IN CONVERSATION WITH BANKSIA

Interview by SAMO ŠAJN

Vasu Patel, also known as Banksia, is a British producer and composer whose music blends jazz with electronic elements. Raised across the UK, Zambia, Australia, and the USA, his diverse background influences his sound, which is both unique and emotionally rich. His latest EP, Here, Somewhere, showcases his ability to mix genres and push creative boundaries, marking an exciting new chapter in his musical journey.

The EP Here, Somewhere is blending jazz and electronic production. Can you share your creative process behind achieving this balance? Was there a particular moment or breakthrough that shaped the EP’s direction?

Blending jazz and electronic production on Here, Somewhere was about capturing raw, emotional authenticity. I focused on the improvisational spirit of jazz, enhancing it with electronic techniques to add depth and atmosphere without overpowering the essence. For instance, I multitracked drums with multiple mics to unify their sound and recorded pianos with left-and-right microphones to capture the full length of the hammers. Electronic production tied these elements together, adding textures that expanded the sonic landscape. The interplay between jazz’s freedom and electronic structure became the EP’s guiding principle, creating something timeless yet modern.

The two improvisational tracks on the EP were recorded live in one take, embracing raw spontaneity. How did this approach challenge or complement your usual production techniques, which emphasize precision and mixing?

Recording the improvisational tracks live in one take was a refreshing shift from my usual precision-driven approach. It forced me to embrace unpredictability, focusing on capturing raw energy and emotion in the moment. The spontaneity of the recordings complemented the mixing process, where I enhanced the unfiltered takes rather than over-engineering them. This balance preserved the human, imperfect elements while highlighting the performance's depth. It was a reminder of the magic in unplanned moments, pushing me to trust rawness and bring a new layer of authenticity to the EP.

Your multicultural upbringing across the UK, Zambia, Australia, and the USA brings a global perspective to your music. How have these experiences shaped your sound, particularly on Here, Somewhere?

My multicultural upbringing deeply influences my music, and Here, Somewhere reflects that. Growing up across the UK, Zambia, Australia, and the US exposed me to diverse sounds and rhythms—Zambia’s rich, community-driven music, the UK’s experimental electronic scene, Australia’s creative openness, and the US’s blend of it all. My Indian heritage adds another layer with traditional textures and emotions. These influences naturally converge in the EP, blending jazz’s improvisation, electronic layering, and rhythmic interplay into something honest that reflects my journey and identity.

You worked with a diverse group of musicians on this EP. What was it like collaborating with them, and how did their input influence the final outcome?

Collaborating with a diverse group of musicians was an incredible experience. Each brought unique energy and perspective, complementing my strengths and embracing the emotional and improvisational spirit I aimed for. Being selective about collaborators set the tone, reminding me to trust the process and step outside my comfort zone. Their creative choices and responses shaped the music, making it dynamic and alive in ways I couldn’t achieve alone. This collaborative spirit is central to Here, Somewhere, opening up new possibilities that became integral to the EP’s outcome.

From Tala to Clay and now Here, Somewhere, your releases showcase a wide stylistic range. How has your sound evolved over time, and what does this EP represent in your artistic journey?

My sound has evolved through Tala, Clay, and now Here, Somewhere, with each release reflecting a phase of exploration and emotional connection. I’ve always pushed production boundaries while staying authentic and cohesive. With this EP, I focused on blending genres seamlessly to create a sound that feels diverse yet true to me. My vision is to make music that resonates in both introspective listening and high-energy DJ sets. Here, Somewhere represents a step toward that goal, and I’m excited to continue evolving and exploring new possibilities.

Listeners describe the EP as an emotional journey, with moments of joy, calm, and introspection. How do you approach creating such vivid emotional landscapes in your music?

I start by tapping into the emotions I want to convey and letting them guide the music. Each piece is built around its core mood—whether joy, calm, or introspection—staying honest and natural. Space and silence play a big role, as the pauses between notes create tension, release, and intimacy, allowing the music to breathe. Improvisation adds spontaneity, making every note and silence contribute to the journey. I aim for music that feels alive and offers listeners space to connect with their own emotions.

Floating Points is cited as a major influence on your work. How has his approach to blending modern jazz with electronic elements inspired your own musical experiments?

Floating Points is a huge inspiration, not only for his music but for how he approaches artistry. He blends electronic and jazz effortlessly, yet every piece carries his distinct identity. His ability to stay true to himself across genres is something I deeply admire. What sets him apart is his fearless boundary-pushing, always creating something meaningful instead of following trends. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with him this year and watching him perform has been incredibly educational. His adaptability, while maintaining his unique voice, has reinforced the importance of staying authentic and evolving as an artist.

You’ve had a busy year performing at venues like MoMA San Francisco and Portola Festival, as well as supporting artists like Mount Kimbie and Yung Singh. How have these live experiences shaped your approach to creating and performing music?

Performing at venues like MoMA San Francisco and Portola Festival, and supporting artists like Mount Kimbie and Yung Singh, has deepened my understanding of how music connects with audiences in real-time. Live shows force you to think about how music translates emotionally and physically. For example, MoMA’s intimate setting made me appreciate space and subtlety, while festivals like Portola pushed me to experiment with energy and pacing for larger crowds. Sharing stages with diverse artists has inspired me to create music that works across different settings while staying true to my sound.

With Here, Somewhere marking a bold new chapter in your career, what’s next for Banksia? Are there particular themes or ideas you’re excited to explore in future projects?

Here, Somewhere marks the start of an exciting new chapter, and I’m eager to continue building on it. I plan to keep exploring the balance between electronic music and contemporary jazz, focusing on electronic releases earlier in the year and jazz-inspired projects toward the end. I’m also considering an album next year, though it’ll come when it feels ready. For now, I’m focused on creating, experimenting, and staying inspired. I’m excited to explore themes like live improvisation, new collaborations, and finding ways to connect with people in different spaces, all while continuing to push boundaries and stay true to my vision.

‘Here, Somewhere’ is out now on Ordinary Pleasures. Get it here!