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BANKS stays away from social networking, and her Facebook page which is run by her management instead insists that you can just give her a ring: “If you ever want to talk call me – (323) 362-2658 – BANKS.” Her music emits a quality which is equally mysterious and intriguing, blending sparse electronic, R&B tinged beats with alchemistic vocals.
Hailing from Los Angeles, BANKS – better known to her friends as Jillian – is quickly making a name for herself thanks to her sweltering music, and the fact that she has recently come off tour with The Weeknd. Comparing her to Jessie Ware crossed with the production of AlunaGeorge would go some way in describing her music, but even that doesn’t seem to do her justice.
In an interview with the BBC, she said how she began writing music during “a really dark time” in her teenage years when her parents divorced. She admits that her music is more about catharsis than seeking stardom, but that’s certainly what she’s found along the way, as even Katy Perry has admitted to being a huge fan.
Releasing her debut EP, London, earlier this year, BANKS presented her talent for sparse R&B, with the Lil Silva and Jamie Woon produced ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ including soft murmurs over woozy beats. Her husky vocals soothed Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaur’s gurgling production on ‘Warm Water’, and her most recent single ‘Waiting Game’ proved to be a gently building, sultry ballad with thumping bass, and looping, ghostly backing vocals.
Her music is saturated in wistful reflection and melancholy beats, which makes anticipation for her debut album – which she is currently putting the finishing touches to – all the more exciting.
BANKS will tour the UK in March 2014.
