Jacob Banks Releases the Soul-Stirring "By Design [Evel Knievel]," Announces 'Lies About the War'

You’ll immediately stop in awe when you first hear the soft and compelling voice of London-based singer Jacob Banks in his new track "By Design [Evel Knievel]." Fresh off the release of his March EP, For My Friends, Banks is back to share his powerful sound in anticipation of his upcoming album Lies About the War, set to release this August under Banks’ own label, Nobody Records.

The track opens with an honest confession: Banks has found himself contemplating the often intimidating and unforeseeable grip of life and love. However, instead of shying away from his feelings, he confronts the unknown, singing, "All I got is love and time / Oh, I’m just living by design." "By Design [Evel Knievel]" grabs listeners with a swooning, cycling operatic harmony and piano pairing that leads into Banks' stirring vocals. Each line is wrapped in emotional turmoil, which is elevated as a classic organ steers a chorus that grows and falls as Banks allows listeners into his head. Speaking of this exciting release, Banks reveals "'By Design [Evel Knievel]’ is about the novelty of youth, before we were altered. At our core, I truly believe we all just want to love and be loved. But even that is a luxury now.”

One listen to "By Design [Evel Knievel]" will make you an instant fan of Jacob Banks. Luckily, with a forthcoming album and North American tour on the horizon, there is plenty to champion in the months to come.

Listen to "By Design [Evel Knievel]" below: