GRAMMY-Award winning band Tank and the Bangas debut a new song, “Nighttime,” a further taste of music from their upcoming album, The Last Balloon. The track features David Shaw and Austin Brown.
“‘Nighttime’ is my spacey, reflective record I created with Austin Brown and David Shaw that leans into my poetic storytelling and mood,” says Tarriona “Tank” Ball. “It’s about what comes up when everything gets quiet—thoughts you can’t ignore, feelings that sit a little heavier after dark. The track carries a soulful layer with a Kindred the Family Soul sample woven in, grounding it in something warm and familiar, while still letting it feel open and atmospheric. My little brother being on it makes it even more personal—it’s not just a song, it’s a moment we share.”
The Last Balloon is set for release May 15 via Verve Forecast—pre-order the album HERE. “Nighttime” joins previously released songs “No Invite” and “Move” (which features LuckyDaye), highlighting an ever-expanding musical palette for the band as they step into a bold new era. The singles have found critical praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, OkayPlayer,BET, Essence, and more.
The Last Balloon follows acclaimed albums Green Balloon (2019) and Red Balloon (2022), and marks both the closing chapter of the trilogy. “I called the album The Last Balloon because I didn’t want anyone asking us, ‘When’s Purple Balloon coming?’” adds Tank. “It’s the end of the balloons; we’re moving into a new space now.”
Executive-produced by frequent collaborator Austin Brown and recorded primarily at The Complex Studios in Los Angeles, the album features collaborations including the multi-faceted musician Iman Omari, pianist/producer Tane Runo and soul singers Ledisi andJelly Joseph. The Last Balloon finds the band exploring news sounds while contemplating themes of frustration, resilience and self-realization. Moments of vulnerability are met with bursts of joyful energy, as the record balances emotional catharsis and communal uplift.
The band’s live shows served as a blueprint for the creation of the album, with their dynamic performances guiding the songs.
“We’re working with new people and cultivating new sounds, and it feels like we’re more open than we’ve ever been,” Ball details on stepping into this new chapter. “What we’ve learned over the years is that even though people can’t always categorize our sound, they’re always able to describe how the music makes them feel. So, we’re gonna keep on changing and evolving, but we’re always gonna give you that same feeling of joy.”
In 2024, Tank and the Bangas released their three-part spoken word project, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul, which won the band a GRAMMY Award for “Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.” Each chapter of the album found Tank working with a different producer: The Soulwith Robert Glasper as well as Austin Brown and Brian London, The Heart with James Poyser and The Mind with Iman Omari. Listen to the complete project HERE.
New Orleans-based Tank and the Bangas rose to prominence in 2017 following their unanimous NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest victory. Bringing their blend of poetry, R&B, gospel, and pop to a worldwide stage, Tank and the Bangas have been praised as one of the “best live bands in America” by NPR Music. In 2019, the band released their major label debut, Green Balloon, on Verve Forecast to widespread critical praise earning the band a Best New Artist nomination at that years GRAMMY Awards. Their latest third studio albumRed Balloon received a nomination for “Best Progressive R&B Album” at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards.
Throughout their career the group has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Austin City Limits,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Today Show.” They have consistently sold-out venues both stateside and abroad, with festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival.
Tank and the Bangas are Tarriona “Tank” Ball (lead), Norman Spence II (Multi-
Instrumentalist) with new accompanying members, Deven Trusclair (Drummer), Kenaniah Turner (Bass), Rob Kellner (Keys), and Etienne Stoufflet (Saxophone).
