From Noosa To London And Back: Tempesst Is Coming Home

Australia’s favourite neo-psychadelic export, Tempesst, is returning to sender - announcing a three-date “homecoming” tour this January. Hitting Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, the London-based band will be celebrating the release of their third album, Forbidden Fruit. 

In anticipation of Tempesst’s return, The Music arranged a little Q&A with frontman Toma Banjanin to chat about all things Queensland, London, and tour.

You guys started your musical journey on the Sunshine Coast - tell us a bit about that. 

Well, we’re from the Sunshine Coast - Blake (Misipeka, bass), Andy (Banjanin, drums) and I - but the band formed in London. Andy and I grew up near Maroochydore and Blake was our neighbour. We met Eric (Weber, guitar) within a few months of moving to London. Our first rehearsal was at The Vatican Studios in Bethnal Green, a converted railway arch where practice is interrupted by the trains running overhead and the owner ducks liquor licensing by giving away a can of beer with a Freddo Frog purchase. We bought a lot of Freddo Frogs. 

Why did you move to London from the Sunshine Coast?

Andy was the first to move to London - he’d fallen in love and chased a girl. Blake and I followed shortly after. We weren't planning on staying long-term, but things started to happen for us and, over time, a place becomes home. I miss the coast though. I miss waking up to the sound of kookaburras calling and the smell of the rainforest as you walk down to the ocean. I’m currently sat in Noosa and honestly it couldn’t be further from a 'day in the life' in London. 

How different is the London music scene compared to Queensland? 

We started playing in Brisbane as teenagers. The scene was fairly small, bands put on shows together, supported one another and grew together. I remember how insane it was uploading a song to Unearthed and getting played on Triple J for the first time. Back then it felt like even if you were an independent artist from a small town, you could be supported or recognised at a national level... and so many of my friends were.  

Starting a band in London was like stepping into an abyss; unfamiliar, so many bands, so many scenes and the big bad business. The limitlessness of it all is exciting but in my experience there’s far less camaraderie.

How have you progressed since the move?

We've released three albums, toured Europe a ton, supported incredible artists from around the world and built the most amazing following who keep us going. Personally, my songwriting keeps getting better, more honest and true. The songs I wrote in Australia as a teenager honestly just weren’t very good. We’re lucky enough to have our own studio in London, which means we get a lot of time to work on and develop our songs.

How does it feel to be coming back to Australia, and specifically Queensland, for this 'homecoming' tour?

It’s a full circle moment for sure. Queensland is home. I imagine I’ll feel waves of nostalgia driving into Fortitude Valley and loading into a venue, and sweating my ass off playing a show in 80% humidity. We’ve discussed touring Australia with every album release and now it’s finally happening.

What are you most excited for with this tour?

The shows are going to be busy and I bet our Australian fans will be a lot of fun. Performing for friends and family is always special too. 

What's next for Tempesst?

We're kicking off our first Australian tour at the end of this month playing in Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney and then heading out on a UK/EU tour in March & April. But for the immediate, we're heading up to Maleny to write our next album.  

Tempesst is heading on their Australian tour in late January 2025. Find tickets and more details here.