Hey there, music lovers! Get ready to groove with the coolest indie pop duo you’ve probably never heard – Groovy Banana! Gaga and Ben, these two awesome artists, have been running circles from Port-Vila, Vanuatu for 15 years.
Picture this: Gaga had killer vocals and Ben was a madman on ukulele, bass and everything else in between. It’s all well cooked: a wild mix of French indie pop and exotic swing that has you bobbing your head in no time. These globetrotters have listened to vibes from everywhere and they can be heard in their fresh, funky sound.
But, we’re here to discuss their latest banger, ‘Burn Out.’ This track is a total mood and was dropped on September 30th, 2024. They push through some heavy stuff like burnout and mental health, but worry not, they’ve packaged it up in a catchy song that will stay in your head for days. We teamed up with Paul and Isaac from Wan Smol Bag, and even had the amazing Kireni Sparks-Ngenge on backing vocals. The result? A song that will have you both think and dance.
We’re going to sit down with Gaga and Ben, to get the inside scoop on “Burn Out,” find out how they’re using their tunes to really shine a light on mental health, and hear about their wild ride in the music world. And of course, while keeping things groovy. Let’s get a banana (what did I do there…banana?) and dive in!
Listen to Burn Out
Follow Groovy Banana on
“Burn Out” is an intriguing title. What’s the story behind it, and how does it relate to the song’s theme?
A few years ago, I think I had a burn out, I was being abusive verbally and physically to my kids. I saw a therapist, then a healer and we started making changes in our lifestyle and the harmony came back in the family. After that, lots of songs came to our mind, “Burn out” is one of them.
How would you describe the sound of “Burn Out” to someone who’s never heard Groovy Banana before?
It’s a French Exotic Swing. The Ben’s groovy ukulele and Gaga’s mesmerising voice will make you travel!
And the song has a joyful tone which will put a smile on your face!
Is there a particular message or feeling you’re trying to convey with this track?
Yes, I would like to send healing vibes while making awareness on mental health. The fact that it is a joyful song talking about depression highlights the fact that happy people can be depressed (and people might not realise it). I hope my voice can heal people souls.
Your band name “Groovy Banana” is pretty unique. How does it reflect your musical style, and does “Burn Out” showcase a new side of that groove?
Groovy Banana has a fun catchy vibe, which could describe us.
Are there any interesting instruments or production techniques you experimented with on this track?
Nope, Ben did all the instruments : guitar, ukulele, ubass
Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired “Burn Out”?
I guess my personal experience restrospectively
If you had to pick a favorite line or musical moment from the song, what would it be and why?
The last verse, where the batteries go flat.
Who are some of Groovy Banana’s musical influences, and did any of them inspire elements of “Burn Out”?
Amy Winehouse but not really inspired by her on that song.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while creating this song, and how did you overcome it?
We were unhappy with the drum so we ended up removing it. We had also asked some friends to add their instruments on it but I was not happy with the result and ended thinking it woud cause too much stress and I wanted to keep that song light and sweet
How do you think your fans will react to this new track? Are you taking them in a new direction?
I hope they’ll love it! It s a new direction in the sense that it is our first release track! And doing originals rahter than covers
Finally, where can fans listen to “Burn Out,” and what’s the best way for them to support Groovy Banana?
Follow our instagram @groovybananamusic and listen to our tunes on all platforms (spotify, apple music, deezer, you name it!)
