Episode 125 of The JamBase Podcast, a partner of the Osiris Media Network, features an interview with Tank and the Bangas. JamBase’s Scott Bernstein interviewed the band about their new album, Red Balloon, that arrives tomorrow via Verve Forecast, and much more.

Bernstein recently caught up with frontwoman Tarriona “Tank” Ball, multi-instrumentalists Norman Spence and Albert Allenback and drummer Josh Johnson via a video chat. Ball talked about the band’s fascination with balloons as Red Balloon is the follow-up to 2019’s Green Balloon. Tank then discussed how some Red Balloon tracks came together in the studio once the band felt the vibe of the room. Allenback went on to explain how the group became much more comfortable in the studio this time around, while Tank added the pandemic led band members to be more patient with each other and with the producers as they were so excited to get back to work.

Talk then turned to the sequencing of Red Balloon. Josh and Tank revealed a lot of time went into determining the order for the 16 tracks as they listened to many different variations before settling in on the final sequence.

Tank & The Bangas worked with multiple producers on Red Balloon including Austin Brown. Ball had a great conversation with Brown that led to the pair writing “Stolen Fruit.” Tank shared the story of how the track was birthed and why it’s such a special song to her. Ball also discussed the need for Tank And The Bangas to be honest and truthful in their music and gave the example of “Mr. Bluebell,” a song that was penned in response to the United States Capitol attack.

Red Balloon features a number of special guests. Tank explained how Wayne Brady got involved in the project while Josh joked Questlove contributed because he lost a drum battle. Additionally, Albert spoke about what Trombone Shorty brought to the project. Other topics discussed were playing Red Balloon songs live, performing at Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky destination event and why the band wished they had more time to set up and get comfortable at Jazz Fest before their sets.

This episode is sponsored by Section 119. Section 119 offers a diverse range of quality Grateful Dead, Donut pattern, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and other music related apparel. JamBase is honoring the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s historic Europe 72 tour with a retrospective look back at each of 22 performances that took place between April 7 and May 26 in partnership with Section 119. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead ’72 European tour with Section 119’s Limited Edition Hoodies. Section 119 dug deep into the archive of the Grateful Dead to build 22 unique hoodies with the actual amazing artwork from each show of the tour. Only 72 pieces inspired by each show will be sold.

Hear Episode 125 of The JamBase Podcast via all major podcast services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Google Podcast.