No one creates atmosphere quite like Jillian Banks. For the past ten years, the Los Angeles artist, known as BANKS, has transformed alt-R&B into a stunning piece of art, blending club confessions, euphoric highs reminiscent of 'Thursday,' and dreamy SoundCloud pop into a diverse array of avant-garde beats. Her music has defied categorization, with tracks like 'Warm Water,' 'Gemini Feed,' 'Gimme,' and 'Fuck Love' continuing themes of femininity and empowerment that reflect her creativity, her experiences with a spinal fracture and Hashimoto’s disease, and her passion for Ableton, with her slow-motion portrayals of modern romance resonating like the second half of 'Modal Soul.' Her newest project, 'Off With Her Head,' revisits the electronic soul that characterized 2014’s 'Goddess,' infusing it with heartfelt tributes to love that outline her personal growth.
Honestly, the alt-pop scene was in need of an album like this: 'Off With Her Head' draws inspiration from 'LP1' and 'Take Me Apart,' merging analog romanticism with metallic soundscapes, Blake-style interludes, and a closeness that thrives on escapism. The album features collaborations with Sampha, Doechii, and French singer-songwriter Yseult Marie Onguenet, consistently highlighting flushed textures and dancefloor seductions that orbit the heart with intention. BANKS has embraced her current self—exemplified by the stunning 'Stay' and the request for a BAYNK remix of 'River'—and she is now assured in her aspirations for the future. “Creating this album has aided my healing and helped me find peace with who I am,” she shares in her album bio. “No one has seen what I am capable of, and I’m thrilled to reveal it. I feel that I’ve always been ahead of my musical time, and now it’s my moment.”
With 'Off With Her Head' released this month, we had the opportunity to chat with BANKS about her fifth studio album, the making of 'Goddess: Unplugged,' her passion for fiction, reuniting with Lil Silva and other collaborators, and how beginning a new life outside of L.A. has encouraged her to be more present.
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How crucial is it to create art without any limitations or expectations?
Ugh… it’s absolutely essential. I can't create art without freedom because I believe that creativity only flourishes when you feel unrestrained and open; for me, if there are any constraints, it just doesn’t work.
When did you realize you wanted to do something special with 'Goddess: Unplugged'?
It hit me when I realized the ten-year anniversary was approaching. I wanted to create something meaningful to commemorate it and give back. I'm incredibly thankful for what that album has brought me, and how many people connected with it, so I wanted to gift something to everyone who's supported me over the years; it was really exciting to reinterpret those songs.
How has your connection to 'Goddess' evolved over the last decade?
It’s fundamentally a matter of the passage of time. When you're in the midst of something, your perspective is vastly different than when you look back at it. That album feels like a part of me; I created it, and it signifies a significant time in my life. I regard all my music this way, but 'Goddess' holds a unique place in my heart—not necessarily more special, but different since it marked the beginning of my career.
I find it fascinating how songs can be timeless. Even if they once had a specific meaning, their significance can evolve, and you can engage with them in fresh ways—music feels like snapshots of time whose meanings can transform.
What led you to move on from your life in California, and how has the transition to Seattle been for you?
It has been incredibly beneficial for me. I feel healthier in my body, my cortisol levels have dropped, and my nervous system feels more stable. I grew up in Los Angeles, and while I love it, the combination of my career and life there can be overwhelming. Having a home base separate from the chaos in L.A. has been refreshing, especially since my fiancé is from Seattle.
We spent a few years living in L.A., but during that time I always visited Seattle. After coming here for a couple of weeks, I noticed I would consistently feel calm and happy, which made the move feel exciting. And since I'm frequently in L.A. for work, it's just a short flight to [Hollywood] Burbank Airport.
Was it challenging to rediscover your sense of peace in a new city?
Not particularly. I have a home studio, and while it's a process to find a new routine and discover my go-to spots—like favorite markets and coffee shops—it has been inspiring and brought joy into my life. Being
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No one creates atmosphere quite like Jillian Banks. For ten years, the Los Angeles artist, recognized as BANKS by the public, has transformed alt-R&B into a captivating experience.