Ben Tansing – Johnny Fontane, the Band Kept Playing | New Single Review

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens in a Melbourne dive bar at 11:00 PM—that grit, the smell of rain on the pavement outside, and the sound of someone who actually has something to say.

Ben Tansing is currently capturing that exact energy. His latest drop, “Johnny Fontane, the Band Kept Playing,” isn’t just another indie-folk track; it’s a love letter to the persistence of the local musician. If you’ve been looking for a song that feels like a warm coat on a cold Fitzroy night, this is it.

Cinematic Soul with a Melbourne Zip Code

We all know the Godfather story—Johnny Fontane, the crooner who needed a “favour.” But Tansing takes that classic Hollywood imagery and drags it into the modern day. The song isn’t about the mob; it’s about the sheer stubbornness of being an artist in 2026.

While the world is busy chasing 15-second viral trends, Tansing is playing the long game. The “Band Kept Playing” is a metaphor for that internal engine that keeps us moving when things get messy.

The Vibe Check

If you’re a fan of storytelling that actually goes somewhere, here’s what you can expect:

• Acoustic Grit: This isn’t over-polished pop. It’s got texture. You can practically hear the wood of the guitar.

• Vocals with Character: Ben’s voice doesn’t sound like it was tuned in a lab; it sounds like it’s seen some things. There’s a rasp and a sincerity here that reminds you of Paul Kelly or a young Bruce Springsteen.

• Lyricism that Bites: He’s got a knack for taking a cinematic reference and making it feel deeply personal.

Why This Track Hits Different Right Now

Melbourne’s music scene has always been the heartbeat of Australia, but it’s tough out there. Tansing’s new single feels like an anthem for the “stayers.” It’s for the people who show up to the gig even when the weather is rubbish and the rent is too high.

“I wanted to write something for the people who don’t know when to quit,” Tansing says. “It’s easy to stop. It’s much harder—and much more interesting—to just keep the band playing.”

How to Get it in Your Ears

Independent music lives and dies by the “share.” If you dig what Ben is doing, don’t let the algorithm decide his fate.

1. Give it a spin on Spotify or Apple Music: Every stream actually helps (contrary to popular belief).

2. Add it to your ‘Chill Sunday’ or ‘Aussie Gold’ playlists: It’s a mood-setter.

3. Follow the journey: Check out his socials for the “behind the scenes” of the recording process—it’s refreshing to see an artist being real.

Final Word

“Johnny Fontane, the Band Kept Playing” is a reminder that as long as the music is playing, we’re doing alright. Ben Tansing is proving that Melbourne still knows how to produce a world-class songwriter who hasn’t lost his soul.