Say hello to October’s PEAK Artist of the Month – The Bankes Brothers!
There’s an undeniable spark when The Bankes Brothers take the stage—a mix of raw energy, tight musicianship, and the kind of chemistry that only comes from growing up together. Hailing from Victoria, BC, the band quickly built a name for themselves with their high-energy live shows, and timeless rock ‘n’ roll spirit – with a modern indie edge. Fronted by brothers Nelson and Morgan Bankes (vocals/guitar), alongside Carson Cleaver (lead guitar) and Gray Oxley (drums), they turn every performance into a full-throttle celebration of live music.
Since the release of their debut EP, In Waves, produced by Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat, The Zolas, Mounties), The Bankes Brothers have become one of Canada’s most exciting emerging rock acts. Their hook-heavy, melody-driven sound has taken them across the country, touring with Jesse Roper and lighting up festival stages at Edmonton Folk Fest, Laketown Shakedown, and Phillips Backyard Weekender, among others.
One of the most surreal moments for the band occurred on tour this past year “The crowds were already singing back the lyrics to songs that haven’t even been released,” said Nelson. “It was incredible. At this stage, we’re always wondering if a tour is worth doing. That was proof it’.” chimed Morgan – and he wasn’t wrong. That experience cemented their momentum, reinforcing their ability to connect with audiences and setting the stage for their next chapter.
Their reputation has only grown overseas. In 2024, they joined Red Rum Club for a UK tour, playing to packed rooms each night and proving their ability to captivate international audiences. That tour marked a turning point—solidifying their presence beyond Canada and setting the stage for even bigger opportunities.
Now, The Bankes Brothers are gearing up for the release of their new EP, produced by Gus van Go (The Beaches, The Arkells, Hollerado), a collection of songs that showcase their evolution as a band. The upcoming release builds on their signature sound—melodic, driving, and effortlessly cool—while pushing into new sonic territory with key singles “Bedroom Wall”, “Where Do We Go From Here” and “Waited All Night” pushing the band into an era of rock’n’roll bangers and anthemic crowd pleasers.
At their core, The Bankes Brothers are a band made for the stage. Whether it’s an intimate club show or a festival crowd singing along, their music is meant to be experienced live. With new music on the horizon and momentum on their side, they’re proving that they’re more than just a band to watch—they’re a band built to last.
“This song was born right here in Vancouver; we got to work on this song right off the back of our debut EP ‘In Waves’ – working on it with Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat, Mounties) back in 2023. We stayed up until like 6AM working on this one in Steve’s New Westminster studio, fuelling ourselves with Red Bull and boxed wine. Carson played variations of the guitar solo for like a full hour straight. The moment he NAILED the solo – followed by a round of high fives, we all passed out on the couch from exhaustion. That’s one of my favourite memories from the making of this record.
We eventually fleshed out this song and the entire new EP while we were in Toronto with Gus Van Go, but this one retains its roots here in Vancouver!”
The Bankes Brothers are our PEAK BC Artist of the Month for October! Check out their song, ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’, and hear it all month long on THE PEAK!