Ballsy is the brand new solo venture of Caveboy’s synth-bassist Isabelle Banos. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of pop-punk, the raw teen angst of grunge, and the nostalgic glow of a summer day in the suburbs, Ballsy’s music is an explosive fusion of infectious hooks, unfiltered emotion, and a captivating blend of indie rock and pop.
Her music has been featured in popular TV shows and movies on Netflix (Orange is the New Black, Maid), HBO Max (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Hulu (Happiest Season, Crush) & more. Commercials for brands such as GoPro, Rakuten, and Ardene have also featured her distinctive sound. Her songs have also appeared on editorial streaming playlists, including New Music Friday, Fresh Finds and New Music Holiday.
In 2020, Ballsy’s talent and dedication were recognized when she was selected as one of the top eight female music producers for Music Publishers Canada’s esteemed “Women in the Studio” program. This opportunity allowed her to further refine her craft and solidify her position as a prominent engineer in the Canadian music industry.
Driven by a desire to create an inclusive and empowering space for fellow female and gender-expansive artists, Ballsy proudly opened her own studio in Montreal called Chez Ballsy in April 2021. This creative haven serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all musicians to thrive as themselves.
In 2022, Ballsy’s work as a producer led her to be recognized as an Innovator by Keychange, a revered global initiative devoted to advocating for more gender equality in the music industry.
Ballsy also believes in empowering musicians through education. She shares her knowledge and insights as a featured educator on LANDR’s YouTube Channel. She has also recently released her own online class on recording, producing and mixing vocals in collaboration with Studio.com, alongside esteemed artists like H.E.R. and Idina Menzel.
With a nod to 90’s grunge and 2000s pop-punk, Ballsy’s self-produced sound transports listeners to a time of youthful rebellion and unbridled energy. Her music pulsates with irresistible guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and anthemic choruses that instantly transport you to sun-soaked days spent blasting music in your bedroom or skateboarding aimlessly through the neighbourhood with friends. Each song captures the essence of teenage angst, delivering a powerful catharsis that resonates with both the young and the young at heart.
Name:
Ballsy
Genre:
Indie Rock
Founded:
2023
Latest Single:
“omg it’s xmas”
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Metric
Favourite musician now:
Alvvays
Guilty pleasure song:
Avril Lavigne – “Sk8er Boi” – no shame!
Live show ritual:
Vocal warmup, stretching and body warmup, and a band huddle where I ask what’s your favourite show you’ve ever played, followed by the group answer: “This one!”
Favourite local musician:
Corey Gulkin
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Road or studio?
Road
Any shows or albums coming up?
I just put out an obnoxiously joyful holiday song called “omg it’s xmas”! Debut album and tour dates will be announced early next year!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | TikTok | Youtube | Website | Spotify
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Pizza Bouquet *immediately starts drooling*
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Beaubien – it’s the main street of my neighbourhood and has everything I need; vegetarian grocery store, the best pizza in town, even a music store!
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Mount Royal – the closest thing to a nature walk you’ll get in the city. I love taking my dog Bruce there for long quiet walks to contemplate life and our favourite cheeses.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Diving Bell Social Club
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Studio Economik for all my studio needs and Le Vacarme for records.
