Will Banister – Success Stems from Small Town

by: Kate Sanchez

Roosevelt County is recognized for many great things, and when considering the talents of local musician, Will Banister, who’s making a name for himself on the country music scene, it just adds another to the list!

Born and raised in Portales, Banister says it’s hard to recall a time when music wasn’t a part of his life.  “I remember being four years old and my dad having a record collection with a ton of Hank Williams, some Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, and a few other great country artists that he’d play daily,” Banister shares, “At about that same age, my Grandpa used to ask me to sing him ‘“Your Cheating Heart,”’ to which I knew all the words, and despite being a little nervous, I did it.”  In spite of some adolescent nerves, Banister has made a fruitful career out of his lifelong passion for music.

The talented young musician frequents local spots to perform live and has been playing a lot in Lubbock, TX, during the Covid Pandemic, at places like The Funky Door Wine Room and Bistro, as well as The Blue Light Live.  Taking part in all steps of the process, from writing to being on stage, the musician says he most enjoys performing a new original song and getting a positive reaction from the audience.  “There is nothing more exhilarating to me…”, he shares.  Performing with passion, along with a knack at tapping into the emotions of a large rural community, Banister’s music carries the familiar sounds of those legendary influences he grew up listening to.  His music is performed with a band made up of Dustin Garrett on the guitar, whom Banister credits as, “…a great player and heck of a singer as well”; J.B. Barcenas on the bass; Jeremy Moyers on steel guitar; and Greg Grice on the drums.  Along with the great help on stage, the musician says his success has come with inspiration from people like Johnny Mulhair, Paul Goad, and David Strong, all of whom have encouraged him and taught him so much over the years.

Being from a small town without many music venues has made the career path a little more complicated, Banister says, but his hard work and talents have allowed for great success and unique experiences along the way.  He recalls that one of the most interesting experiences of his career was being backstage at The Opry.  “I of course wasn’t performing but just being back there, meeting a few of the artists, and watching how the show was run, was very interesting,” he says.  And although small town roots hold their fair share of challenges in making a music career, Banister says he wouldn’t have it any other way.  “I was born and raised here in Portales, NM and I love it here.  I think it’s a great town to raise kids, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.  It’s home”.

Banister’s biggest blessing and support system comes from his wife of ten years, Tessa, whom he refers to as, “…one of the hardest working women I know”; as well as their four children, Kylee (8), Grady (7), Adylee (3), and Cody (1).  Banister says The Good Lord has certainly taken good care of him and it’s easy to see why, with a lucrative music career and beautiful family by his side!

All of his music, along with his newest single, Ain’t That The Truth, which dropped July 27, is available through multiple streaming services and can be ordered for purchase in hard copy, directly from his website at www.willbanister.com.  Be sure to keep up with him on Facebook and Instagram as well, for release dates and information on where he will be performing next.

 

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