In a world where liberty is a lonely road forbidden to be trodden by the multitudes, multi-faceted musician Greg Banks is a Free Man in all dimensions – singing, writing, dressing and expressing himself without shame or consternation in every move he makes. With his lean yet muscular build adorned with the funkiest, super�yest of fashions and accessories, his presence and presentation leave no doubt: he must be an artist of some sort. Singer, songwriter and model, Greg Banks brings a �ery yet earthy and creative spark to any endeavor he elects to make an entrance.

Born in the Black culture epicenter of New Orleans, Louisiana and currently residing in the Bohemian root down turf of Brooklyn, New York, staunchly independent Greg Banks is a proli�c troubadour of Funk, Rock and Soul with four EPs and a string of singles in circulation via High Velocity Management. Also recognized as "The Saint of Soul" (though innocence is not a character trait), Greg's artistry encompasses singing lead and harmonized vocals, playing guitar, harmonica and trumpet, writing, arranging and producing his music then performing fronting his 6-piece band before spellbound audiences.

"Everything about New Orleans encouraged individuality and forward thinking," Greg shares. "I see myself as an eclectic fusion of Soul, Funk and Rock & Roll which also encompasses the Blues. I can't be anything less than what inspired me. I listened to Dr. John, Curtis May�eld, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, Nas and the Meters. Through their fearlessness in striving to create something that would last forever, they provided me a priceless blueprint."

Greg Banks, on a consistent upward surge, has already wowed audiences from the Apollo Theatre in Harlem to the Whisky a Go-Go in West Hollywood, had an hour long special on Sirius/XM's "Heart & Soul," rocked a crowd of �erce no-nonsense Black women in a �nale concert for the Essence Music Festival in his stomping ground of New Orleans, and impressed student unions at both Howard and Georgetown universities in another hard to crack market: Washington, D.C. Collaborations with Oakland rapper G-Eazy resulted in two hit singles – "Candy Girl" and "Runaround Sue" – then opening for Lil Wayne on a summer tour.

"I started out in choir and marching bands so there were always layers to what I do," Greg continues. "I learned to pick apart the various musical elements then place them so they complement, never overcrowd, the overall outcome. I �netuned this by writing to other producers' tracks. Once I could compose and coproduce, my approach never changed. I listen carefully to what the music says to me then construct my songs piece by piece. It's not like I want to do everything on my own but I had to learn...otherwise I'd always be waiting on other people. Out of necessity, I wear multiple hats."

Greg Banks grew up the �fth of nine children raised by a single mother bouncing between horri�c housing projects. His father, sadly, was incarcerated. Hard knock street life �re-branded Greg's inner tenacity and individuality, while the love from his family kept him grounded in the holy trinity of faith, ambition and patience. He was drawn to music naturally, singing and writing his �rst songs at age 5. He honed his talent in school. Then in August 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced Greg and his family to �ee ‘Nawlins' to Natchez, Mississippi. Greg stated, "Hurricane Katrina took all of my tangible possessions but left me with my purpose. In the midst of devastation, I found my blessing."

It was in Natchez that Greg recorded his �rst album, The Time Is Now (featuring "Goodbye Sex" and "Sel�sh"), a powerful debut that cemented his reputation as a singer/songwriter. He returned to New Orleans and received a scholarship to Xavier University studying Classical voice as well as marketing and sales. He later released the EPs Greg Banks (2012) and Stones and Copper (2014), and singles The Saint of Soul: A-Side/B-Side (2016) and "Heaven" (f/ Shunta) – (2017).

"My projects are always at least semi-conceptual because I am always telling a story," Greg muses. "...multiple stories...almost like a novel. But I don't limit myself to that so I can write whatever I'm feeling on a whim." Breaking down his last EP, 2016's 5-song Lagniappe (a Creole word in New Orleans – pronounced lan yap - that means "A Little Something Extra"), Greg explains, "It started with ‘Your Love,' which is about the love I got from my Mom and Grandma to create the life I wanted to create. The following song was '16,' the story of my uncle who went on a crime spree and was locked up at age 16 for 16 years, thus his nickname ‘16.' Despite all the devastation he experienced, he left me with priceless words that gave meaning to my life: ‘You don't stop until your heart stops.' ‘Rock My World' is a playful song about a woman with magnetic pull. The follow-up song, ‘Arson,' tells her since you made me feel this way, we about to set this bedroom on �re! The album ends with ‘Remember,' about how this same woman, who meant the world to me, lied to me and tore our love down. So, I leave her with a thought: ‘Whenever you're lonely, remember...you once had someone who loved you.'"

Re�ecting more deeply on the artists that most speci�cally in�uenced not so much the sound of his music but the way he walks his walk as an artist, Greg speaks fondly of three. "I have to say Bill Withers �rst because he lived his life then wrote about his experiences - many of his songs becoming classics. He didn't break until he was in his 30s. He came out as a seasoned individual who was authentic in his expression. Then it would be a toss-up between Michael Jackson and Prince. MJ took everything he studied to another level. However, Prince was a fearless genius unconcerned about anything he did not �tting into the industry mold. He's the reason nobody will ever tell me what I can or cannot do."

As for his attention arresting approach to style and fashion – onstage and o� - Greg laughs as he states, "My style is a BIG part of who I am as an artist! It originally came from me not being able to buy new clothes. There were 9 of us so my mother couldn't take us to Macy's. She started out making our clothes then introduced me to Goodwill and secondhand stores. That's how I developed my identity. There were no labels on the clothes and no rules that said you can't wear this with that. I bought things I liked. If it wasn't my size, I had it adjusted by a tailor. I created my own signature look. That look became a magnet and a conversation starter – people wanting to know what I do...someone who was not afraid to embrace themselves. It wasn't easy. I attended a private high school. There was always pressure to look a certain way. I learned to stand up for myself and not get pushed around."

Greg's cool con�dence is on soulful display in his latest single, "I'll Be There." "This is me telling a woman she doesn't have to be ashamed to say that she wants me. I'm not going to judge you for your desire. I'm going to meet you at the level that you want to be met. So, don't be afraid. Talk to me. The attitude borders on arrogant. ‘Why didn't you tell me you wanted me like that? I fully expect that you would!' This song plays into, ‘Who is Greg Banks? What is his personality – is he cocky or kind? It also showcases my vocal arranging and style of production."

Looking ahead to what is anticipated to be his breakthrough album, Greg teases, "It's less conceptual story-wise and more about building block styles of music - from solo acoustic to something orchestral and then...some funk. I have a catalog of hundreds of songs...things I did years ago that could be singles now. Everything I did had a greater purpose than I was able to see in the moment. In the process, I met my manager Marlene who inspires me to keep on pushing forward. I have 4 sons and 19 nieces and nephews. My music is their legacy. If one of my songs can help them pay to go to college, I would be honored and proud."

(Bio composed by A. Scott Galloway - March 2018)

NOTABLE CAREER PERFORMANCESB.E.T. Black College Tour Competition WinnerEssence Music Festival Finale ConcertOpening act for Lil Wayne’s No Ceiling Tour in Lafayette, LAOpening Act for Mike Jones and Jaz Philadelphia, PAXavier University Spring Fest opening act for Trey SongzHoward University and Georgetown University performace inWashington, DCS.O.B’s in New York, NYBB Kings New York, NYThe Sugar BarThe World Famous Apollo TheaterPIX11 NYC GMW ABC7 - NEWSLaMarina NYCBrooklyn FunkFest 2012 The Brooklyn Music Festival 2016THE SHRINE WORLD MUSIC VENUEPaperBoxThe DelanceyMatchlessSpinNYCROCKWOOD MUSIC HALLDROM NYC Whisky A GoGoKnitting FactoryFox5 TV (featured segment)Joe’s Pub The Bowery Electric Brooklyn BowlSiriusXM Radio - One Hour Special w/Greg Banks

SOCIAL NETWORKSFacebook - www.Facebook.com/GregbanksmusicTwitter - www.Twitter.com/GregBanksMusicInstagram: GregbanksmusicTumblr: GregbanksmusicReverb Nation: www.reverbnation.com/gregbanksYouTube: www.youtube.com/gregbankstvwww.gregbanksmusic.comiTunes: Greg Banks

CONTACT INFOHigh Velocity Management INCMarlene Duperley646 415 3915Highvelocitymanagement@gmail.com