Jacob Banks readies for the debut of a brand new project with the release of powerful new single and music video “Just When I Thought.” The dramatic visual punctuates the soulful and hard-hitting record with inky, saturated colours and a suspenseful story-line. The single ends with a sweeping choral section that soothes the soul just as fast and it gets your blood pumping.
Songs recall familiar feelings, emotions, and memories. Jacob Banks transmits comfort from this familiarity. The Nigerian-born and London-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist allows a flood of thoughts, perspectives, and inspirations to flow through his music. After generating nearly 200 million streams and receiving praise from NPR, VIBE, Coveteur, and Wonderland Magazine, he readies for another album release, slated for a Spring 2022 release. The forthcoming project will be released under his own label Nobody Records.
Jacob first put his own twist on soul, R&B, and alternative with a series of independent EPs. His 2018 full-length debut, Village, garnered widespread critical acclaim. OnesToWatch dubbed it, “[his] most introspective work to date,” and The Guardian claimed, “his command of blues grit and electronic spell-casting is borderless.” It yielded anthems such as “Unknown (To You)” and “Chainsmoking” and landed on VIBE’s “30 Best Albums of 2018” list. He followed up with the 2021 EP For My Friends via Interscope Records, which reminded the world of a story they needed to hear – filled with wisdom, pain, sadness, and hope.
In addition to headlining sold out shows on multiple continents, he delivered electrifying performances at Coachella, SXSW, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza and has performed with the likes of Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, and Alicia Keys. He delivered standout sets on television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Later… with Jools Holland. Not to mention, he landed music in The Equalizer 2, Lucifer, Suits, and Game of Thrones, to name a few.
“For me, songwriting feels more like remembering a song,” he explains. “I’m trying to remember a vague dream. The song already exists. I just need to be present enough to pull it out of the sky. Nothing is truly new. We’re trying to tell old stories in new ways. Every sound, sample, kick, and snare has been used, but you can put your own little twist on them. Whoever has the best memory wins,” he smiles.
