I’ve had the pleasure of watching this rising talent grow over the past lets say three years or so. From a respected lesser known comedy to one of the standouts on the circuit with promise that is hard to match. From loads of gigs, to his current hosting of All Eyez On Me TV the Marcus Banks brand has grown exponentially. I got a chance to sit down with him recently for an insight of his come up, clarity on his affiliations with Maybach Music Group and plans for the future. Check it out:
Jason Bourne: You are a native of New Rochelle correct ? Something that no one can confuse, you are always very conscious of repping for your neighborhood, Lincoln Ave, talk to us about the pride you find in being from where you are from and the concerted effort you make to remind people and pay homage to your town
Marcus Banks: If I don’t embrace where I’m from how would people know where I came from. If it wasn’t for my town and the thorough support I feel I wouldn’t have come this far in my career. I feel it’s my duty to put my home town on my back and lead the way to a destination of success, which I’m trying to pursue.
Jason Bourne: There are a lot of people who are funny or are called funny by their friends; it takes a different skill set to be on stage as a stand up comedian. Talk to us about the moment that you realized you had in it in you and the first steps you took to pursuing it as a career.
Marcus Banks: I always knew I had the instincts of being on that stage but I just never knew that it was my true calling. I had s rough start to my career, I’ll admit that because I never lose sight of it. I even have rough days now, but I have always kept in mind that the true test is in how you capitalize off of things, and bounce back. I make the most of my bad days and push forward to the better ones.
Jason Bourne: You have accomplished a lot considering you have only been at it since 2011, which is amazing. Some people kind of never hit their stride. When you look back at it all, what stands out to u the most ?
Marcus Banks: I’ve done many things in my career but what would have to stand out the most is my first international tour where I performed in the Bahamas, Half Moon City, & Turks & Caicos. That was the stepping stone to opening my eyes and many doors to my talent and work ethic.
Jason Bourne: Some of your accolades include opening up for musical stars such as French Montana and Fabolous, as well as Meek Mill. Can you talk about those opportunities, and what you learned from them ?
Marcus Banks: Opening up for artists of that caliber was truly a blessing. What I’ve learned is the importance of preparation and taking your craft seriously. That is what will make others follow suit. Your determination will get you far in this business. I watched those dudes hit the studio, clubs, concerts, and more all in the same night many times chasing success. That showed me if you want longevity in this game you have to put in that overtime.
Jason Bourne: Is there a major difference in being the opening act, and being the headliner; for example when you do Carolines as opposed to opening up at CIAA ?
Marcus Banks: It’s a big difference. When you open a show you set the tone for how the show will go and how the crowd will stay attentive throughout. When you close a show you have to bring your A game because you never know how long they’ve been waiting but you are the main attraction. You have to close the show with a bang, no excuses.
Jason Bourne: Do you feel at all underrated ?
In a way I do feel underrated but I can’t let that steal my hope. With this ambition I have, I am sure that eventually everyone that has not will take notice. Not to sound cocky, I am truly talented and I just keep God first and continue to work hard.
Jason Bourne: I remember seeing your performance at NYIT and for me that was when I knew that this was what you are destined to be; reason is you did a skit where you impersonated Beyoncé dance moves and all. You had some of your true friends there and for me it said a lot about your dedication to be able to carry out that set, with wig and all. do you remember that ?
Marcus Banks: I remember that like it was yesterday. I recently retired the Beyoncé impersonation but it’s the crowds favorite.
Jason Bourne: For those who may not be aware or needed clarity can you explain your affiliation with MMG and maybe to speak where it all stands now ?
Marcus Banks: Well my affiliation came from meeting DJ Instynctz who is Torch (of Triple C’s) tour DJ. I got the opportunity to host a couple of the stops along the way and I then met Gunplay who took an interest in my talent, showing me tremendous love. Over time he has helped me in certain aspects of my career to the point where I’m now apart of his label Bilderburg Group (BBG)
Jason Bourne: Your website launched in 2013, what kind of a difference has it made for you business wise ?
Marcus Banks: The website has eliminated many run arounds I was receiving in the beginning of my career. It has helped me drastically, so be sure to visit www.MarcusBanksComedy.com for all updates and information regarding Marcus Banks comedy.
Follow @MBanks914
