Bandini is pure, wild energy on stage. Described as "the bastard son of Tom Waits and Cab Calloway" by The Troubadour in London, he cites Van Morrison, Dr. John, Tom Waits and The Clash among his main influences, which have brought him to blend jazz, blues, rock and gypsy into a dynamic live show. This, combined with his enigmatic and theatrical stage performances, has led Bandini to become one of the most relevant and exciting emerging artists today.
Hailing from Italy, Bandini's musical influences originally come from his creative family. His grandmother, a former cabaret artist, taught him how to create a stage persona and win the crowd's attention, while his father introduced him to blues and jazz music and his uncle (singer-songwriter for Chantango) to the art of songwriting. After some adventures in the Italian punk-rock scene and a degree in Theatre Performance in Milan, Bandini moved to London and began playing extensively at high-profile music venues such as the 100 Club, the Green Note, and The Half Moon, where he received critical and popular acclaim. His performances have been described as a theatre show rather than a simple gig.
In 2019 Bandini released his debut album Barflies, produced by Camelle Hinds (Style Council, Paul Weller), and toured Europe with his band. He was part of Camden Fringe with his show Barflies Tales for two years, gaining a 5-star review: "A delightful spectrum of music, humour, funk, soul and love." In February 2020, Bandini and his band were special guests at Twist and Shout — an immersive touring show with an audience of 2,000 people, taking place in Milan, Amsterdam, and Paris. In 2020 Bandini started working with Spiritual Records and released a run of singles with the label, including the funk track "Straight Up."
During the pandemic he began working with the multi-awarded immersive show One Night Records, becoming resident artist in 2022. Artistic director Phoebe Stringer describes him as "The best in the business. When he's on the line-up you know you're going to be in for a hell of an evening!"
Bandini was selected as Best London Act to perform in Trafalgar Square for St. George's Day by the Mayor of London, and was chosen for X-Factor Italy 2023.
He now plays regularly at Nightjar's Ain't Nothin' But the Blues night in London, a fixture that has become one of the city's essential rooms for the genre.
In 2026 Bandini releases his new EP Boxer Blues, produced by Marco Cinelli of Cinelli's Brothers, marking a new chapter in his sound and songwriting partnership with one of London's most respected blues acts.
Looking ahead, Bandini will take the band across Europe in 2027, building on the momentum of Boxer Blues and his years of touring history on the continent.