Rising artist Seymour Banks talks has a one on one interview with Southeast Hip Hop Magazine about his, past, present and future, talks about his most recent accomplishments as an artist and more! Read all about what he has to say in this in-depth interview about the poet turned recording artist known as Seymour Banks.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: How are you doing Seymour Banks?
Seymour Banks: I couldn't be better. I woke up healthy and in my right mind. You can never complain in that case right?
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: Oh yes, because complaining wont change anything (laughs). Where did you get the name Seymour Banks?
Seymour Banks: I thought about it around my senior year of college. Its something catchy that people can remember.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: What inspired you to become a rapper?
Seymour Banks: Honestly, I don't consider myself a rapper... I'm an artist. There's definitely a difference.
I started off writing poetry since being a kid so writing song lyrics comes second nature to me. Even as a kid I knew I wanted to make music I just didn't always tell everyone. I've had everyone from college professors reading my poetry to friends I would play around and freestyle with all tell me how talented I was with words, and pushed me towards pursuing the music industry. Last of all, music is something I am very passionate about. Since graduating college and working in the corporate world I decided I didn't want to work for anyone anymore. I've met many very wealthy people and they all either own their own business.
Music comes easy to me so I figured why not start my own music company and perfect my craft. I'm not your typical artist... I know when I make a song speaking truth like Tupac back in the day... There has to be an audience I can serve and make a living doing so.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Seymour Banks: Very passionate. I love making something people aren't used to. I think outside the box. At the same time, I'm not afraid to touch on subjects like love, unity, and spirituality all while twisting my flow to make a catchy tune.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: Who are your top 5 artists right now? Not of all time, but just the top 5 artists you are checking for right now?
Seymour Banks: Maaaaan. I really like J Cole and Kendrick Lamar's lyricism. I also really enjoy Drake's ear
for music. I have to throw in Jhene' Aiko's honesty and transparency in her music. I think she has an amazing voice and how can any straight man not get excited seeing a woman that fine haha. Last of all, I'd say Jay-Z. I know he hasn't made anything lately, but the man is a genius. If I have any role model its him and how he went from selling weight to pushing music and using that as a stepping stone to accomplish the many feats he has thus far.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: Who have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the the music industry?
Seymour Banks: Just to name a few artists like Chris Allen (DC & WV), Norman Dean (Pittsburgh) , Jakob (WV). I have a mixtape coming soon with a very talented artist J Paul the Demigod full of hot music. I work with a few very talented producers too like Brady Johns, Ian Patrick Hill, and Elliott Metcalf. I mean I can go for days I've worked with a lot of talented people.
As far as people I'd like to work with... I think Drake and I would really work well as well as J Cole. I'd love to work with Kanye and his crazy production quality as well as Pharrell, Timbaland, and etc. Jhene' Aiko would be at the top of that list too.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: You are originally from Nevada, correct? How is the music scene where you are from?
Seymour Banks: Long story... I was born in Denver and moved around a lot mostly growing up in Las Vegas. The music scene is cool there, but there's a lot of division I see. I've come to realize people don't support you fully back home until they see you can make it elsewhere. I still rep my city hard wherever I go... I wouldnt be the man i am today without some of the lessons I learned growing up there.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: What inspired you to move from the West to the Southeast?
Seymour Banks: I moved across the country to finish school. Since I'm already out here, I figured why not go hard and build a name for myself out this way. Its a big sacrifice because all my family and childhood friends are back west... But I see this paying off for the long term.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: Although you just recently started taking your craft seriously in trying to take it to the next level, what would you say has been 2 of the biggest highlights of your experience as a rapper so far?
Seymour Banks: I'd have to say 1 is the opportunity to perform and make it into the finals for a competition called King of the Burgh in Pittsburgh, PA. If you haven't heard of DJ Afterthought you will soon, but he's the one who gave me the opportunity. I love performing too, but the biggest highlight is the people I've met from real fans to other artists. The love I get when performing or after someone hears my music for the first time is crazy awesome. Without the amazing people who give me a chance and listen none of my accomplishments thus far are possible.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: What plans do you have for the future?
Seymour Banks: My debut project "Love Passion Rock & Roll" is coming really soon. My mixtape with J Paul the Demigod, and many other singles like "The End" and "For You" with Jahid and Bomd Squad... Ill probably have 40-50 new songs released before the end of the year.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Seymour Banks: I see myself at the top of my game. I've been doing this 2 years and done more work than some people I know in 10. My work ethic won't slow up, but rather improve as I find more ways to make this work. I see myself having everything I could ever ask for or desire by then. Wait until Jay Z or somebody with real power hears my music the first time. I believe when that alone happens my life will change for the better.
Southeast Hip Hop Magazine: Is there anything else you would like to plug? Any shout outs?
Seymour Banks: First off I want to thank God and all my supporters. Those are the real MVP's. In particular I want to thank you Jay for this opportunity. I want to thank people like Eric Jordan (DJ Monstalung), Kyle Edwards (Geek Beatz), Ryan Haynes (DJ Afterthought), Andrew Feliciano, Heath Gregg, and Rob Breton (Michael Lewis King). Last of all, my mans Brady Johns who I've recently begun working with putting together a song for my beautiful and amazing best friend Shaquana. Those are just some of the many names I could mention who I wouldn't be where I am today without.
GET MORE UPDATES ON SEYMOUR BANKS AT THESE LINKS
https://soundcloud.com/the-real-seymour-banks
https://www.instagram.com/seymour_banks/?hl=en
Check out Seymour Banks' latest single "Bugatti Dreamin'" here at this direct link
http://www.spreaker.com/user/southeasthiphop/seymour-banks-bugatti-dreamin
