Second Place Superstar

Banks Arcade pull down the usual genre barriers, fusing the blunt-force impact of metal with the bigger, sharper energy of alternative electronic music and hip-hop. Taking cues from underground electronic artists, modern hip hop and classic metalcore, they have always been set on building something that feels entirely their own.

The band’s identity was shaped by two best friends with a relentless drive to perfect their sound, bringing together life experience that stretches from jazz degrees to professional MMA fighting. Built in a corner of the world where musical success felt unlikely, Banks Arcade grew through constant relocation, reinvention and struggle.

In recent years, Banks Arcade have gone from New Zealand underdogs to a global force, selling out headline shows across the Southern Hemisphere, hitting stages including Download Festival, and supporting The Plot in You, Northlane and Thornhill. They are still pushing at the limits of what a modern heavy band can be.