banshee

banshee [OPTION...] [URI...]

--help
    Display command-line help and exit.

--version
    Show version information and exit.

--debug
    Enable debug logging output.

--play
    Start playback of current or first track.

--play-enqueue
    Enqueue URIs and begin playback.

--enqueue
    Add URIs to end of playlist.

--next
    Skip to next track.

--previous, --prev
    Go to previous track.

--pause
    Pause current playback.

--play-pause
    Toggle between play and pause.

--stop
    Stop playback and clear current track.

--quit
    Quit Banshee gracefully.

--seek=SECONDS
    Seek to position in seconds (e.g., --seek=30).

--volume=PERCENT
    Set volume level (0-100).

--set-current=URI
    Set and play specific URI.

--clear
    Clear the current playlist.

--start-empty
    Launch with empty playlist.

--show-tray-icon
    Force system tray icon visibility.

Banshee is a versatile, open-source media player and library organizer designed for Linux and Unix-like systems. Built on Mono, Gtk#, and GStreamer, it handles audio, video, podcasts, and internet radio streams seamlessly. Key features include automatic library scanning, metadata editing, album art retrieval, smart playlists, and device synchronization for iPods, Android, and USB players.

The command-line interface allows quick launching, playback control, playlist manipulation, and volume/seek adjustments without opening the GUI. Arguments as URIs (files, HTTP, etc.) enqueue media directly. Banshee integrates with desktop environments via DBus and MPRIS D-Bus standards, enabling global media keys, notifications, and remote control from tools like playerctl.

Customizable through extensions for Last.fm scrobbling, DAAP sharing, and more, Banshee offers a polished experience. However, its reliance on Mono and stalled development limit long-term viability on modern distros favoring Flatpak/Snap alternatives.

No longer actively maintained since 2015; Mono dependencies may cause issues on newer systems without Mono. Recommend alternatives like Rhythmbox or Strawberry for ongoing support.

Supports remote control via org.mpris.MediaPlayer2.banshee DBus interface; compatible with media players and keybindings.

Scans directories for media; supports tagging, ratings, and artwork via MusicBrainz/Amazon.

Plugin system for features like UPnP, internet radio, and audiobook support.

Initiated in 2005 by Aaron Benson; developed by Novell/Xamarin team using Mono until 2013. Last stable release 2.9.1 (2015). Widely used in Ubuntu and Fedora during peak Mono era.

rhythmbox(1), clementine(1), vlc(1), playerctl(1), mpd(1)