The G_Tano Episode | Ep. 28

G_Tano is the project of Italian guitarist Stefano Ioele, formed after his move to Melbourne as a way to bring his vision of funk and fusion to life. After years performing across different projects, Stefano began shaping his own sound in 2022 — one grounded in groove, but open to constant evolution. What began with Tim Agius and Gandhi Manohara quickly grew through jam sessions into a wider, rotating collective. Each musician brings their own flavour, giving the project a flexible, ever-changing identity. With a debut album already released, the band is now developing new material for a second record. Drawing on Mediterranean funk, 70s fusion and 90s acid jazz — with touches of Latin influence and raw Neapolitan groove — G_Tano sits outside easy categorisation. The music leans into feel, spontaneity and character rather than convention. The set features three originals: *“Read the Room,”* an instrumental funk track inspired by Pino Daniele and originally written in 2012, later becoming the title of the band’s debut album; *“Jet Lag,”* a slow soul-funk piece reflecting on distance, loss and the emotional weight of living between countries; and *“Paulie,”* a groove-driven track full of unexpected turns, written as a tribute to a friend and a hope for finding one’s way back. From intimate rooms to standout performances like the National Gallery Grand Gala, G_Tano approaches each show with a focus on connection, humour and staying present in the moment. With more shows ahead and a second album on the horizon, the project continues to evolve within Melbourne’s live music scene. *Words by Brandon* *Musicians:* Stefano Ioele – Guitar Gandhi Manohara – Drums Angel “Pana” Castillo Moreno – Percussion Mikki From Preston – Keys Tim Agius – Bass *Setlist:* “Read the Room” “Jet Lag” “Paulie” *Social Media:* Instagram: [  / g_tano_band  ](  / g_tano_band  ) Facebook: [  / gtanomusic  ](  / gtanomusic  ) Bandcamp: [https://gtano.bandcamp.com/](https://gtano.bandcamp.com/) Website: [http://www.officialgtano.com/](http://www.officialgtano.com/) *Bhive Crew:* Creators: Brandon Appleby, Mitch Dobson, John Kinsman Instagram: [  / bhivess  ](  / bhivess  ) #bhivess #gtano #livemusic #melbournemusic