Today we’d like to introduce you to Koko Banx.
Hi Koko, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I came up in Rochester NY in a home with several generations so I was raised around a lot of music. My father from Jamaica exposed me to reggae and lovers rock; my Southern mother exposed me to soul and funk; my sister loved dancehall, R&B and rap. Me, I loved it all but especially rock music because I felt like it spoke for me. Moving to Buffalo for college gave me the chance to explore the artistic side of myself seriously through painting and music, that community was so embracing to me. Fast forward today, Ive moved to NYC &. making the music I’ve always had the confidence to make but FINALLY executing it is the cherry on top.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride. I’ve faced obstacles of all types whether it’s been financial roadblocks, band & friendship breakups, mental health battles and even homelessness. In those moments I always tried to remember the creative I am internally and in a way tried to turn a bit of that pain into art.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do whatever my heart sets on to be honest. I am musician who refuses to be bounded by genre or what the culture feels like that should look like physically/visually/etc. I just released a punk and metal project called Black Starlet that I am soooo proud of due to my vulnerability- that’s my baby. Im also a tattoo artist on the side from my regular job and I’ve been tattooing for 6 years. I like to oil paint and draw as well for self-care purposes.
I think what sets me apart from others is my music does not sound like I made it haha and it actually has substance. I shock a lot of people with my screams and subject matter at shows
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Think about what you wanna share to the world and don’t pull too much from other artists. Imitation is flattery but copying is crap. It helps to think about the journey in making the music besides where you want it to end up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokobanx
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iamkokobanx
