Having featured emerging hip-hop artist, Tony Banks, a few weeks back with his latest single ‘Run!’, Diagnosis were lucky enough to have a chat with him about his music and what’s next for the Brooklyn based beat-master…
Tell us a little bit about where you’re from?
Hi. My name is Music Bear Tony Banks. I’m an LGBT hip-hop artist from Brooklyn, NY – home of some of the best MCs in the history of Hip-Hop.
How has your location affected your music?
Brooklyn has always been a mecca for hip-hop talent and great music in general. Lots of amazing sounds are coming from Brooklyn. It’s very inspiring to witness.
What genre would you describe your music as?
Hip-Hop has always been a melting pot of sounds, textures and flavors. My music is no different. House, Dance, Funk, Pop
What are you listening too? What are your influences?
I’ve always looked to classic artists like Missy Elliot, LL Cool J, Andre 3000 and the Lost Boyz as influences. But right now I’m listening to a lot of soul music. Music that created emotion. Ranging in topics and style.
Where can we see you play?
Right now I’m doing shows in NYC, but looking to go on a US tour followed by a UK/EU tour next spring. Look for dates at www.musicbearonline.com
Are there any evocative personal experiences that come through in your music?
All my music is personal in some way. I don’t write songs just because that topic is in fashion. I’m broke so you will never hear me talking about spending a bunch of money that I don’t have, or buying fancy things. But you will hear stores from my life as a black gay man.
Tell us about your live setup?
It depends on the show but I’m working on build a consistent group of Drummers and DJ’s that I perform with depending on the location.
What’s next?
Showing the world that what they know about hip-hop is different when it comes to me. And that different isn’t always bad!
Check out more on Tony Banks here:
Links:
www.facebook.com/musicbeartonybanks
https://twitter.com/MusicBearTonyB
https://www.instagram.com/musicbeartonyb/