Band Banta

In this episode of Band Banta, I catch up with Brisbane indie-rock outfit Tear Drive while they’re on the road for their first-ever interstate tour supporting The Jungle Giants! We chat about the band’s origins as childhood friends, their journey breaking into Brisbane’s music scene, and the release of their debut EP, Face To Face. The band also reflects on the songwriting process behind the recor...

In this episode of Band Banta, I catch up with Dean Hanson to learn more about his solo project, Zeano. You may recognise Dean as the guitarist of Ball Park Music; however, earlier this year, Dean released his first single under the moniker 'Zeano', and later released his debut album in April. During this chat, Dean and I dive into his debut album 'Window Seat, Always', and how cre...

In this episode of Band Banta, I catch up with WA indie-rockers Lazy Haze while they are in Adelaide for their debut show opening for Mid Drift! It's a chaotic and bubbly chat, where we dive into the history of Lazy Haze, how the band has evolved, and the effects of having a song reach 4 million streams. We also chat about their live show, and the band shares some of their favourite memories f...

In this episode of Band Banta, I catch up with Melbourne-based, Filipino-Ghanaian artist and producer, Jewel Owusu! During the chat, I learned more about Jewel and her journey into music, her recent project 'blurryeyed', and how living around the world has influenced her sound. Excitingly, Jewel is playing a show at Palais Theatre - Foyer Stage, as part of the Next On initiative! So we als...

In this episode of Band Banta, I catch up with Will Lintott, the frontman of alt-rock trio Polly. Polly have just released 'Doubt', their first single of 2026, and it marks the beginning of a new era for the band, as they gear up to release their sophomore EP later this year. During the chat, Will shares some insights around the recording of the track and how this darker, more intense soun...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with one of Adelaide's most exciting emerging acts, Even Hannah. Even Hannah are 4 best mates who met in high school during the school play, decided to start jamming, and never stopped. They've now released 2 groovy tracks, opened for touring acts, and joined festival lineups, all while navigating high school and uni. During the episode, Eve...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with emerging Adelaide band All Absurd. All Absurd are a 5-piece indie rock outfit that formed afterPatrick and Jack returned from London with a catalogue of singles ready to share with the world. Throughout the episode, Dakota and the band chat about the history of the band, the philosophical meaning behind the band name, and their upcoming plans....

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota caught up with Māori artist MOHI to chat about his latest album and his upcoming performance at The Tuning Fork in Auckland! Throughout the chat, MOHI shares insights about his culture and how he incorporates Māori instrumentation, stories, and language into his songs. MOHI has been selected to headline at The Tuning Fork in Auckland on Friday 10 April as part...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Australian singer-songwriter Ruby Feilds. Excitingly, after having a break from releasing music, Ruby returns with her sophomore album, alongside announcing an Australian tour!  Throughout the episode, Dakota and Ruby explore the new album ‘Small Achievements’ and the process of creating the album independently. Ruby also shares some personal r...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Ben Marwe and Alex Cameron from Adelaide rock outfit Bad//Dreems. Throughout the episode, they chat about the band's upcoming album 'Ultra Dundee' and how the album is more than just a collection of songs, but a character. They also explore how the Australian landscape and history have been woven in throughout the tracks. Bad//Dream...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Melbourne four-piece Peach Fuzz while they are in Adelaide opening for Puree. During the chat, Dakota and Peach Fuzz talked through how the band found their identity and why it's important to have one, even if it's scary to veer away from the norms in the Australian music scene. The band also shared some insights into the making of thei...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with the frontwoman and singer-songwriter of Melbourne-based trio Telenova, ahead of their album release. Angie and Dakota unpack the artistic elements of Telenova's sophomore album, 'THE WARNING', and how it uses sonic elements to enhance the emotional lyrics. Angie also shares some insights about the upcoming album tour and what fans c...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with 2024 triple j Unearthed High winner Mariae Cassandra while she’s in Adelaide on her debut headline tour. Mariae reflects on the experience of touring Australia for her own shows, sharing standout moments from the road and the creative thinking behind theming each show, right down to a full style guide for every city. They also dive into her deb...

In this episode, Dakota catches up with Jack and Tom from Daybed Records, who put on a local festival on the mid coast of South Australia. 2026 is the fourth year of their festival, Nice Day To Go To The Club, and it’s the biggest year yet, with a mix of international artists and Australian artists.  They chat about their experience putting on a DIY music festival, the history of music in Port Noa...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Adelaide/Kaurna band Stormy-Lou before they open for Sly Withers at the Gov in Adelaide. Stormy-Lou had a massive 2025, they released their debut EP ‘See Ya, Love Ya, Bye!’ after working on it for over two years. During their chat, they dive into the making of the EP, the band share some tips for other independent artists, and we discuss their...

In this episode of Band Banta, we throw it back to October 2025, where Dakota catches up with Brisbane sunshine indie-rock five-piece Mid Drift! Mid Drift came to Adelaide as the opener for the Vanns, and while they were down South, caught up with Dakota to chat all about their massive year. 2025 was huge for Mid Drift, reaching 1 Mil streams on their single 'Nicotine', opening for various...

In this episode of Band Banta, we throw it back to September, where Dakota catches up with Adelaide emo-punk band Townhouse at their 'Look At Me Now' EP launch. The band dives into the creation of their sophomore EP, the inspiration for the creative artwork, and they even give Dakota a detailed breakdown of some Townhouse lore. 'Look At Me Now' is available for streaming, so check...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota sits down with Adelaide indie-pop favourites PASH as they return from a brief hiatus with their first single of 2025, Tracy . The band opens up about spending the past year redefining their sound, getting back into the studio, and gearing up for the release of their sophomore EP in 2026. They dive into the influences shaping their new era, the story behind Tra...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with The Rions ahead of their final Adelaide show on the 'Everything Every Single Day' album tour. The band dives into the making of their debut album, reflecting on how the process differed from creating an EP, the tracks they’re most proud of, and the ones that almost didn’t make the cut. They also chat about the importance of staying conn...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota chats with Adelaide’s own Teenage Joans to talk all things pop-punk and beyond. The duo dive into their fiery new single My Heart’s Dead! and gives us a sneak peek at what fans can expect from their upcoming tour. We also rewind to their game-changing win of triple j Unearthed High , reflecting on how that moment shaped their journey, and chat about what it me...

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Beddy Rays during their latest tour in support of their sophomore album. The band dives into the making of the record, sharing the stories and creative spark that brought it to life, while also reflecting on the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments from life on the road. It’s a raw and honest chat that captures the heart of where Beddy...

In this special edition of Band Banta, Dakota takes you inside the heart of BIGSOUND 2025 with part one of the BIGSOUND Roundup . This episode brings together four standout interviews captured during the week, featuring The Tullamarines, REDD., George Alice, and Heartline . Each artist opens up about their BIGSOUND experience, their latest projects, and the excitement of sharing their music at the...

In this lively and laughter-filled episode of Band Banta, Dakota sits down with Queensland indie-rockers Vlads to dive into the next chapter of their journey. The band shares what it’s like navigating their unique dynamics, the fresh era they’re stepping into, and the creative process behind their latest single Octopus . They also reflect on their biggest moments and core memories of 2025 after a...

In this special edition episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with the captivating singer-songwriter MARLON, to learn more about his craft and story before he heads off to BIGSOUND 2025.  MARLON talks about his commitment to music, how much it means to him, and how culture influences his songwriting. He also chats about BIGSOUND and what people can expect from his showcase. If you’re heading to...

In this special edition episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with the fun-loving Purée, to learn more about the band before they head off to BIGSOUND 2025.  Purée dives deep into the juxtaposition between their goofy and charismatic persona, yet vulnerable and serious lyrics. We also chat about which BIGSOUND acts they would love to join on stage, and if Purée were a food, what they would be....