New Orleans funk collective Tank and the Bangas released a new album, Red Balloon, last year, and they have followed that up with new music as well!

Tarriona “Tank” Ball and her band brought the tunes to a recent sold-out show at The Atlantis as part of that venue’s star-studded opening lineup of 44 big artists in a small concert hall.

Steve Satzberg was there to shoot some pictures.

The following copy is adapted from the band’s press materials.

Just a few months ago, Tank and The Bangas unveiled a new song, “DM Pretty.” Written as an original piece from vocalist Tarriona “Tank” Ball’s poetry collection, the song is meant to be empowering.

“I wrote ‘DM Pretty’ so that women could know that they are beautiful, dope, sexy, smart and obviously pretty,” Tank said. “I also love when people really listen to the poem in its entirety to see why he’s sliding into her DM’s. It starts off with a compliment at about 2 AM in hopes that charm can get them what they really want but if she already knows that she won’t be so quick to flatter. My hope is that real conversations can happen around this poem and people can truly feel seen through its intent.”

Watch Tank and the Bangas perform “DM Pretty” live via YouTube:

Red Balloon was released in 2022 on Verve Records to widespread critical praise. Predominantly produced by Tank and the Bangas, the album has evolved and pushes the band to a new level, shedding light on their unique observations and songwriting reflecting on the ills of America, while also celebrating the beauty of Black life.

Tank and The Bangas are Ball (lead vocals), Albert Allenback (alto saxophone, flute), Joshua Johnson (drums), and Norman Spence (keys).

Here are some photos of Tank and the Bangas performing at The Atlantis in DC on June 9, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.