Singer/songwriter BANNERS came out of the shadows and into the light in the blink of an eye.
Back in 2015, when BANNERS was still known by his birth name Mike Nelson, he released his debut single “Ghosts” under the moniker RAINES.
Now, with the name change, he released his first debut EP called BANNERS on Jan. 15, 2016.
Even though their most recent album only had five songs, BANNERS got recognition from Spotify and music festivals.
Included on Spotify’s Spotlight playlist, a compilation of artists Spotify predicts will be hits in the following year, BANNERS started the year off strong.
He also participated in the South by South West music festival in Austin, Texas. Born in Liverpool, considered as the UK’s top represented city next to London, BANNERS was amongst some of Liverpool’s growing talent; artists include We Are Catchers, Låpsley, and Clean Cut Kid.
In addition, sports and video game fans may recognize BANNERS’ single, “Shine A Light,” in the soundtrack and game “FIFA 16.”
“The song is about feeling lost at sea and desperately searching for a beacon of light,” Nelson told Consequence of Sound. “It’s about waiting for that one big wave to finally pull you under, while clinging on to that one last ray of hope. It’s a song to the person in your life that offers salvation while the storm is raging around you.”
Even though the song’s lyrics are repetitive, the mix of his raw voice and rhythm pulls you in. Listening closely, I interpreted the song just as BANNERS described it: empowering.
Other songs in the EP, such as “Start A Riot” and “Ghosts”, are slower songs that also have motivating lyrics and relaxing rhythms.
Focusing on music more recently, BANNERS appeared more in interviews and press releases, signing to big record deals, doing meet and greets, and planning a tour in Europe.
As BANNERS keeps growing in popularity, more U.S. fans will keep waiting for a tour in the near future.
