EQUATE Meets Jacob Banks
"I think music should be seen and not heard. When you hear a song that you love, it plays some incredible memories for you..."
Music is arguably the most powerful force in the universe. Sometimes songs have the ability create a pause in time, whilst with bated breath your mind flickers through a filing cabinet of memories. Well - this is one of those occasions. Jacob Banks will leave you transfixed with his latest instalment “Devil That I Know”. Showcasing his heart wrenchingly raw vocals that glide over a bed of piano and light ambient textures, Banks creates a combination so stunning that you’ll find yourself closing your eyes and sinking into an imaginary bath of honey. This breathtaking track follows “Stranger”, making “Devil That I Know” his third release of 2020. The Nigerian born singer moved to Birmingham at 13, where he began to embrace music. After many years of exhausting the open mic circuit at university, Jacob Banks has now played numerous headline shows in some of the world’s most established music venues, as well as supporting fellow vocal powerhouses Sam Smith, Alicia Keys and Emeli Sandé. We caught up with the singer-songwriter for a Q&A, speaking on humble beginnings, performing and how it feels to be an artist in today’s climate.
Read the interview below…
Words and interview by Elle Watson
EQ: Hey Jacob, firstly could you tell us a little about yourself? What makes you tick?
I’m Jacob, I sing songs and being alive makes me tick.
EQ:How did you fall into music? Did you grow up in a creative household?
No, I don’t think my family was creative at all. I fell into music completely by chance. I loved Disney soundtracks growing up and I loved Westlife. It was the one place I really felt seen and I felt the happiest making music, so I just continued.
EQ: ‘Devil That I Know’ is the most tender and stunning song. What was the inspiration behind it?
‘Devil That I Know’ was inspired by the concept that we’re all choosing, on some level, the lesser of two evils. You’re choosing someone who is worth the bad times, because bad times are guaranteed in any sort of engagement you have in anything. You’re choosing someone who is deserving of those difficult times. And that’s really what inspired the idea behind the song.
EQ: Your voice has such a unique quality, how did you develop your tone? Did you grow up learning from artists you admired or did you have training (or both!)?
Never had any training. I think my voice just broke. I listened to a bunch of soul, my favourite vocalist were always soul vocalists, but I don’t know how much influence that can have, I’m sure they had some. I don’t think you can fake a tone. From what I recall, my voice just broke and this is what happened.
“I think the most challenging thing is to get out your own way, it’s really hard to preserve your mental health in a world of instant gratification all the time.”
- JACOB BANKS
EQ: Do you have any fears?
I have a deep phobia of snakes.
EQ: ‘Devil That I Know’ evokes so many emotions and holds space for such strong visuals (in my mind). Do you envisage imagery as you write? What goes through your head during the creative process?
As soon as I start writing a song, and if I’m really feeling it, I can see everything. I can see how the video goes; I can see the artwork. I think music should be seen and not heard. When you hear a song that you love, it plays some incredible memories for you and it’s the same way when I’m writing. If I really connect with a song, I can see it all.
EQ: How do you feel about being an artist in this day and age? What are some of the challenges you face? What is most rewarding?
I think the most challenging thing is to get out your own way, it’s really hard to preserve your mental health in a world of instant gratification all the time. I think the most rewarding side of it is, was anyway, is touring and getting that vindication that these fans that you’ve made in your bedroom…these songs that you’ve made in a small environment with your friends, have reached all these people. That’s always made me feel like I was doing my job well. The gift of time…everything else is whatever, money and planes, that’s cool but when people part with six hours of their day to come and see you, that’s an offering that’s priceless. They’re really choosing you, as opposed to ending up on a playlist or whatever.
EQ:For what do you most wish to be remembered by?
My love for animals and my cats.
EQ: You’ve played at so many wonderful venues, what would be your dream performance?
Something moshy…I want to start a mosh pit with a ballad. That would be incredible.
EQ: Finally, what’s on the horizon for you Jacob? Could you let us in on an Equate Exclusive?
I’ve got food being delivered soon which I’m really looking forward to. That’s about it really, everything else is just chill.
Watch the video for ‘Devil That I Know’ below..
YouTube/Jacob Banks
Stream ‘Devil That I Know’ HERE
Keep up with Jacob Banks on socials
Instagram: @mrjacobbanks
Twitter: @mrjacobbanks