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 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 retreat at Misty Cliffs near Cape Point – the track grew from a simple idea into something much bigger.
Tristan’s melodic guitar work weaves 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 process captured the band’s chemistry and highlighted the reflective, nostalgic essence of the track.
The music video deepens the narrative. Each band member is shown alone in a location that carries personal meaning from their past – a reflection on where they grew up and the spaces that shaped them.
These scenes gradually converge as the group gathers around a fire with close friends, symbolising the strength of their bond. With the lights of Hout Bay harbour glowing in the background, the imagery captures belonging and togetherness.
Filmed and edited by Marcus Hounsell of Fsharp Music, with colour grading by Zak Katz, the video was shot across 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.
Check out the music video for the track below:
You can stream/download the track HERE.
John Battersby Band‘s New Single is Heartfelt and Nostalgic
Described by the band as heartfelt, reflective, nostalgic, personal, and honouring, “Where You Begin” embodies the spirit of John Battersby Band: music steeped in gratitude, friendship, and connection.
Since launching in 2023, the group has toured extensively, sharing stages with South African heavyweights such as Prime Circle and Dan Patlansky, while also playing festivals like Darling Brew Fest and Greyton Beer Festival. Their journey has included 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.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
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