John Battersby Band Release Heartfelt New Single “Where You Begin”
After years of fronting indie-rock favourites Red Tape Riot on stages across South Africa and abroad, John Battersby has opened a new chapter in his musical journey. His latest project, John Battersby Band, brings together long-time friends and respected musicians Marc Klein (Red Tape Riot) on drums, Tristan Bell (BRYNN) on guitar, and CJ Duckitt (Murray) on bass. The four-piece have crafted a sound that blends timeless rock elements with modern sensibilities, grounded in skilled musicianship and authentic songwriting.
Their brand-new single and video, “Where You Begin,” is now available. Inspired by recent events in John’s life, the track carries a reflective tone, focusing on the importance of honouring one’s roots and acknowledging 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.
The track was written collectively over several weeks, including a writing retreat at Misty Cliffs near Cape Point. What began as a simple idea evolved into something much deeper. Tristan Bell’s melodic guitar lines weave seamlessly around Battersby’s emotive vocals, while Klein and Duckitt provide a solid rhythm section that gives the song a soulful pulse. The result is a track that feels instantly familiar, yet carries layers of meaning with every listen.
Recording took place at Peace of Eden Recording Studio in Knysna, with studio owner and engineer Howard Butcher, engineer Etienne Desfontaines, and producer TJ Terblanche. The process highlighted the band’s chemistry, capturing the reflective, nostalgic essence at the heart of the track.
The accompanying music video extends the story. Each member appears in a location tied to their personal history, reflecting the spaces that shaped them. As the narrative unfolds, the band comes together around a fire with close friends, set against the glowing backdrop of Hout Bay harbour. The visuals reinforce the song’s themes of connection, gratitude, and belonging. Directed and edited by Marcus Hounsell of Fsharp Music, with colour grading by Zak Katz, the video was filmed across striking Cape Town locations such as the Hout Bay sand dunes, yacht moorings, fishing trawler jetty, the Longkloof Disa River weir, Table View beachfront, and outside Table View High School.
“Where You Begin” has been described by the band as heartfelt, reflective, nostalgic, and personal. It embodies the ethos of John Battersby Band: music born out of friendship, gratitude, and creative unity. Since launching in 2023, the group has shared stages with South African rock mainstays Prime Circle and Dan Patlansky, while also performing at festivals including Darling Brew Fest and Greyton Beer Festival. They have headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Deus Ex Machina and The Daisy Jones Bar.
With this new single, John Battersby Band invite listeners into a space where memory and music meet. “Where You Begin” stands as both a tribute to the past and a guide for the future, proving that moving forward often starts with remembering where it all began.
