Christopher
Banks
Songs that sound like they've always existed.
Songs that sound like they've always existed.
Albums
Nine songs of 70s-influenced soft rock, prog rock and country tracing the pull of anxious attachment through idealised romances, doomed opposites-attract pairings, the grief held in old phone numbers, and the slow work of letting go. Features appearances by bassist Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), pianist Mike Garson (David Bowie), and drummer Tony Morra (Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry).
Anxious Attachment — 1979 TV spot
Singles & EPs
An energetic slice of 70s pop-rock featuring bass from the legendary Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor). Includes early and piano-only versions of "Dead In Love" and the non-album summer rock track "Someone".
A horn-driven slice of blues-rock soul shuffle, "The Magician" rides another driving bassline from Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor). Includes a new Broadway arrangement of album track "Lateral Romance", an alternate rougher guitar mix of the title track, and the non-album yacht rock track "Postcards For The Fire".
A gentle ballad that builds into an anthemic art-rock wall of sound, featuring a commanding piano performance from Mike Garson (David Bowie). Includes an early version of fan favourite "The Window", the non-album glam-rock track "Beavers Road", and an exclusive version of "Wherever You Are" featuring additional Mike Garson piano.
A yearning country-pop classic with a timeless melody and story, featuring strings from award-winning UK folk duo Good Habits. Includes the non-album folk ballad "Let Him Shine", an alternate version of album track "Angry Letter", and an upbeat Nashville version of the title track.
Soft rock singer-songwriter Christopher Banks creates intimate, piano-centered songs that offer listeners a warm and melodic oasis from our chaotic world.
Based in Melbourne, Australia but originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Banks takes his inspiration from classic 70s and early 80s artists including Genesis, Elton John, Billy Joel, Olivia Newton-John, Chris Rea, Andrew Gold, Al Stewart, and the Bee Gees.
His debut solo album Anxious Attachment is sweet, chill, and sentimental in the best-possible ways and displays the touch of an old-school hit-maker.
Savvy fans of 90s music will remember Banks from his time in the successful dance/pop outfit Deep Obsession. He co-wrote and co-produced the group's first album, which went platinum in New Zealand and spawned three #1 singles. Banks then began getting writing and producing gigs from other New Zealand artists and racked up more Top 40 hits.
After a while, the demands of making commercial music took the joy out of Banks' creative process and he left the business, moved to Australia, and spent a decade away from his piano.
In the last few years, Banks felt a call inside himself to return to music and songwriting but in a new, uncompromising way. No longer willing to chase industry trends, Banks knew he had to make music inspired by the late 70s-style soft rock he authentically loved without worrying about what might be currently popular.
His quiet, personal rebellion led to the songs contained on Anxious Attachment, which are the finest and most meaningful songs he's ever written.
When I started writing again, my main goal was to not fall out of love with music, and that meant being totally authentic and uncompromising. I still love all the records I grew up with in the late 70s and early 80s, and if anything appreciate them more now that I'm older and really understand just how well crafted they were. What motivates me now when sitting down to write a song is being able to tell a story, capture a feeling, and create something special out of nothing.
Christopher Banks is a rare commodity in modern times. He's a deeply-talented musician and creator who made it big, walked away, and now makes music full of maturity and integrity. He knows being true to himself is the only way forward.
Listeners seeking inventive and imaginative new music that's heartfelt and smooth will want to seek him out.
— Mike O'Cull
If a song has meant something to you, if you want to talk about the music, or if you think we might have something to work on together, get in touch.