Houston native Byron Bank’s love of music runs deep. It shows in his unswerving movement towards his dream of rap / hip-hop stardom and in his award-winning work that has compelled the critics to rave: ‘Bank's new album takes an uncompromising vector through mountains of second-rate material on the market to deliver one the hardest encounters with the genre we've braced in a long time.’ Unlike many of his contemporary rappers, however, Byron Bank has an edge. His music combines a flawless lyrical flow with evocative rhythmic elements. Coupled with original lyrics and a memorable hook, his new single ‘T.H.O.T.’ is attracting fans across the globe. Recently, reporter Blake Wright caught up with this intriguing artist to find out more about his musical inspiration and plans for the future.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
BYRON BANK: The most craziest thing that happened to me in my music career would have to be signing my autograph on a back of a fans iPhone. I felt weird at first but she was like yes please yes please and I was like okay. I never thought that someone would want you to sign the back of their cell phone. I'm like don't you still have to use that! But I hope they kept their phone because that autograph is going to be worth something real soon!
BLAKE: Your song’T.H.O.T.’is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BYRON BANK: My initial reaction would have to be an almost shocked surprised feeling. I couldn't believe that at that moment I was hearing myself on the air. It was a humbling experience but yet an exciting one. After it all sunk in, I pulled out my phone and started recording and texting my team and family that look they are playing my song even went on a social rampage!
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BYRON BANK: The inspiration behind the song, "T.H.O.T" I would have to say was life and all the ratchet activities that are trending nowadays. You see every day usage of a non working cell phone only when there's a WiFi network present. You always hear girls with tons of make up saying "they woke up like this" thanks to Beyonce, but we all know the truth. The he say, she say gossip and the innocent but in denial responses we hear from time to time. It's just these little simple things we hear and see that inspired the song.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BYRON BANK: I would have to say my childhood experiences. I grew up with my dad barely around and my mother and grandmother raised me mostly. I would always be promised things and majority of the time things will fall through which taught me in life to never depend on no one but myself. So I use to get myself lost in the music and hear songs that related to how I would feel about what I was going through inside. The more and more I listened to artists like Tupac, Biggie, Scarface, Lil Keke, Nas and more I would hear how personal the stories were. So one day me and my friends started using instrumentals that use to come with the single cassette tapes and I started rapping. And even now knowing I can be the voice for someone like me it fuels me to keep going and even more when people doubt me for what I can do it keeps me going as well.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
BYRON BANK: I'm easy going, down to earth, fun, out spoken, lyrical and a storyteller.
BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BYRON BANK: My experience working with my team has been amazing. We act like a real family, a bit dysfunctional at times but we always manage to get back on the same page. My team is wonderful so much as happened and without them I couldn't do it alone.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BYRON BANK: Yes, my grandmother is an excellent piano player which I found out in my high school years and one of my kin-folk is a well known singer in the industry.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BYRON BANK: The most rewarding part for me is when people tell me they heard my music and it reminded them of something they went through or was going through. This makes me feel like I accomplished exactly what I wanted to do for my listeners and fans, make music they can relate to. The most challenging part would be trying to get people to listen and hear what I have to say. As a hip-hop/rap artist most shy away from the genre which makes it hard to initiate the dialogue but once the connection is there and they hear me, it's a wrap!
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
BYRON BANK: My role models in music would be Byron Bank, Jay-Z, J.Cole, Nas, Drake, Lupe Fiasco and Kendrick Lamar. (in that order)
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BYRON BANK: My best performance would have to be when I performed at Fitzgerald's in Houston, Tx. It was my first time in a long time performing in front of a big crowd with my friend who was just starting off as a DJ. It was a showcase and the place was packed. We went on 6th and had the show of a lifetime. We didn't practice or anything we just feed off each other's energy and the crowd was feeling every word. I will never forget that day!
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BYRON BANK: Don't give up! No matter how hard it may seem don't throw in the towel. Put yourself first, don't rely on someone to put you on or say they will help you. Help yourself first! Invest in yourself, believe in yourself and eventually the no will turn into a yes!
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BYRON BANK: The next thing for me is promoting the album, "Change", looking to be a part of some upcoming tours and trying to get into the acting business. My next single in the works right now is also off the album and it's titled "Hometown". I just released a video for it and it's now on available on YouTube.
BLAKE: Very exciting, I can't wait! Thank you for taking the time to let us into your world as an artist. I wish you continued success in your career.
http://www.thebyronbank.com
