SA: John Battersby launches new band with reflective debut single

The new four-piece line-up includes Marc Klein (drums), Tristan Bell (guitar) and CJ Duckitt (bass), forming a group built on long-standing musical relationships. Their debut single and video, Where You Begin, has been released as the first offering from the project.

Battersby said the track was inspired by personal reflection and a focus on origins and identity. “It’s about understanding and respecting where you come from, both on a personal level and as a civilisation,” he said. “It’s a song about appreciation and gratitude.”

The song was developed collaboratively over several weeks, including a writing retreat in Misty Cliffs near Cape Point. According to the group, the track evolved from a simple idea into a more layered composition, shaped by contributions from all members.

Recording took place at Peace of Eden Recording Studio in Knysna with producer TJ Terblanche, alongside engineers Howard Butcher and Etienne Desfontaines. The band said the process helped capture a reflective tone and highlight their musical chemistry.

The accompanying music video expands on the song’s themes, showing each member in individual locations connected to their personal histories before converging around a shared gathering. Scenes were filmed across multiple locations in Cape Town, including Hout Bay dunes, the harbour area, the Longkloof Disa River weir and Table View beachfront.

The video was directed and edited by Marcus Hounsell of Fsharp Music, with colour grading by Zak Katz.

The band has described Where You Begin as a reflective and nostalgic work centred on themes of friendship, gratitude and connection. Since forming in 2023, the group has toured extensively, performing at festivals such as Darling Brew Fest and Greyton Beer Festival, and supporting acts including Prime Circle and Dan Patlansky.

With the release of the single, the John Battersby Band continue to position their work within a melodic rock style grounded in personal storytelling and live performance experience.