The Global Influences That Motivate Bananagun

      Bananagun’s compact yet powerful discography is filled with unusual sounds, featuring an eclectic mix of freaky psychedelia that can blend afrobeat and tropical rhythms, drawing from the legacies of Syd, Roky, and others. Their well-deserved 2022 release, ‘Why Is The Colour Of The Sky?’, furthered their artistic journey, showcasing a remarkable collection of cosmic gems that Clash writer Sam-Walker Smart noted was unmistakably their own.

      As they prepare for a rare UK tour, Bananagun is packing their bags with unique records to inspire them. Writing for Clash, the band explores the outernational influences that drive their psychedelic creativity.

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      JAZZ

      Sun Ra – ‘Love in Outer Space’ (Vocal)

      This song has an element of disjointedness, which is prevalent in much of Sun Ra's work. It is something that seems to infiltrate our music when we collaborate. The confidence in this playing style, where the tightness of the music isn't the main focus but rather the overall feel, as well as the repetition of a musical mantra, is something we all embrace.

      Unquestionably, Sun Ra and his Arkestra have influenced our sound and how we experience music.

      PSYCH

      Teddy & His Patches – ‘Suzy Creamcheese’

      This track perfectly represents our fascination with psychedelia, balancing elements from both Pink Floyd’s and the 13th Floor Elevators’ debut albums, which initially drew us into the psychedelic genre as teenagers—those records you revisit in an effort to recapture that sense of discovery.

      AFRICA

      De Frank Professionals – ‘Afe Ato Yen Bio’

      This song embodies everything that attracted me to African music, particularly from the Western regions, as well as the sounds of the African American diaspora. Specifically, it highlights the fusion of these two styles and features hybrid jams rooted in traditional guitar riffs, adapting them to electric guitar, with a rhythmic foundation reminiscent of James Brown, consistently returning to the one.

      BRAZIL

      Caetano Veloso – ‘Ave Maria’

      Os Mutantes paved the way with their debut album, but Caetano has had an even greater influence overall. Ignoring his music would be a mistake, as it is equally remarkable. His lyrical style and perspective have consistently influenced me beyond genre constraints. When you take the time to translate them, the themes are romantic, rebellious, esoteric, and timeless.

      GARAGE

      United Travel Service – ‘Drummer Of Your Mind’

      There’s a vast amount of garage music from America, with way more poor-quality compilations than good ones. However, this band, along with their album and song, stands out. They exemplify my favorite kind of garage band: youthful and daring, pure and powerful. Their lyrics delve into love, society, and self; they are poetic and innocent but possess a bravery and edge that comes with the big questions and stoicism of youth—something that the teenage frat bands probably would have outgrown by now.

      Catch Bananagun on tour:

      May 8 Bristol Rough Trade

      May 9 Southampton Heartbreakers

      May 10 Brighton Hope & Ruin

      May 12 Birmingham Hare & Hounds (supporting Rose City Band)

      May 13 London Moth Club

      May 14 Manchester YES Basement

      May 15 Glasgow Glad Café

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