Musician to Know: BANKS
Music lovers are no different than those who consume fashion. In fact, aren’t we often one and the same? We search endlessly for new sounds, voices, words (styles, colors, shapes) in the hopes of finding something — a song, a dress — that has the ability to cause us to pause, even if only for a moment, and escape reality. It seems both industries are currently pausing for singer/songwriter BANKS, and with good reason: she’s not your typical sugar coated pop star. In fact, she’s not your typical anything, really.
Allow me to show rather than tell:
Based in LA, BANKS is currently doing press in New York for a few days. She recently appeared on
BANKS On style:
Style isn’t something you need to think about. It just happens. Clothing, fashion, what you wear — that’s all a part of who you are. If you’re feeling like a badass one day, you can dress like a badass. It’s all based on your mood. I think fashion is a perfect way to feel the most yourself because it’s a way to express your mindset.
On music:
Music is air for me. It’s like a cleanse. I’ve been touring for a long time and just started writing again, and it feels like 100 bricks were lifted off my back. Writing is the most grounding thing in my world for me. It’s the most essential nutrient that I have.
I discovered I loved writing around the same time I discovered that I was a song writer. I was probably 15, and I taught myself how to play piano. I never had lessons — same with my voice. For ten years I didn’t tell anyone that I was doing this, but I needed to (write and make music) so badly. I felt helpless and unheard in my real life — I felt insane. I felt caged in, like no one understood me. Music was this secret life of mine, and when I wrote, it became…air.
It was scary to share my music, but I always wanted to perform. It’s empowering. It’s like, This is me, so fuck off if you don’t like it. I was reclusive (growing up), so it was a process. I was very patient with myself.
On beauty must-haves for the road:
“I don’t wear makeup. I like my skin to breath, and I think freckles are pretty. I’ve gotten really into oils. Lavender is incredible to put on your temples and wrists when you’re flying. It’s calming.
I have this mineral oil from Decleor that I apply every night before I put on makeup and go on stage. It’s so good for your skin. It doesn’t break you out no matter how much you use, and it’s hydrating.
To wash my face, I’ve been using a foaming gel cleanser from Chanel. But you know what’s funny? The lotion I use every day is a CVS brand oil-free moisturizer. It’s the only one that doesn’t make me feel like oily.
On the 3 wardrobe must-haves:
1) A really dope hat. Gladys Tamez makes my favorite. She’s made my hats from day 1, before anyone knew who I was. She’s the best.
2) A sick black trench. It’s so easy. I had to change hotels last night and I walked from one to the other in pajamas. I threw my trench on, and it looked like a full outfit.
3) It’s important to have something special. My mom gave me a ring – I told her I wanted to travel with something personal if I got homesick. I think it’s cool to have at least one thing touching your skin that feels so you.
Follow Banks on Twitter, Facebook, her website, and Instagram.
