Tank and the Bangas formed in the early 2010s, when vocalist and poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball (frontwoman, lead vocals) met musicians Norman Spence (keys) and Joshua Johnson (drums) at the New Orleans open-mic night Liberation Lounge. Then came the 2017 Tiny Desk Contest, a nationwide talent competition inspired by the Tiny Desk Concerts beamed out of NPR’s offices in Washington, D.C. Tank & the Bangas’ entry, an intimate rendition of their song “Quick,” delighted the judges, and they beat out more than 6,000 other bands to take that year’s title. In the past five years, Tank & the Bangas have become widely beloved for their lauded live shows and kitchen-sink approach to making music. They were a Best New Artist nominee at the 2020 Grammys and toured the world extensively, playing major U.S. festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. “= Red Balloon is a commanding vocal presence but also firmly rooted in the musical chemistry conjured by the band being back in the studio and letting the vibes flow. While guests like Wayne Brady, ?uestlove, Jacob Collier, Lalah Hathaway, Trombone Shorty, and Alex Isley add dimensions to Red Balloon. Its lyrics run the gamut of human experience, taking on the ills of America while also celebrating the beauty of Black life, reveling in sensuality while also talking frankly of heartbreak.