In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with 2024 triple j Unearthed High winner Mariae Cassandra while she’s in Adelaide on her debut headline tour.
Mariae reflects on the experience of touring Australia for her own shows, sharing standout moments from the road and the creative thinking behind theming each show, right down to a full style guide for every city. They also dive into her debut EP 'Everything In My Backpocket', unpacking what it was like releasing a body of work she’s been crafting since she was just 15, and how her sound evolved across the record.
It’s an honest and inspiring conversation about growth, creativity, and connection, touching on the comfort listeners find in her music, her journey into songwriting, advice for young artists, and a glimpse at what might be coming next for Mariae Cassandra.

Follow Mariae Cassandra:

• Instagram: ⁠@mariaecassandra
• TikTok: @mariaecassandraa

For more Australian music content, follow Band Banta on:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@bandbanta⁠⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@bandbanta⁠⁠⁠

This episode was filmed at Nexus Arts on Kaurna Country.

In this episode, Dakota catches up with Jack and Tom from Daybed Records, who put on a local festival on the mid coast of South Australia. 2026 is the fourth year of their festival, Nice Day To Go To The Club, and it’s the biggest year yet, with a mix of international artists and Australian artists. 

They chat about their experience putting on a DIY music festival, the history of music in Port Noarlunga, keeping the festival tied to the community, and what's in store for the 2026 edition. 

Tickets for Nice Day To Go To The Club are available here. Check out Daybed Records:

• Instagram: @daybed_records
• Website

For more Australian music content, follow Band Banta on:

• Instagram: ⁠⁠@bandbanta⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠@bandbanta⁠⁠

This episode was filmed at Port Noarlunga Football Club on Kaurna Country.

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Adelaide/Kaurna band Stormy-Lou before they open for Sly Withers at the Gov in Adelaide.

Stormy-Lou had a massive 2025, they released their debut EP ‘See Ya, Love Ya, Bye!’ after working on it for over two years.

During their chat, they dive into the making of the EP, the band share some tips for other independent artists, and we discuss their 2026 plans.   

Stormy-Lou

• Instagram: @stormylouband
• Spotify

Band Banta

• Instagram: @bandbanta
• TikTok: @bandbanta

Stormy-Lou's recommended South Aus artists

• Teenage Joans
• Puree
• Oscar the Wild
• Haliday
• Ella Ion
• Maisie B
• The Empty Threats
• Pearly Stars
• Zara Richards
• Runt Records
• Stress
• Desire
• The Twist of Fate
• The Tullamarines
• Aleksiah

This episode was filmed at The Gov on Kaurna land.

In this episode of Band Banta, we throw it back to October 2025, where Dakota catches up with Brisbane sunshine indie-rock five-piece Mid Drift! Mid Drift came to Adelaide as the opener for the Vanns, and while they were down South, caught up with Dakota to chat all about their massive year. 2025 was huge for Mid Drift, reaching 1 Mil streams on their single 'Nicotine', opening for various bands, travelling around Australia, and working on their sophomore EP. This episode is full of reflections, memories, and goals.

Check out Mid Drift on socials:

• Instagram: @middrift.band
• TikTok: ⁠@mid.drift

For more Australian music content, follow Band Banta on:

• Instagram: ⁠@bandbanta⁠
• TikTok: ⁠@bandbanta⁠

This episode was filmed at The Gov in Adelaide on Kaurna Country.

In this episode of Band Banta, we throw it back to September, where Dakota catches up with Adelaide emo-punk band Townhouse at their 'Look At Me Now' EP launch. The band dives into the creation of their sophomore EP, the inspiration for the creative artwork, and they even give Dakota a detailed breakdown of some Townhouse lore.

'Look At Me Now' is available for streaming, so check it out!

Check out Townhouse on socials:

• Instagram: ⁠@townhouse_adl
• TikTok: @townhouse_adl

For more Australian music content, follow Band Banta on:

• Instagram: @bandbanta
• TikTok: @bandbanta

This episode was filmed at UniBar in Adelaide on Kaurna Country.

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota sits down with Adelaide indie-pop favourites PASH as they return from a brief hiatus with their first single of 2025, Tracy.
The band opens up about spending the past year redefining their sound, getting back into the studio, and gearing up for the release of their sophomore EP in 2026. They dive into the influences shaping their new era, the story behind Tracy, and how TikTok unexpectedly helped grow their audience and spark fresh momentum.
It’s a fun, open, and energising chat that captures PASH right as they step into an exciting new chapter of their music journey.

This episode was recorded on Kaurna Yerta.

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with The Rions ahead of their final Adelaide show on the 'Everything Every Single Day' album tour.
The band dives into the making of their debut album, reflecting on how the process differed from creating an EP, the tracks they’re most proud of, and the ones that almost didn’t make the cut. They also chat about the importance of staying connected with their fans and share some of the emerging Australian acts that are currently inspiring them.
It’s a warm and insightful conversation that captures The Rions’ excitement and growth in this new chapter of their journey.

Check out The Rions:

• Instagram: @therionsband
• Website: therions.com

This episode was filmed at Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide on Kaurna Country.

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota chats with Adelaide’s own Teenage Joans to talk all things pop-punk and beyond.
The duo dive into their fiery new single My Heart’s Dead! and gives us a sneak peek at what fans can expect from their upcoming tour. We also rewind to their game-changing win of triple j Unearthed High, reflecting on how that moment shaped their journey, and chat about what it means to proudly represent Adelaide’s pop-punk scene as women carving their own path.
It’s an inspiring, high-energy conversation packed with laughs, honesty, and the signature Teenage Joans spirit.

Tickets for their upcoming tour are on sale now!

In this episode of Band Banta, Dakota catches up with Beddy Rays during their latest tour in support of their sophomore album.
The band dives into the making of the record, sharing the stories and creative spark that brought it to life, while also reflecting on the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments from life on the road.
It’s a raw and honest chat that captures the heart of where Beddy Rays are at right now, celebrating new music, connecting with fans, and looking ahead to what’s next.Check out Beddy Rays:

• ⁠⁠Spotify⁠:⁠ Beddy Rays
• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠:⁠ @beddyrays

Find more Band Banta content:

• ⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ @bandbanta
• ⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠ @bandbanta

This episode was filmed at ⁠ Lion Arts Factory in Adelaide on Kaurna Land.

In this special edition of Band Banta, Dakota takes you inside the heart of BIGSOUND 2025 with part one of the BIGSOUND Roundup.
This episode brings together four standout interviews captured during the week, featuring The Tullamarines, REDD., George Alice, and Heartline. Each artist opens up about their BIGSOUND experience, their latest projects, and the excitement of sharing their music at the country’s biggest industry event!
From rising stars to established voices, this compilation is packed with insights, stories, and a taste of the energy that makes BIGSOUND such a vital celebration of Australian music.

Featured artists:

• The Tullamarines
• REDD.
• George Alice
• Heartline

Find more Band Banta content:

• ⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ @bandbanta
• ⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠ @bandbanta