We had the good fortune of connecting with Iyana Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iyana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
As an artist, I’d say my whole career choice is risky. Art, while I do believe it is a need, is so subjective, that even if you’re amazing at what you do, there are some people in the world that just won’t be into it.

Following your dreams is risky, but I think it’s waaaay riskier not to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an abundant creative with an affinity for making music. I like to call my genre “psychedelic R&B” although I do love to dabble and experiment with other sounds.

Making music is fun, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it easy. Starting something is much easier than finishing it and getting it to sound exactly how you want. The processes are completely different. Starting something is creative and inspiring, but finishing it can feel mundane. I think this is a key difference between someone who makes music for fun and someone who is willing to pour their everything into it and make it a career. Not every aspect of creating a song is fun. You gotta love it, and more than that you really gotta be dedicated to the craft.

Getting to where I am at today took a lot of dedication, persistence, teamwork, and trust. And there is still so much room for growth. I still have so much further to go.

This year I released my first EP, a music video for my song “Feng Shui.” I did a live performance for a big YouTube channel called “Goyo Club.” I’ve performed for Major Stage, Breaking Sound, and a number of other events and venues around LA. It’s been a fruitful year thus far and more exciting things to come!

I make art in hopes of encouraging others to live out their dreams and inspiring people to be confident in who they are. All of the silly, goofy parts included and everything that makes you uniquely you (‘cause honestly those are the best parts). I think my music is really about self love, confidence, and the power of manifestation. I just want to inspire people to be their best, most authentic selves 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Have you ever heard of the word ambivert? It’s like smack dab in the middle between an introvert and an extrovert. That’s what I am. I need equal parts alone time and equal parts social time, so I have to create a balance for myself.

When I do go out, I usually only go to events that friends of mine are curating because I know there will be good people there. I don’t go to the clerb. I’m chill. I love going out to eat and trying new foods or restaurants. I love live music. My friends and I host jam sessions and music showcases (R&R) which are always a good time, and always curated so we know there are going to be beautiful people every time. Oh and the spa. I love the spa. Otherwise I enjoy spending time at home or in the studio being creative.

So this is what you can expect when hanging out with me. Something chill, hanging out and enjoying each others company!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Infinite gratitude to my papa for always supporting me, encouraging me and inspiring me. For introducing me to music. For teaching me to take risks, bet on my dreams and believe in myself.

To my heavenly mama for bringing me into the world.

To Brave, for believing in me, going to bat for me, motivating me, and encouraging me. For being honest, offering constructive criticism, and still making it abundantly clear that he is rooting for me.

To all of my friends and the beautiful people in my community who constantly inspire me and have me in awe. Life is more beautiful with all of you in it.

To all of the beautiful people who have streamed my music, been to a performance of mine or an event hosted by R&R (Rhyme & Ritual), and to all of the people who have extended an opportunity to me.

I wouldn’t be who I am without any of you.

Website: https://linktr.ee/FairyGodMamii

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FairyGodMamii

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fairygodmamii?si=gqzZYZUS3czvZ93Z

Image Credits
First photo by Kenni @kenni.cam

Additional Photos:
2nd/3rd photo are selfies

4th/5th photo by Heath @heath.photographs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.