Island Banks has released a new single called ‘Only One’
Island Banks is based in Essex with family roots from St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dubbed as UK Garage, Island Banks has been known to make commercial music in the genres of House /Dance/Rnb/Hip Hop and Pop music, with an eclectic, diverse taste in music.
Tell us about your life story and music journey?
“I started singing at the age of 14 but started making music at the age of 17 in a friend’s bedroom. I made a few demos and it got wind of local rap artists and eventually did features that became songs on TV channels such as channel Aka competing against songs from artists such as N dubz, Tinchy, Tinie tempah back in 2008. After a break from music I came back under the name island banks and have since made 2 singles since July 2020. One of which is a UK garage track and was praised by the UK garage master himself, Artful dodgers very own Mark Hill. In a video response to my track “only one” Mark gave constructive feedback and said that he loved the track and cannot wait to see what I come up with next. Mark is responsible for one half of the duo artful dodger along with Pete Devereux who made Craig David’s debut album, (born to do it).”
“On top of this I have been on local radio stations and won the “Make you Famous” competition on Centre force 88.3 radio in July 2020 for my first track “See you again”.”
“I have also had my debut song on BBC introducing Essex where it got played with great reception.”
What motivates you to do music?
“Current events and personal situations is always key for me. I don’t not like to write about genres I cannot relate to or haven’t experienced myself so everything I write is from the heart and genuine. That’s how you connect with an audience. That’s how you reach new fans. Just be real and true to yourself.”
What are your Inspirations / influences?
“I have many influences and inspirations.
Back in the day growing up my Dad raised us and he showed me the likes of, snoop dogg, NWA, the fugees, Eminem, LL Cool J, Public Enemy,Naughty by nature and many more. It was a very rap /hip hop household growing up.”
“My brother was into RnB and house music and my sister was pop music as she was a little younger so I had alot of music going on that’s why I can listen to many types of music and it helps me write my music today. With me I was into RnB and UK garage mainly and artists like Usher, Craig David, Dru Hill/Sisqo and many more influence my taste and style of music writing today.”
Where have you performed?
“I have performed on channel U live performances (pre recorded), Embassy club London and SX Festival.”
Upcoming projects?
“I have recently signed a single deal with Perfect Havoc Records which is set to be released on September 10th. This track is called “play it cool” and its from producers Menrva who is a House duo from Ireland. The track is a house remake to Anthony Hamiltons “Cornbread fish and collard greens”.”
“I have solo projects coming up and also more features with other house producers and have a few songs in the pipeline ready to go as we speak.”
Island Banks has released a new single called ‘Only One’.
Stream the music here:
