Banners is the stage name of English singer, songwriter and musician Michael Joseph Nelson from Liverpool. He works as a solo artist and plays piano and guitar. Raised in Liverpool, he develops an early interest in music through his family and his involvement with the Liverpool Cathedral Choir.

Career

Nelson begins releasing music in 2015 under the name Raines, issuing the debut single “Ghosts” before adopting the BANNERS name later that year. His breakthrough single, “Shine a Light”, follows in 2015 and reaches number 5 on the Billboard Canada Rock chart and number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100. In 2016, he signs to Island Records and releases the self-titled debut EP, produced by Stephen Kozmeniuk. That release includes “Shine a Light” and “Start a Riot” alongside two new tracks, and it debuts at number 67 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.

Releases and reception

Among BANNERS’ best-known songs are “Start a Riot”, “Half Light” and “Someone to You”. The first two gather millions of streams, while “Someone to You” passes 1.5 billion streams. His first studio album, Where the Shadow Ends, appears in 2019 and is preceded by “Got It In You” and the title track.

Touring and media

BANNERS tours with acts including Milky Chance and POP ETC, performs on television programmes such as American Idol and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and has music placed in films and television series. He also supports a North American headline tour behind Where the Shadow Ends.

Style

His music is described as indie-focused, with anthemic arrangements, falsetto vocals and melodic hooks. It is often associated with an emotional, expansive sound and has drawn comparison with Coldplay’s Chris Martin.