BANNERS, the stage name of English musician Michael Joseph Nelson, is a sin… Read Full Bio ↴BANNERS, the stage name of English musician Michael Joseph Nelson, is a singer, songwriter, and musician hailing from Liverpool. Nelson, who plays piano and guitar, emerged on the music scene in 2015 and has since garnered significant attention for his lush indie anthems characterized by velvety falsetto vocals and captivating melodies.

Born and raised in Liverpool, Nelson's passion for music was nurtured from an early age within his musically inclined family and through his involvement with the Liverpool Cathedral Choir. His deep-rooted love for music eventually led him to pursue a solo career.

In 2015, Nelson, then known as Raines, released his debut single "Ghosts." Shortly after, he adopted the moniker BANNERS and released his breakout single "Shine a Light" in August 2015. The song quickly gained traction, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Canada Rock chart and number 71 on the Canadian Hot 100.

BANNERS signed with Island Records in 2016 and released his self-titled debut EP, produced by Stephen Kozmeniuk, in January of that year. The EP featured the previously released singles "Shine a Light" and "Start a Riot," along with two new tracks. The EP went on to debut at number 67 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. The singles "Start a Riot" and "Half Light" amassed millions of streams, while "Someone to You" surpassed 1.5 billion streams.

BANNERS has since toured with notable acts such as Milky Chance and POP ETC, performed on national television shows like American Idol and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and had his songs featured in numerous films and TV shows.

In October 2019, BANNERS released his highly anticipated debut studio album, Where the Shadow Ends, which was preceded by the singles "Got It In You" and "Where the Shadow Ends." The album showcased BANNERS' continued growth and versatility as an artist and was supported by a successful North American headline tour.

BANNERS' music has resonated with audiences worldwide, with his songs often described as anthemic, haunting, and inspiring. Nelson's emotive vocals and heartfelt songwriting contribute to the sincere and organic nature of his music. Drawing comparisons to Coldplay's Chris Martin, his music possesses a timeless quality that fosters a sense of community and connection.

Nelson's aspiration is to create music that becomes the soundtrack to moments in people's lives, fostering a deep emotional connection with his listeners. As he continues to evolve as an artist, BANNERS strives to deliver songs that uplift and resonate, offering a respite and inspiration to all who listen.