- Words Millie Dunn-Christensen
Nigerian-British artist Jacob Banks talks us through his new album, Yonder: Book II, his songwriting process, and his upcoming European headline tour.
Somewhere between funky and folky lies Nigerian-born British artist Jacob Banks. As the second instalment of his three-part anthology series, he has released Yonder: Book II. “Book II is a meeting of worlds that have both been dear to me, my love of soul music and my love of alternative music,” he explains.
Book I was an exploration of 70s-tinged Mowtown sounds and the signatures of Afrobeats, whereas Book II sets its sights on a dip into alternative soundscapes and experimental manipulations. Underpinned by the standout track ‘Blind’, Jacob Bank’s second offering is brilliantly comforting and masterfully cacophonous. From the acoustic guitar accompaniment of ‘All Aboard’ to the soulful R&B groove of ‘Something New’, each track is a display of sonic versatility and tenacity.
Book II is solely written by Jacob himself, with the singer-songwriter dabbling in production with Sillkey, who has worked with UK icons such as Mabel and Pa Salieu. Pantha and Gavin Powell also paid their dues, producing some of the other tracks on the album.
Backed by his MOBO Awards and BBC 6 Music, Jacob is set to embark on his headline European tour, with a pit stop at the iconic O2 Kentish Forum Town. In the wake of this new project, get to know a bit more about him below, from his early music revelations in Birmingham to blending his love of alternative sounds.
What was the inspiration behind this second instalment of your anthology series, Yonder: Book II?
Book II was inspired by the sounds I grew up hearing as a young man in the great city of Birmingham. There were so many flavours of electronic and soulful singer-songwriter music; I wanted to bring those worlds together.
How did you blend in your love for soul music and alternative sounds?
It’s what feels natural to me. I love both independently so when it’s time to throw my hat in the ring, I can only do it in a way that feels authentic.
You’ve worked with a variety of artists. How do these collaborations influence your own music and artistic style?
It allows me to learn. I get to use a different side of my brain and home my skills a bit more.
What do you hope people take away from the project?
That we can be everything at once.
Can you share a bit about your songwriting process? What does it look like for you when creating a new track?
It feels more like trying to remember a dream – the song already exists – I just have to try to not get in the way.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating the series so far?
Because I’ve been making music for over 10 years, nothing is new anymore but it’s refreshing to find new colours to play with.
You have an upcoming European tour. What can fans expect from your new live shows?
We’ll get to know each other better, our friendship will deepen, and I’ll get to tell you how great you look.
One of your stops is at London’s O2 Kentish Town. How does it feel to be playing such a legendary venue?
It’s always an honour to play K Town.
Who’s on your playlists at the moment?
Amie Blu is all over my playlist right now.
What’s next for Jacob Banks?
Trying to get my KD to be over three on Call of Duty.