Brothers have historically held a polarizing place in the music industry: high risk, but also high reward. For The Bankes Brothers, that chemistry has been at the core of their evolution from the very beginning.
Across years of touring and recording together, the Victoria, BC-based band has built a reputation for emotionally charged songwriting, soaring melodies, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from lifelong friendship and brotherhood. Fronted by brothers Nelson and Morgan Bankes, the band returns with their new single “Aaliyah,” out now. Listen HERE.
“Aaliyah” was built around warm fingerpicked guitars, soaring melodies, and heartfelt lyricism. During recording, the band experimented with several acoustic guitars before landing on an old Gibson with worn strings that gave the track its nostalgic warmth and character.
Originally written around placeholder lyrics before the title unexpectedly clicked into place, “Aaliyah” ultimately became a dedication to Nelson’s girlfriend and stands as one of the band’s most emotionally intimate releases to date. Balancing longing and optimism, the song introduces a softer and more reflective side of the band while continuing to blend indie rock, folk warmth, and anthemic hooks.
The release follows a breakout stretch of momentum across 2025 and into 2026. The band returned to international touring with performances at Isle of Wight Festival and Reeperbahn Festival, alongside support dates throughout Europe and the UK with Great Gable and The K’s.
Back home in Canada, The Bankes Brothers continued building momentum through performances alongside Cold War Kids, Band of Skulls, Current Swell, and Jesse Roper, including an appearance at Vancouver’s legendary Commodore Ballroom and a hometown performance at Phillips Backyard Music Festival in front of more than 4,500 attendees.
With growing momentum both onstage and online, The Bankes Brothers continue to establish themselves as one of Canada’s most promising emerging indie-rock acts.
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