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2017 Tank and the Bangas
001-2017-024
45:33 Master Camera files on Hard Drive, Mp4 Server on Cloud
Sat May 06 2017
2017 NPR Tiny Desk Winners. Interviewer, Melissa Soul Sister Weber
01:26 Demonstration “Boxes and Squares” 06:18 Terriona Ball describes that song as addressing the phenomenon of feelings when behaving as though you’re in a relationship with someone you’re not 06:47 Ball explains that her history as a slam poet, which she relates as being incredibly vulnerable, influences her writing and performance style to this day. 07:23 Ball relates how Tank & The Bangas formed at an open mic night called Liberation Lounge. Soon after band cohered decision was made to go on tour to see if magic held up outside the local sphere. 08:26 Ball explains that her musical goal in going on the road was to “touch the world,” hoping to influence others the way in which she has been so touched by influences such as Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder. 10:32 Ball expands on her concept of ‘new New Orleans.’ 12:51 Merell Burkett explains his uncle Kelvin’s role in his musical development. 13:18 Ball describes her childhood in the Eighth Ward and subsequently New Orleans East, noting that she was exposed to a variety of people and tastes. The presence of multiple pastors in her family instilled a desire to cheer people up. 14:49 Burkett describes the band’s sound as “theatrical soul.” 15:09 Ball explains that she finds their music difficult to categorize. Acknowledges gospel as the root of much music, and growing up as an opportunity to branch out. Acknowledges her love of television. Says that the band has not felt a need to try to limit themselves in term of genre as their influences are diverse. 16:06 Ball’s entrance into singing was with her sisters, the Ball Sisters, largely at church. Despite a predominant interest in writing and poetry she was convinced to pursue music by a mentor who said that combining poetry and music would help get her heard. 17:25 Ball & Burkell relate their enthusiasm toward having toured with Big Freedia 18:33 Ball explains her experience with Norah Jones 20:47 Ball & Burkell relate their experiences at New York’s Afropunk 22:39 Burkell states musical hope as an ability to live off his music and passion 23:45 Ball & Burkell explain that their manager, Tavia, had the idea to enter them into NPR’s Tiny Desks Contest. It required pushing, and there was a last-minute decision to change the song from “Old Heart” to “Quick,” all of which they are grateful for. 26:17 Ball confirms Weber’s suspicion that the use of an art talk book in the Concert video was intentional 26:37 Ball relates the process of writing “Quick” 28:16 Demonstration “You So Dumb” (poem) 35:12 Burkell explains that NOCCA helped members train their ears toward improvisation and general acuity 36:17 Ball explains that she believes the band connects with young people because their dynamic together “is like recess all the time.” Connecting with youth is important to her as she sees them as the future. 39:56 Ball discusses her initial hesitance to participate in a Style Like You video and ultimate decision to do so because of her history of discomfort with clothing 42:42 Ball says that she mostly had mentors outside of school, but that her tenth grade teacher did take her to a poetry slam at another New Orleans high school which changed her trajectory; celebrates poetry as an outlet and motivator for youth.
video recording
Public Access is available in the Archive due to copyright restrictions. Copyrights are retained by the participants. The video is available for viewing at the archive.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive