INTERVIEW:
Naomi Banks
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I have been talking with Naomi Banks…
about her new single, Hourglass, and how it came together. She tells me whether it took a long time to cement and perfect her voice; whether there is going to be any future material coming; some albums that mean a lot to her – she recommends an artist we need to check out.
Banks tells me whether she gets time to relax outside of music; if there are going to be any tour dates coming up; what she wants to achieve before the end of the year – she reveals when music came into her life.
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Hi, Naomi. How are you? How has your week been?
Hello. I am very well, thank you. My week has been wonderful!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Yes, indeed. I’m not quite sure of my genre; I guess it falls under ‘Neo-Jazz’. I trained as a Jazz musician so everything is heavily influenced by that but with modern production.
Hourglass is your debut single. What is the story behind the song?
It is about a very close friend of mine who stopped speaking to me as he didn’t feel like I was there for him. I realised he was absolutely right and felt terrible when looking back at how much he did for me.
How does it feel having the single completed? Are you already looking ahead to other songs?
Yes. I was bored of this song two years before I released it. I’ve got so many (songs) and I’m excited about releasing them.
I especially love your voice. Do you have to work hard to create that tone/sound?
(Smiles). Yes, very hard. My mum was gutted when I said I wanted to be a singer as I really wasn’t anything special. Luckily, she is so she taught me everything I know. It took a long time to make my voice sound how I wanted it to.
When did music come into your life? Which artists did you follow when you were young?
Both my parents love music so I was surrounded by it my whole life. I loved The Carpenters and The Beautiful South more than anyone!
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
I hope to have an E.P. released and perhaps a pet parrot…but I’m still doing my research.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
I don’t think I could give you a single album I listen to regularly! But, my favourites have been Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon; Caravan Palace (love all of their albums equally) and a few tracks from JAIN’s album, Zanaka. She has the most amazing music videos also!
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Paloma Faith!
Well; I would like - if for every gig I do - someone leaves their favourite game or instructions for a game they like. Even if it is Hide and Seek.
Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?
Nothing is set at the moment but definitely doing something big in London before the end of the year.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I don’t think I’m in a position to give advice to people but maybe remember that there is no formula. Don’t get demoralised!
IN THIS PHOTO: Tom Bailey
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I’ve just discovered a guy called Tom Bailey. Loving his music.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I certainly do. I live on a boat and I longboard a lot.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Laputa - Hiatus Kaiyote
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