BANKS is often discussed as being part of a new wave of R&B, heavily influenced by 90s rhythm and blues goddesses such as Aaliyah and Brandy; the Californian’s debut LP, Goddess, is set to release on September 8th and is undoubtedly one to watch.
Fresh from LA, the release of BANKS sultry yet honest debut album has come just over a year from her first single Before I Ever Met You. Since then Jillian ‘Banks’ Bank has rocketed to the forefront of a new 90s inspired pop movement. Her ability to bare all with her candid lyrics combined with R&B infused electronics provides a confident impression of exactly who the artist wants to be. After supporting The Weeknd since last November, she is jetting off to Asia and the UK to perform to brand new crowds in some of her biggest shows to date.
What makes BANKS attractive is the intricate layers to her tracks and her multiple vocal personalities, from the finger snapping and head bopping vibes of ‘Stick’ to the more lusty and yearning sound of ‘Waiting Game’, driven by a slow bass-line and haunting vocal.
Speaking to The Guardian, BANKS explained that in reflection “It feels like I’ve captured every layer of who I am as a person and an artist and a woman and everything I’m doing my best… I’m being as honest as I can." Often, it is not only the breathless recitals of lost relationships but her other more suggestive and vivacious lyrics which makes BANKS stand out from the crowd.
BANKS is set to play cities around the UK in November including Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Manchester. The album will include singles ‘Brain’, ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ and her latest single ‘Someone New’.
Goddess by BANKS is released 8th September in the UK.'
(Written by Megan Chambers)