K Banks – born Keylan Bankston (September, 6 1993) – is a 23-year-old artist from Arkansas, but does not represent 1 single home town. Growing up he moved quite frequently bouncing from city to city, school to school. From a low income family, he has his roots in urban culture! Around the age of 11 (2004-2005) he developed a great interest in musical arts, like his father before him, and his fathers father. A present from his mother was the fire that burned down the forest. She gave him a 10 cd collaboration of beats she had saved up and purchased. Shortly after K Banks would begin experimenting with low quality recordings that did not generate many viewers. In 2009 under the stage name Lil Zone he dropped a mixtape titled “Do it for the team volume 1” that generated a listening from thousands of critics. K Banks makes music from his own first person perspective. With lyrics that reflect the hardships life can bring upon people and the success hard workers can obtain he brings a realistic look to his art. Originally, K Banks was just looking to make an impact with hip-hop music. In 2016 embraced a new concept that would open the doors to a multi platform emergence. In 2017 he gained exposure in Jamsphere Indie Music Magazine with a two-page spread. Also starting the year of right with a series of singles reaching millions of listeners on Soundcloud. Such songs are as follows – “I’m Gone”, “Fatherless Child” ,& “Grind”. What makes K Banks special is the fact that he limits the number of features he participates in. Here is a quote from him – “I do not want overnight success because if you obtain it overnight you can loose it over night! I look forward to the work and the effort needed in order to become a successful artist. The work, the grind; Those are some of the factors that drive the passion I put into my music!”

We recently interviewed the famous versatile artist, K Banks.

Check out the interview :

Q :    How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?

I recorded my first “song” at the age of 11 under the stage name Lil Zone. I knew from a young age that music is what I was going to do. My father and his father also created music, so you could say it is in my blood!

Q :    What inspires you to make music?

I inspire me. I make music about real life situations. My music is a direct reflection of what is going on in my life.

Q :    I’ve heard your latest single, I’m Gone and it’s amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?

I started out with dreams of rapping. Over the last 24 months or so I have tried to break those chains. I am a musician, not a rapper! I have been developing my craft in order to have multi platform hits. For me every song is different and I treat it that way. I never go into the booth and say I am going to make just a rap song. I go there to make music of all sorts.

Q :    Where do you record and who is involved in the process?

Believe it or not I’m still in the basement. I have upgraded a ton of my equipment but I still record in my spare room. I bust out the mic, the compressors and everything else, then I get to work! I am a 1 man show. I do all the vocals, all the editing, and all of the mixing and mastering. Only thing I don’t do is beats. Other than that the weight of my career is soley on my shoulders!

Q :    What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career, whatever industry it may be?

Be persistent and consistent. Be dedicated. This is not for the weak minded so learn how to take criticism! Not everyone will be a fan. Put time into your craft in order to perfect it. There are no shortcuts. Invest, Invest, Invest. If you aren’t willing to put money into yourself then what makes you think someone else will!

Q :    Being an independent artist, which is the one factor, above all else, that you currently desire most (increased music distribution, better quality production, more media exposure, more club and live performances etc…)?

As an independent artist I crave all that you mentioned. Right now I am focusing on more Live performances and more exposure. Independent is great and offers a ton of benefits but I look forward to conversations with major record labels. They offer so much more than just a label name that could be beneficiary to any independent artist. I would sign if the terms are right. I look forward to securing that contract.

Q :    We know that there are not any major artist in Arkansas. How does it feel to know that you are the most popular artist in your state right now?

Honestly, it is amazing. The thing is that there are only like 1.5 million people in my whole state so the chances of me being the most popular are higher. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like it. My following is really scattered right now. A few fans in this city, this state – a few fans in another city in another state. Still, its pretty amazing the following I have secured over the past 2 years!

Q :   Your songs all seem very versatile. One song may be a slow R&B song, or and up-beat pop cultured track, or even gangster rap? Do you have a favorite style?

It is all part of the grand plan. I originally was just a rapper but after my cross platform break I noticed that I can make any type of music. I will always refer back to my hip hop/rap side because that who I am and reflects me individually. I make whatever song sounds good when the beat plays. Weather it is pop, rap, dancehall, R&B, soul etc. it will still be me telling my story.

Q :    What process do you use to make your songs?

I am very selective. I may record, lets say, 20 songs and only release 1 of them. The reason for this is because I want to put out only the best of me. If I record a song and after editing I do not like it, I simply delete it! That is one of the perks to being the artist, the engineer, the owner!

Q :    To bring this to an end are there any future project we should anticipate like an album or an EP. We have all seen the Bank Statements cover but have not seen the release. Why?

I always have project in the works. Of course everyone should be aware and look forward to new projects. I drop singles periodically on Soundcloud so my followers can stay up to date! As far as the album or EP. It is coming. Just be on the look out for it.