Ep. 211: BANKS | Why One Song Isn’t Enough: Rejection & Longevity in Music

And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

And The Writer Is

Unknown, Music Interviews, Songwriting, Music, Songwriters, Education, Interviews, Music Creation, Artists

4.9 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 27 May 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!

00:00 - Intro

01:07 - Growing Up in L.A.

03:52 - Music as Math?

06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First

08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab

10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard

12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy

15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS

18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman

21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away

22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings

27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk

31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture

34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit”

36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs

38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now

39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened

41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter

42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift

43:03 - Studio Magic Stories

44:14 - Writing for Other Artists?

46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS

48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions

49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round

53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One

54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy

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Transcript

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0:00.0	When are you Jillian and when are you banks?
0:02.0	When I'm writing a song and I'm in something, like there is a world that it creates and there's colors that it creates and there's an energy and a mood and like that's like the world that I want to live in.
0:13.0	Most of your songs are 100% songs, you know, like you're really going through the whole pain of it all.
0:18.0	There's a lot of rejection that comes with this business, and I think that that's a decision
0:22.7	every single time you get rejected to keep going.
0:25.7	And I think, thank God I did.
0:29.6	Welcome to And The Writer is, I am your host, Ross Golland.
0:33.9	There are millions of singers and thousands of artists, but only 40 songs per genre at a time.
0:41.9	This podcast aims to shed a light on those creators who make those songs. I produce this with
0:47.6	my friend Joe London in association with Mega House music group. Special shoutout, Charlotte
0:53.1	Isidore, Jad, and Michaelael white and you can follow us at and the writer is on all your
0:59.6	socials we'll see you there now this week's episode welcome to and the writer is i am your host ross golan
1:08.3	today's true artist is a fearless force in the alternative R&B and electropop scenes.
1:17.0	She's built a world that's haunting, hypnotic, and unmistakably her own with raw soul-bearing lyrics,
1:24.4	an atmospheric production that pulls you right into her orbit.
1:28.4	She's not just telling stories.
1:30.0	She's casting spells.
1:32.8	All the way from Seattle, Washington.
1:35.9	No, we can't say that.
1:37.4	All the way from Los Angeles, California.
1:39.6	This songwriter continues to evolve, challenging every expectation along the way.
1:45.5	And the writer is Banks.
	...

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