Ano Bank$ Q+A Interview: Performance at The Hideout, building a unique fanbase, and more

By: GroovNuke

Ano Bank$ is an emerging Chicago-based artist with a unique blend of talents, including his musical prowess and his showcasing as a barber and football coach. As a songwriter, he has carved a niche for himself, channeling his soulful and carefree expression into his music, making it a defining feature of his distinct sound. 

Throughout his career, Ano Bank$ has treated the listeners to a nice collection of projects. Notable among these are the captivating bodies of work such as "Luh Elephant EP," "Blue Smoke EP," "Kamili EP," and "Low End Theory." Each of these releases has persistently displayed his versatility as an artist and the ability to experiment with different blends from R&B to lo-fi. 

Recently, I was able to catch a live performance by Bank$ at The Hideout, and it was a great experience. One of the highlights of the show was witnessing Ano Bank$ perform alongside a live band. It was his first time in a while performing with a live band, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. 

From the moment he started sound check, it was evident that he had an unwavering dedication in  connecting with the concertgoers. With cohesiveness already settling in from a live band, he made an already intimate crowd feel more belonging. As the opener, he set a tone for the show and left concertgoers with a lasting impression. 
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In the aftermath of the concert, I caught up with the multifaceted musician to talk about his performance at The Hideout, his journey of developing a unique fanbase, and more. 

Q: Talk about your experience with doing live shows? 
​A: I mean shows at first was the thing I wanted to do but felt like I didn’t have access too but since I’ve been performing, to me with music, performing is like my happy place. A space to be reaffirmed and actually feel my music. Feel the vibrations from the speakers. And see how my words and tones hit people. It’s beautiful fr. 🖤

Q: What do you look for when performing live?
A: Really it’s about the vibe that the space is creating, also I don’t like to perform short sets fr I like to be on for 20 mins at least.

Q: You recently opened up for Gus Glasser at the Hideout, how did that go for you?
​A: It went great actually, I met a lot of good people (creative and supporters alike) the venue was dope. Also it was my first set with a full band in a minute. It was definitely what I needed to start the summer.🖤

Q: Before and during your set, I saw you rely heavily on crowd interaction. How beneficial is that as an artist?
A: To me it’s everything. Without them it is no show, literally. So I try to focus on them. Interact with them, just give them a reason to remember me outside of the music. Show my personality.

Q: Talk about your recent journey in developing a unique fan base?
A: It’s peaks and valleys. I think more so as artists we focus on who’s not listening, when we should focus on who is. That’s where I’m at now. Kinda like “I go to where the love is” type thing 🖤
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Q: What are your favorite song(s) to perform live?
A: 'Black Gold', 'Coaster', 'Lose Control' (unreleased). I really love ‘em all frfr. Some songs are just better for live instrumentation.

Q: What is a dream show/set for you?
A: I wanna do house of blues Chicago. Sold out show. Full band. Or honestly, if I could sell out the Regal, that too. Miles Davis did some historic shit there and I would like to bring that classic feel back to that venue.🖤

Q: What can listeners expect from Ano Bank$ for the remainder of the year?
A: Music! Getting back in the swing. Being outside but more intentional about talking to everybody that supports me. Videos and collabs. But really music that could be a soundtrack to represent a time in your life. 🖤

Be sure to follow Ano Bank$ on social media and get connected with his music across major streaming platforms. His latest single 'Smile' with Chirashe can be found below. 

Stream/Download 'Smile'