It could be mere coincidence or by divine design that singer Lawrence Banks has just released an inspirational single called “Brand New” — just in time for the new year.
The Greenville native sings, “I’m glad to say I’ve been saved by grace, another day I’m still in the race.”
After overcoming COVID-19, Banks had a resurgence of gratefulness to his Lord and Savior that he wanted to share with all those who would listen.
“God gave me a second chance, he gave me a brand new start and I really do appreciate it,” he said. “I survived it and after surviving it, I got a brand new start and I can tell people about it.”
Banks pointed out the unfortunate fact that several people have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
“My prayers go out to their families…God saw fit to give me a second chance to just do what he wants me to do and with my music, I want some lives to be saved,” Banks declared.
He emphasized how incredibly thankful he was that his experience with COVID-19 was one that did not lead to hospitalization.
Banks shared that his symptoms consisted of the loss of taste and smell, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
He said on the onset of symptoms, “I was at work one time and I felt really weak and said to myself, “Something isn’t right.””
Once the other symptoms ensued, Banks went to get tested for COVID-19 and was confirmed positive for the virus.
Having grown up in a musically inclined and gifted family, Banks has been signing and even rapping since his youth.
“Ever since I was a child I just loved singing. My brother (Frederick Lee Banks) was one of the baddest bass players in Greenville,” he highlighted. “He was the one that inspired me to do music.”
In 1991, however, Banks had to learn to forge ahead without his long-time inspiration — his brother Frederick.
“When he passed away, I really had to pick up the torch because he’d promised my mom something. He said he was going to buy her a big house and make sure she was straight,” Banks said.
With his brother gone, Banks committed to giving his mom and wife the life he and his brother both desired, assuring his mom that she wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
Banks would carry on the legacy his brother had established by staying true to his musical calling and bringing hope and encouragement to a world that is hurting.
“When somebody hears my music, I want them to be touched. We’ve got a whole lot of people going through things and when they hear me sing and when they hear my music, I want their lives to be changed,” he explained. “That’s what I’m all about — lives being changed and souls being saved for Christ.”
He and wife, Shalandra, share four children together — Raven, Skylar, and Reggie and ‘Lil’ Lawrence, who inherited his father’s musical acumen and is an Atlanta rap artist.
“Stepping Higher” is the name of Banks’ upcoming debut album.
Banks’ hope is that listeners feel a renewed sense of hope when they listen to his music.
He added, “I want them to feel great every time they hear it and say, “Man, that song really helped me today.””
His single, “Brand New” is available on all musical streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.
