Summer Banton - Being Nice (Live Video) + 10 Questions

After perfectly depicting a no strings situationship in the aptly titled “Don’t Make Me Feel”, songstress Summer Banton now reveals her second release of the year, leaning on traditional R&B elements with the anthemic  single, “Being Nice”.

Unveiling a mature sound with her strong vocal performance, perfected range and unapologetic demeanour, her latest offering is a relatable tale of lessons learnt, strength and growth, as she has the last word on the return of a past love.

Speaking on the track she said: “”Being Nice” is unapologetic and tells a story I’ve always been too polite to tell. I made sure to stack up on the harmonies to make the cut throat lyrics sound extra sweet and give it a classic R&B feel too”.

Summer sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I started singing at 6 years old as I was a huge musical theatre fan. I spent a lot of time singing songs from my favourite films and musicals. Coming from a musical family there was always a lot of music playing in my house specifically Reggae, R&B and Soul which I fell in love with from a really young age. It was after hearing this music and finding my love for singing that I decided that I’d love to make my own and perform in the future.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

My musical influences are Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, and Beyoncé. I grew up listening to them and still play their music all the time. I’d love to work with Tiana Major9, Bellah and Tom Misch as I love their music and feel that they bring new and exciting elements to the UK R&B and Neo-Soul scene.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

Finding inspiration to write songs during the pandemic was probably the most difficult thing for me as most days were uninspiring, but I found myself writing songs about feeling uninspired, so it worked out in the end as it gave me time to reflect on a lot of my thoughts and feelings.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound has an R&B essence, inspired by all the R&B that I grew up listening to and listen to now. It’s also fused with all the different genres that I enjoy listening to such as soul, afrobeats and pop as well.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

There have been quite a few proud moments so far! Shooting the music video for my single ‘Go Away’ last summer was pretty amazing, as my vision for the video came to life and there was so much hard work put into learning choreography and rehearsals and it really paid off. Also, I’m constantly having to pinch myself when I hear my songs on radio. Every time it feels so surreal especially being played by my favourite DJ’s on national radio. It’s crazy!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

My advice would be to make the music that you truly love as it’s this passion for creating that’s going to keep you inspired and motivated throughout your career.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

You should definitely check out ‘Pritt’ she’s an R&B Tamil artist from South London and she makes R&B music fused with the eastern influence from her culture. Her voice is amazing!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I’ve had Summer Walker’s new album ‘Still Over It’ on loop since it dropped! I’m OBSESSED.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Spending time with my loved ones, binge watching Disney+ and going to live music shows now that the world is open again!

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Coffee, my brother and a ‘H.E.R’ song reference.