Live Review: WATCH: The Weeknd 'What You Need' (Banks Cover)
Watch Banks perform a cover of The Weeknd's 'What You Need' live for BBC Radio 1.
LA songstress BANKS has just finished her main support duties around Europe for The Weeknd's international tour. To conclude accompanying him for part of the journey, she's covered his track 'What You Need' that has been recorded and filmed for Zane Lowe on Radio 1 at BBC Maida Vale Studios.
What was once a transcendent, synth-laden mystery, Banks has eliminated most of the original sounds in 'What You Need' by transforming it into her own project. Maintaing the same melody and vocal structure, the tone of 'What You Need' remains. However, the ambience that ensued has dropped a little, as she's exchanged electronic production for [predominantly] live instruments.
Banks' vocal impact on the rendition has introduced a great deal of femininity to the track, which has furthermore incorporated her signature, sensual stylings executed in a dusky and effortlessly cool manner. The fact that BBC have shot this live in black & white intensifies this; also allowing the true depth of the song to shine through from the artist's point of view.
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Words by Hannah Galvin.
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