Birth name Michael Joseph Nelson Instruments Vocalspianoguitar Labels IslandHOME | Also known as Raines Years active 2015–present | |
Occupation(s) Singer-songwritermusician Similar Flipsyde, Pupo, Phil Fearon, Robert Palmer, Maze Profiles | ||
Michael Joseph Nelson, known under the stage name Banners (styled as BANNΞRS), is an English musician from Liverpool. He released his debut EP Banners in January 2016 through Island Records, following three singles released in 2015: "Ghosts", "Shine a Light" and "Start a Riot".
Contents
History
Banners grew up singing in Liverpool Cathedral Choir and performed with the choir in various locations throughout Europe before deciding to start a solo a career. He contacted Canadian producer Stephen Kozmeniuk to work on his sound. He signed with Island Records in 2015. Nelson released his debut single "Ghosts" in March 2015 under the stage name Raines. A music video for the song was directed by Christopher Ranson.
His second single, "Shine a Light", was released in August 2015 under the new moniker Banners. The song appeared on the soundtrack for the FIFA 16 video game. A music video for the song was directed by Christopher Ranson and released in October 2015. "Shine a Light" has charted on Billboard Canada Rock and Rock Airplay charts.
In early December 2015, Spotify included Banners on its Spotlight list, which highlights 15 artists to watch in 2016. On 4 December, Banners released his third single "Start a Riot". The song has charted on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart.
Banners' debut self-titled EP, produced by Kozmeniuk, was released on 15 January 2016 through Island Records. In addition to the three previously released songs, it included two new tracks: "Gold Dust" and "Back When We Had Nothing". The EP debuted at number 67 on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart. On 22 January 2016, Capitol Records released a soundtrack album for the TV series The Royals, which included Banners' song "Half Light". On 27 January 2016, Banners made his television debut performing "Shine a Light" on ABC's show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. From 29 February to 31 March 2016, he joined American bands POP ETC and The Moth & The Flame for his first U.S. tour. On 3 June 2016, Banners released "Half Light" as a single.
On 24 July 2016, Banners performed at WayHome Music & Arts Festival. His single "Into the Storm", released on 16 September 2016, has peaked at number 30 on the Canada Rock chart. Banners premiered a song titled "Holy Ground" on 17 November on Billboard. The song was released as a single a day later.
Songs
Shine a LightBanners · 2016
Start a RiotBanners · 2016
GhostsBanners · 2016