Setting the tone for the coming week, Jacob Banks releases the first offering of his forthcoming album with the track “Just When I Thought”, along with a cinematic visual. While the song opens with an overwhelming pounding of drums, a scene is set between two lovers who appear to be at war with each other. Within the visual, Jacob stands alone waving a red flag towards a woman who speeds out of control in a car. Though ambiguous in its message, the actions prove that though Jacob orchestrates his sound, there is something wild about it: It holds a power all of its own. Finally coming to a resolve as a choir’s chorus rings out, Jacob displays himself as a lyrical powerhouse, who is able to combat his most raw and darkest fears with his chilling tune-crafting.

Speaking on the track, Jacob explains, ”With everything happening in the world over the last two years or so, I consistently found myself in a space that I felt powerless. Feeling this level of powerlessness was a new feeling, but in a way I found a new type of power in the understanding that what’s for me will always be for me if I stay ready. “Just When I Thought” is a story of two parts – my rebellion to the feeling and my surrender to the feeling.”

Hacked from Lies About The War, which is due for release in April via the artist’s own label Nobody Records, our anticipation is as high as ever for Jacob’s next project. To celebrate the Nigerian-born singer-songwriter’s success, we spoke with him about the making of the track, and what he hopes his fans can take from his sound.

To stream the track and for the full interview, scroll below…

Hey Jacob, how are you? How has this past year been?
Hey, I’m good, thank you. It’s been good minus the obvious, but I became really good at Call of Duty.

With everything that happened last year, was your creativity affected?
It’s changed how I create. I don’t enjoy going into the studio with people I haven’t met before anymore. I prefer working with loops in my own time, then going to the studio to finish off the song, and then I record at home now which is fun and also allows me more opportunities to cook the love of someone’s life on Call of Duty.

How did you first start your journey, what sparked the musical interest?
It was sparked by freedom. I just felt free and I really appreciated having an outlet that’s cheaper than therapy.

You’re Nigerian born but based in London, do you think your sound has been impacted by your heritage and city?
Yeah, of course! English youth culture pulls from a lot of West Indian culture, so I get to use a lot of that influence in my music in an authentic way.

And now you’ve just dropped your new single “Just When I Thought”, talk us through your mindset going into the release?
I’m just happy to be able to share music and to be able to still create. With everything that’s going on in the world it feels like a blessing. I’m just glad that I do what I love.

You mentioned you felt powerless over the past few years but now you’ve found yourself, what led to the discovery?
I just accepted that it’s ok to not be in control, to surrender to the feeling of now, and make the most of each moment without wondering what might come from it.

What do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope they have company and I hope they know that they are not alone.

Who would you say inspires you?
Life. Really being here is a marvel.

What is next for you? Are you working on a project? What can we expect?
I’ve got an album coming in spring and I’m really looking forward to a tour at the end of the year.