After years of carving out a name on the South African and international stages as frontman of indie-rock favourites Red Tape Riot, John Battersby returns with a fresh new chapter. His latest project, John Battersby Band, brings together long-time friends and seasoned musicians Marc Klein (Red Tape Riot) on drums, Tristan Bell (BRYNN) on guitar, and CJ Duckitt (Murray) on bass. Together, the four-piece deliver a sound that is both timeless and contemporary, marked by skilled musicianship and heartfelt songwriting.
Their brand-new single and video, “Where You Begin”, is out now. Inspired by recent events in John’s life, the track reflects on the importance of honouring our roots and those who came before us. “It’s about understanding and respecting where you come from — both on a personal level and as a civilization. It’s a song about appreciation and gratitude,” says Battersby.
Written collectively over several weeks — including a writing weekend at Misty Cliffs near Cape Point — the track grew from a simple idea into something much bigger. Tristan’s melodic guitar work weaves effortlessly around John’s warm vocal delivery, while Marc and CJ ground the song with an authentic and soulful rhythm section. The result is music that feels instantly familiar yet continues to resonate with each listen.
Recorded at Peace of Eden Recording Studio in Knysna, the single was tracked with studio owner and engineer Howard Butcher, alongside engineer Etienne Desfontaines, and produced by TJ Terblanche. The recording process brought the band’s chemistry into sharp focus, capturing the reflective and nostalgic essence of the song.
The accompanying music video deepens this narrative. Each band member is shown alone in a location that carries personal meaning from their past — a quiet reflection on where they grew up and the spaces that shaped them. These individual scenes gradually converge as the group gathers around a fire with close friends, symbolising the strength of their bond and the way they turn to each other like family. With the lights of Hout Bay harbour glowing in the background, the imagery captures a sense of belonging and togetherness.
Filmed and edited by Marcus Hounsell of Fsharp Music, with colour grading by Zak Katz, the video was shot across several evocative Cape Town locations including the Hout Bay sand dunes, yacht moorings and fishing trawler jetty, the Longkloof Disa River weir, the Table View beachfront, and outside Table View High School.
Described by the band as heartfelt, reflective, nostalgic, personal, and honouring, “Where You Begin” represents the spirit of John Battersby Band: music steeped in gratitude, friendship, and connection.
Since their launch in 2023, the group has toured extensively, sharing stages with South African heavyweights such as Prime Circle and Dan Patlansky, and playing festivals like Darling Brew Fest and Greyton Beer Festival, along with sold-out shows at iconic venues including Deus Ex Machina and The Daisy Jones Bar.
With “Where You Begin”, John Battersby Band invite listeners into their world of melodic rock nostalgia, proving that sometimes the best way forward is by remembering where it all started.
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