B
And he'll be like, trust the presses. 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 because 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.
[09:21]
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?
[09:28]
B
I think we're gonna do no invite next.
[09:32]
A
No, no invite. You wanna tell us a little bit about it.
[09:35]
H
Ooh.
[09:36]
B
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.
[09:49]
A
This is no invite by Tank and the Bangers.
[10:00]
B
Oh, so you just not gonna invite me, huh?
[10:03]
C
Oh, I. I ain't never been invited to the party. I might start a ride get this whole thing started. Never tell me when the things start I pops up late cause it pops
[10:13]
B
off so what I got an attitude so rude with it I kiss my
[10:16]
D
mom, I'm still cute with it Big flex what to do with it? I'm next, get used to it I
[10:21]
C
ain't never been invited to the party.
[10:23]
A
They be getting mad cause I got
[10:24]
C
the things started they be looking mad cause I call it out? I'm the spray stove like from shut it out. So when I got an attitude I'm a real kind of sweet kind of real. You bake the girl but I'm so groovy with it. So hey, like a jacuzzi with it. Making real movies is in no dopamine minutes? 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 bag 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 boots get it right in their necks what if the banks? I ain't getting no rest, only make moves I ain't gonna make threats Alpha zeta delta sigma gigging with the Greek side missing no steps give me your best don't come with nonetheless got a few days you think they get off my chest? Like your wigs look tacky My hair still nappy, you do move sassy, sweeter than a taffy poetry grammy still in these rappies you always drop subs but
[11:24]
D
you never gone and me, Andy and
[11:28]
C
me and me still BAE can't stand me where you girls?
[11:32]
I
Damn, I'm happy Never been invited to
[11:34]
C
the party, never started ride to get the started I ain't never been invited to the party My starter ride get this whole thing started I never been invited to the party My starter ride gets 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 Mike started Whack. This whole thing started I ain't never been invited yo. I never been invited Go north.
[12:04]
I
Na, na, na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na, na, na, na,
[12:17]
D
na look, look, look.
[12:20]
C
I. So what, you don't want to be here. They got drinks.
[12:22]
I
Got.
[12:23]
C
Got girls here. Got what? Got team here.
[12:26]
D
Whole team here.
[12:27]
C
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 the 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 envelope, my eye, you're a whole pair. Wanna play games? What, you don't play fair? I feel a way about the pop but I don't share. Just to be clear, you can have several seats. There's a whole chair. You don't wanna go there, but I
[12:50]
D
don't care I've never been invited to
[12:52]
C
the party My stutter Ragged as hell things start I ain't never been invited to the party My sort of riot get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party My sort of riot get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to
[13:03]
D
the party I've never been invited to the party.
[13:21]
I
Nah, nah, nah, nah,
[13:29]
D
nah I never
[13:33]
C
been invited to the party I never been invited.
[13:42]
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.
[13:53]
C
Whatever she said.
[13:54]
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?
[14:10]
B
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.
[14:33]
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're gonna do with your voice?
[14:42]
B
I think it's. I think it's a song. I think that dictates what it's gonna be. Cause, like, you know, it'll whisper to you. I think you should play a little right here. Oh, you should have your nice, deep alto voice right here. Or go a little. You know what? I think it's the song mostly. Yay. I think it's the keys.
[14:59]
A
When did you first realize, Tank, you were gonna do this professionally? When you really realized in your soul, I can do this?
[15:04]
B
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 cost. 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 Winn Dixie or ihop. Like, I was waitressing.
[15:40]
A
Oh, were you a good waitress?
[15:41]
B
I was a great waitress.
[15:42]
C
I bet you were.
[15:42]
B
She was so sweet.
[15:43]
E
She was eating the people baked.
[15:44]
B
Boy, I was eating a few baker.
[15:45]
C
So what.
[15:50]
B
A little taste.
[15:53]
A
Tank, you're gonna perform one more song for us. Tell us a little bit about it, the story behind it.
[15:58]
B
It's got a lot of energy.
[16:00]
A
Okay.
[16:01]
B
So much energy, so much fun. Featuring the amazing Leticy, 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
[16:16]
A
me here's Tank and the Bangus.
[16:31]
E
Yeah.
[16:43]
D
20 billion I'm dumb people, please. Who says I get paid? There's a stupid reason Just I believe in the world's view How I see myself There's a better way to look at yourself this circus rings for somebody else I won't let them hide feelings I felt and I'm just being myself
[17:10]
I
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 Finally
[17:27]
D
I'm seeing things differently I will let
[17:30]
I
what I need affect me today if
[17:33]
D
I feel what is real I will need to appeal to what everybody has to say.
[17:41]
I
There's a better way to look at
[17:43]
D
yourself this circus room for somebody else I won't let them hide feelings I felt When I'm just being myself I'm
[17:54]
C
just being myself Just like the whole
[17:56]
I
world it's 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 is laughing at me Laughing at it, laughing at me it's like the whole world is laughing at
[18:21]
D
me
[18:24]
C
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.
[18:44]
D
Oh, you're laughing at me. You're laughing at me. The whole world. The whole world. You're laughing at me. You're laughing at me. Whole world, Yeah,
[19:25]
I
Very. Clapping for you.
[19:30]
D
They're really clapping for you. Don't worry, baby. Ha ha ha.
[19:51]
C
You're so stupid.
[19:55]
D
You're so silly. No, I liked it.
[19:59]
B
You should have kept calling.
[20:01]
A
That was vocalist Tank Ball, guitarist and keyboard player Norman Spence, drummer Devin Tresklaer, and executive producer Austin Brown. On guitar, they are Tank and the Bangas. Coming up, more music performed live in Studio 5 from rapper and composer Dessa. This is all of it.
[20:33]
G
Blowing ad budget on metrics that look great till the CFO sees them. That's bullspend and marketers are calling it out in dashboard confessions.
[20:43]
F
I remember telling my boss it'll be
[20:45]
A
good for the brand when leads were slow.
[20:48]
B
Yeah, it. It wasn't.
[20:50]
G
Cut the bull. Spend LinkedIn lets you target by company, job title and More. Advertise on LinkedIn. Spend $250 on your first campaign and get a $250 credit. Go to LinkedIn.com campaign terms and conditions apply.
[21:03]
H
Need a boost? Sometimes all it takes is tapping into your inner cool. Icebreaker's gum helps you unleash the confidence within. Each chew releases a rush of icy flavor powered by cooling flavor crystals, sending a wave of refreshment to reinvigorate all your senses. Icebreaker's convenient pack fits everywhere from car cup holders to backpack pockets so you can find your cool wherever you go. Grab Icebreakers gum online or at a store near you.

Summary5 min read

Podcast Summary: Tank and the Bangas Share 'The Last Balloon'

Podcast: All Of It with Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Air Date: August 5, 2026
Guests: Tank and the Bangas (Tank Ball, Norman Spence, Devin Tresklaer, Austin Brown)
Host: Alison Stewart

Episode Overview

In this lively, music-rich episode, Alison Stewart hosts Tank and the Bangas in WNYC's performance studio to celebrate the release of their new album, The Last Balloon, which completes the band's acclaimed “Balloon Trilogy.” The conversation weaves live performances, insights into the band’s creative evolution, the dynamics of collaboration, and personal journeys into artistry and self-discovery. Listeners are treated to intimate live renditions of songs from the album, as well as candid, humorous, and heartfelt discussion about music, growth, and community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The “Balloon Trilogy” and Artistic Growth

[00:13–07:33]

The Last Balloon concludes a trilogy following The Green Balloon (2019) and The Red Balloon (2022).
Evolution of Sound:
- Norman Spence: “Growing, maturing and becoming more and more free. More comfortable being ourselves... Even the subject matter is just a view of the world.” [06:41]
- Tank Ball: “It's like the teenager, the 20 something year old, the adult... Like different stages of life. I love how every album I could hear our change, our growth, our evolution.” [07:07]
Evolving with different producers and collaborators has pulled new feelings and sounds from the band.

Collaboration with Austin Brown

[07:33–09:20]

Austin Brown (producer/guitarist): Wanted to bring out the band’s “fun side” and make them more approachable:
- “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.” [07:52]
Tank Ball credits Austin for encouraging her to “trust the process” and making the journey fun again. [08:43]

Song Showcases & Meanings

“Moved”

[01:49–05:26, performance and discussion]

Funky, soulful track featuring Lucky Daye (not present).
Lyrics are about not being stationary—moving towards love and seizing the moment.
- Tank Ball: “If you find somebody that you love, don't be afraid to make that move on them and go there.” [05:32]
Also inspired by her desire for her beau to move to New Orleans:
- “Just encouraging, you know, like move to New Orleans. It's amazing. Aside from the hurricanes, of course...” [05:55]
Playful exchange about the words “boo” and “beau.”

“No Invite”

[09:28–13:42, performance and discussion]

Anthem for anyone who’s felt excluded, about empowerment and bringing your own party:
- Tank Ball: “If you ever felt like you should've been invited... this is your song.” [09:35]
Energetic, rhythmic, and full of quick lyrical wit.

“Whole World”

[15:58–19:51, performance and discussion]

Upbeat song featuring Leticy (not present), described as full of “energy” and “fun.” [15:58]
Standout lyric:
- Tank Ball: “Feels like the whole world’s laughing at me when the whole world’s clapping for me.” [16:15]
Reflects on feelings of self-doubt vs. public celebration and recognition.

Tank’s Origins as a Performer

[13:53–15:50]

Tank discusses her early creative experiments, improvising and pretending with toys and with siblings growing up:
- “Playing with my Barbie dolls... because when [my sister] didn't want me to play with her, I just had to figure out the world on my own and navigate the characters.” [14:09]
Host asks how she decides to rap or sing in a song:
- “It’s the song. I think that dictates what it’s gonna be. It’ll whisper to you... I think it’s the song mostly.” [14:42]
On knowing she could do music professionally:
- “After you do a show like that, you just know, like, ain’t no turning back. Ain’t no going back to Winn Dixie or iHop... I was waitressing.” [15:04]

Band Dynamic and Joy in Creation

[07:33–09:20, 13:52–15:50]

The band has fostered a creative space built on mutual trust and playfulness.
Magic in their collaborative process:
- Tank: “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 what is.” [08:48]
Austin Brown is considered family: “Austin Brown at this point is our cousin.” [08:43]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“[Making music is about] growing, maturing, and becoming more and more free. ... It's evolving and I'm grateful.” — Norman Spence [06:41]
“If you find somebody that you love, don’t be afraid to make that move on them and go there.” — Tank Ball on “Moved” [05:32]
“Just encouraging, you know, like move to New Orleans. It's amazing. Aside from the hurricanes, of course, that's another story.” — Tank Ball [05:55]
“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.” — Austin Brown [07:52]
“Feels like the whole world’s laughing at me when the whole world’s clapping for me.” — Tank Ball quoting lyrics from “Whole World” [16:15]
“We never deny the feeling. We go with it. I like that about us.” — Tank Ball [07:07]
“After you do a show like that, you just know, like, ain’t no turning back. Ain’t no going back to Winn Dixie or ihop.” — Tank Ball [15:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:13] Episode introduction and album context
[01:49] Performance: “Moved”
[05:26] Discussion: Song meaning; “Moved”
[06:24] Discussing the Balloon Trilogy and artistic growth
[07:37] Austin Brown joins the discussion: influence and approach
[09:28] Performance: “No Invite”
[13:53] Tank on artistic range, writing process, and performing origins
[15:58] Performance: “Whole World”
[19:51] Episode wraps up

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is vibrant, funny, and honest—balancing soulful performances with stories that highlight the band’s creativity, friendship, humor, and deep New Orleans roots. Alison Stewart’s open-ended, appreciative prompts allow Tank and the Bangas’ personalities to shine, inviting listeners into the heart of their music-making process and community spirit.

For listeners new and old, this episode is an uplifting showcase of Tank and the Bangas’ signature blend—genres, souls, and balloons, all in joyful flight.

Loading summary

Transcript118 lines

[00:13]
A
This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. We've got some music for you this hour performed live from some extremely talented artists right here in WNYC's performance studio. In a bit, we'll hear some music from rapper and composer Dessa's new EP called Tough Call, Camelot and my conversation with Bristen Maroney, who played some tracks from his latest album called Jimmy. But first, Tank and the Bangas close out a trilogy. All good things must come to an end. But the latest album from Tank and the Bangas also leaves room for new beginnings. It's called the Last Balloon and it concludes a trilogy of releases which includes 2019's the Green Balloon and 2022's the Red Balloon. Composed of 13 tracks, it keeps the soulful and spirited sound the group has become known for. Shifting between funk, hip hop and R and B. They collaborate with artists like Lucky Day and Leticy. The band consists of vocalist Terianna Tank, Balloon, guitarist and keyboard player Norman Spence, drummer Devin Tresklair, with executive producer Austin Brown on guitar. They joined us back in May when the Last Balloon came out. Let's get into that conversation. Tell us about the first song you're going to perform.
[01:50]
B
Oh, my goodness. It's one of my favorites off the album. It's Moved, featuring Lucky Day. But not today, not today.
[01:57]
A
Let's listen it. This is Move.
[02:04]
C
Come on. I still can't take you nowhere still can't take you nowhere still can't take
[02:16]
D
you nowhere Flowers in my garden Bring toys to my room Kids who jump the road with don't you leave too soon Alone ain't too many days I get to lose this heavy Take it off to prove that I can move to you Move close I do
[02:41]
C
Move
[02:42]
D
to you Move close I do Come on love love to babe and gladness Fall in love at the fair I've been lost in sadness I cannot stay there Please don't leave me lone Leave me lonely Camper stuck inside a feeling I cannot share I should move to you Move closer to you Move to you Wanna move closer to.
[03:18]
C
Cause y' all are right Here we
[03:19]
D
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
[03:27]
C
nowhere still can't take you nowher still can't take you nowhere still can't take
[03:32]
D
you nowhere still can't take you nowhere so move me close Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer to you Move me closer Move me closer Set a 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 Come on, come on, baby Come on, come on, come on, come on. I should do to you new clouds I do move to you Wanna move closer Everybody clap your hands Come on, move to Wanna move closer to you Wanna move to you Wanna move closer to you I do 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 Take you nowhere thank you. Woo.
[05:26]
A
That is Tank and the Bangers. Tank, what is that song about?
[05:32]
C
Oh my goodness.
[05:33]
B
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.
[05:44]
A
I heard somewhere that it was about you wanting your beau to move to New Orleans.
[05:50]
B
That's right.
[05:50]
A
Her bow, her boo or her bow
[05:52]
B
boo is another one that's like B, E, A, U, I think, right?
[05:55]
C
Either one.
[05:56]
B
My view, 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, that's another story.
[06:14]
A
Hey, Norman, you got a mic there, I see.
[06:16]
E
What is this about?
[06:17]
A
Oh, I don't know. 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.
[06:22]
E
Sweet.
[06:22]
A
Awesome.
[06:23]
E
Can you hear me?
[06:24]
A
I can hear you. Great.
[06:25]
E
Can you hear me now? You remember that commercial?
[06:27]
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.
[06:41]
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 accompaniment is like where we were. But it's evolving and I'm grateful.
[07:04]
A
Tank, how do you see the evolution between these three albums?
[07:07]
B
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.
[07:34]
A
I'm gonna ask you to jump to a microphone, Austin. Jump on with.
[07:38]
E
Hey, come on, share. Yeah, pull that chair up, bro.
[07:41]
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? The Tank and the Bangas.
[07:51]
F
Everything. Okay, cool.
[07:52]
D
Yeah.
[07:53]
F
I mean, for me, 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 just 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,
[08:41]
A
what did Austin bring to the project, Tank?
[08:44]
B
He told me to trust the process a lot. Especially even when I was like, oh, I don't know.
[08:48]
G
I'm online.
[08:49]
B
And he'll be like, trust the presses. 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 because 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.
[09:21]
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?
[09:28]
B
I think we're gonna do no invite next.
[09:32]
A
No, no invite. You wanna tell us a little bit about it.
[09:35]
H
Ooh.
[09:36]
B
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.
[09:49]
A
This is no invite by Tank and the Bangers.
[10:00]
B
Oh, so you just not gonna invite me, huh?
[10:03]
C
Oh, I. I ain't never been invited to the party. I might start a ride get this whole thing started. Never tell me when the things start I pops up late cause it pops
[10:13]
B
off so what I got an attitude so rude with it I kiss my
[10:16]
D
mom, I'm still cute with it Big flex what to do with it? I'm next, get used to it I
[10:21]
C
ain't never been invited to the party.
[10:23]
A
They be getting mad cause I got
[10:24]
C
the things started they be looking mad cause I call it out? I'm the spray stove like from shut it out. So when I got an attitude I'm a real kind of sweet kind of real. You bake the girl but I'm so groovy with it. So hey, like a jacuzzi with it. Making real movies is in no dopamine minutes? 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 bag 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 boots get it right in their necks what if the banks? I ain't getting no rest, only make moves I ain't gonna make threats Alpha zeta delta sigma gigging with the Greek side missing no steps give me your best don't come with nonetheless got a few days you think they get off my chest? Like your wigs look tacky My hair still nappy, you do move sassy, sweeter than a taffy poetry grammy still in these rappies you always drop subs but
[11:24]
D
you never gone and me, Andy and
[11:28]
C
me and me still BAE can't stand me where you girls?
[11:32]
I
Damn, I'm happy Never been invited to
[11:34]
C
the party, never started ride to get the started I ain't never been invited to the party My starter ride get this whole thing started I never been invited to the party My starter ride gets 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 Mike started Whack. This whole thing started I ain't never been invited yo. I never been invited Go north.
[12:04]
I
Na, na, na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na, na, na, na,
[12:17]
D
na look, look, look.
[12:20]
C
I. So what, you don't want to be here. They got drinks.
[12:22]
I
Got.
[12:23]
C
Got girls here. Got what? Got team here.
[12:26]
D
Whole team here.
[12:27]
C
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 the 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 envelope, my eye, you're a whole pair. Wanna play games? What, you don't play fair? I feel a way about the pop but I don't share. Just to be clear, you can have several seats. There's a whole chair. You don't wanna go there, but I
[12:50]
D
don't care I've never been invited to
[12:52]
C
the party My stutter Ragged as hell things start I ain't never been invited to the party My sort of riot get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to the party My sort of riot get this whole thing started I ain't never been invited to
[13:03]
D
the party I've never been invited to the party.
[13:21]
I
Nah, nah, nah, nah,
[13:29]
D
nah I never
[13:33]
C
been invited to the party I never been invited.
[13:42]
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.
[13:53]
C
Whatever she said.
[13:54]
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?
[14:10]
B
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.
[14:33]
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're gonna do with your voice?
[14:42]
B
I think it's. I think it's a song. I think that dictates what it's gonna be. Cause, like, you know, it'll whisper to you. I think you should play a little right here. Oh, you should have your nice, deep alto voice right here. Or go a little. You know what? I think it's the song mostly. Yay. I think it's the keys.
[14:59]
A
When did you first realize, Tank, you were gonna do this professionally? When you really realized in your soul, I can do this?
[15:04]
B
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 cost. 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 Winn Dixie or ihop. Like, I was waitressing.
[15:40]
A
Oh, were you a good waitress?
[15:41]
B
I was a great waitress.
[15:42]
C
I bet you were.
[15:42]
B
She was so sweet.
[15:43]
E
She was eating the people baked.
[15:44]
B
Boy, I was eating a few baker.
[15:45]
C
So what.
[15:50]
B
A little taste.
[15:53]
A
Tank, you're gonna perform one more song for us. Tell us a little bit about it, the story behind it.
[15:58]
B
It's got a lot of energy.
[16:00]
A
Okay.
[16:01]
B
So much energy, so much fun. Featuring the amazing Leticy, 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
[16:16]
A
me here's Tank and the Bangus.
[16:31]
E
Yeah.
[16:43]
D
20 billion I'm dumb people, please. Who says I get paid? There's a stupid reason Just I believe in the world's view How I see myself There's a better way to look at yourself this circus rings for somebody else I won't let them hide feelings I felt and I'm just being myself
[17:10]
I
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 Finally
[17:27]
D
I'm seeing things differently I will let
[17:30]
I
what I need affect me today if
[17:33]
D
I feel what is real I will need to appeal to what everybody has to say.
[17:41]
I
There's a better way to look at
[17:43]
D
yourself this circus room for somebody else I won't let them hide feelings I felt When I'm just being myself I'm
[17:54]
C
just being myself Just like the whole
[17:56]
I
world it's 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 is laughing at me Laughing at it, laughing at me it's like the whole world is laughing at
[18:21]
D
me
[18:24]
C
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.
[18:44]
D
Oh, you're laughing at me. You're laughing at me. The whole world. The whole world. You're laughing at me. You're laughing at me. Whole world, Yeah,
[19:25]
I
Very. Clapping for you.
[19:30]
D
They're really clapping for you. Don't worry, baby. Ha ha ha.
[19:51]
C
You're so stupid.
[19:55]
D
You're so silly. No, I liked it.
[19:59]
B
You should have kept calling.
[20:01]
A
That was vocalist Tank Ball, guitarist and keyboard player Norman Spence, drummer Devin Tresklaer, and executive producer Austin Brown. On guitar, they are Tank and the Bangas. Coming up, more music performed live in Studio 5 from rapper and composer Dessa. This is all of it.
[20:33]
G
Blowing ad budget on metrics that look great till the CFO sees them. That's bullspend and marketers are calling it out in dashboard confessions.
[20:43]
F
I remember telling my boss it'll be
[20:45]
A
good for the brand when leads were slow.
[20:48]
B
Yeah, it. It wasn't.
[20:50]
G
Cut the bull. Spend LinkedIn lets you target by company, job title and More. Advertise on LinkedIn. Spend $250 on your first campaign and get a $250 credit. Go to LinkedIn.com campaign terms and conditions apply.
[21:03]
H
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