SA indie-rock band Battersby releases Arrows, a new single and music video about breaking free from old habits and self-imposed limitations – and choosing the best version of yourself!
South Africa (13 May 2026) – ‘Why am I standing in the shadows? Why am I waiting, taking arrows? I could be staring at tomorrow.’
Those are the lyrics to indie-rock band Battersby’s commanding new single, Arrows. It holds up a mirror and confronts a universal truth. Many of us have, and do, stand just outside our own lives, letting fear or habit or comfort keep us exactly where we are, even when we know we’re capable of so much more.
Fronted by seasoned songwriter John Battersby, the project brings together a group of accomplished musicians, including Marc Klein of Red Tape Riot on drums, Tristan Bell from BRYNN on guitar, and CJ Duckitt of Murray on bass.
The track was born from an unfiltered jam session at Misty Cliffs.
“Lyrically, Arrows was inspired by recent events, frustrations and realizations in my life,” says John Battersby. “The music came from a completely open jam session at Misty Cliffs. We were just freely experimenting and letting the moment guide us.”
A song about breaking free from self-imposed limitations, being born in a space of total creative freedom.
Arrows is about that very human experience of being our own worst obstacle. The patterns we keep returning to. The version of ourselves we keep shrinking back into, even when we know there’s more.
“It’s about keeping yourself trapped in old ways and not allowing the best version of who you are to shine,” Battersby explains. “But it’s also about resilience and how we choose to face tough times and move through them.”
Emphasis on the word ‘choose’. The song, brought to life by a proudly South African band, doesn’t ask you to be fearless. It asks you to choose in the middle of the hard stuff.
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Over the past two years, the band has built their reputation by showing up and playing. They have toured extensively across South Africa, shared stages with Prime Circle and Dan Patlansky, and have appeared at several local festivals and sold-out shows.
Go give Arrows a listen. And maybe, ask yourself the same question Battersby does. Why am I standing in the shadows? Because tomorrow’s right there.
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