“The whole idea behind NUMBERS has been to just craft beats, demos and ideas for people to enjoy without vocals, sort of like an easy listening playlist. But, despite having that concept in mind, I crafted this joint last week and it honestly happened as a beautiful accident. I really fell in love with the process and the final product, and decided I wanted to share it on a broader scale. Plus, it’s very different than what people might be used to and I really like the idea of flipping the script completely.”
“I don’t wanna lose
I just wanna win
I said I been on the outside
And they won’t let me in”
Artist, producer and engineer Banks The Genius has been putting in work, his latest release, “Ninety Nine,” is a soulful and elegant listen. Banks wears many hats and has made significant progress in the past year or two, both creatively and professionally; He collaborated with Young Chop for the single, “Check,” premiered tracks with some of the most prestigious blogs in the country including Pigeons and Planes for “Werewolf” featuring Femdot and DJ Booth for “Wake Up.” Banks added “Ninety Nine” to his playlist called NUMBERS which got me intrigued, I emailed him with some questions and he answered them thoughtfully. Listen to Banks’ Numbers while reading about his recent endeavors and ideas about making music.
Photo: Jon Schwartz
Can you tell me about NUMBERS?
Basically, NUMBERS is a playlist of demos, ideas and instrumentals that I made with no specific direction. I’ve been making beats for 2-3 years now and aside from producing a few of my own tracks, I hadn’t really showcased that side. So, NUMBERS kind of allows me to share that with people outside of a formal release. To me, a lot of it is just easy listening stuff that you can have on in the background and vibe to.
What came first for you, rapping or making beats?
Rapping raps, but prior to that I played guitar and did vocals in a bunch of bands through middle and high school.
You’ve been releasing a lot of instrumentals, is it true to say that you are more focused on making beats right now?
Really I’ve just been focusing on making music in any form on a regular basis. My process always starts with the instrumental and since I’ve learned to be more self sufficient I just sit down and create. Sometimes it ends up being nothing, other times I’ll make a full song, I like to just get in a groove, follow the motion and see what happens. As of late whatever beats I like but don’t have any plan for just get uploaded.
How do you fell about collaborating? Who are some of your most frequent collaborators and why?
Collaboration is probably one of my favorite aspects of being an artist. As of late I’ve been working a lot alongside I.B.C.L.A.S.S.I.C., Manny P, Noah Sims, Savier, G-Scott, Nigel Crown and a few others. Ever since I’ve had my own space to work out of its been really dope to just call people up, sit down with no pressure and just make something dope.
What’s the best thing about making music?
The medium in and of itself as a means of expression is really therapeutic and can be super gratifying. But, I think collaboration and the ability to connect with others and broaden your perspective is really what makes it special. Which I also think goes hand in hand with being able to reach and touch people with your music, knowing you can do that is the best feeling.
What’s the toughest thing about making music?
Self doubt – haha. Maybe, politics? Creative blocks? I don’t know, there’s a few things that come along with it that aren’t always favorable but overall it’s a blessing.
Anything you’ve learned about the industry in Chicago that you’d like to share with beginning artists?
If this is what you love and really want to do, then don’t hesitate and just make it happen. Create a wave and people will notice.
What are your plans for your next project?
I have two projects I’m sitting on, an EP called, Don’t Tweak, and a full length, The Tide. But, I’m still finalizing and tinkering with them though. They have a much different sound than “Ninety Nine” and some of the recent stuff I’m working on. So, in the meantime I want to just experiment with dropping singles with this different sound I’ve been messing with and continuing to fill up the numbers playlist.
I was introduced to your music through the song “Promise.” It’s still a fav of mine. Do you have a track or project that stands out as a personal favorite of yours?
That’s dope! That song might be one of my favorites as well, it’s crazy it’s like 2 years old. I think I’ve finally found a place where I’m comfortable and approaching everything with a new outlook, so some of the recent records I’ve been making might be my favorites.
How long have you been working with Glass Tree Creative? When did the studio get started? Any recordings that you’ve engineered or are working on there that you’re particularly excited about?
I’ve been with Glass Tree for about 3 years, however, the inception is a more recent thing. When I moved out to Chicago I started to intern and help out at my engineer’s (Chris Barnett / CBMIX) studio. From there that progressed into working for him and then now partnering to expand and establish a brand separate from ourselves. We actually just finished what is going to be our A room and should be launching the website and having an open house of sorts sooner than later, so needless to say I’m very excited for that.
I recently got a chance to work on a project with a new group, Steel Toe Bandits. It was a really dope process and learning experience, plus I think the music is honestly on a different wave than a lot of what you’re hearing now. They just dropped their fist single, “One Down,” it’s a definite recommended listen.
Aside from that I got to work on SoloSam’s EPOCH EP and had a lot of fun doing that. I’ve been helping Manny P with his upcoming Good Thoughts, Bad Habits project and then my homie Sterling Lavelle and I have been working on his debut as well.
Special shout to Savier cause his project will drop, HOPEFULLY SOONER THAN LATER, and we cut some vocals and laced a beat up for that at Glass Tree too.
Photo: Brad Cohen
A Few Favorites:
Producers: Kanye, Jake One, Madlib, Falls, THEMpeople, Roman Flowrs, BoatHouse, OddCouple, JARO, Nigel Crown and probably a million others.
Bands: Mars Volta, Bumpy Mayfield, and then I don’t if they’re a “band”, but, Pacific Shore (shouts to Neon Pajamas)
Favorite female vocalists: SZA, Siren, Lili. K
Local artists: Kweku Collins, Femdot, Roosevelt The Titan, to name a few.
Books: Black Cross by Greg Iles
Movies: Bones Brigade
Chicago restaurants: Too many to choose from, but, lately I’ve been frequenting Parsons cause that chicken sandwich is unreal.
Feature Photo: Bianca Garcia
