Jacob Banks is undeniably a man of renown. Talked about as being the first unsigned artist to ever perform on BBC’s Radio 1 Live Lounge, the 27-year-old British R&B/Soul musician has made waves in the music industry over the past 6 years with his sultry songwriting and singing. His latest release, Village(Interscope, 2018), plays like a masterpiece as it ebbs and flows. In 2019, Banks took his album on tour, stopping by New York City’s Brooklyn Steel on Friday night. Here are our five reasons not to miss Banks live:

1) That sweet baritone

Banks has a hymnal voice, that’s reminiscent of old greats like Louis Armstrong. It’s a voice that fills the soul and rattles the room at its very core.  “Chainsmoking” and “Unknown (To You)” have never sounded better.

2) His ever-endearing British charm

With a smile on his face and his impeccable style, Banks already has most won over. His banter between sets only enhances his already cool air. There’s something wonderfully infectious about his whole delivery, which could make anyone fall in love with him.

3) People watching

Banks has one of the most eclectic fan bases anyone could imagine. There’s no one set age group or type of person that Banks appeals to, which makes for an interesting night of crowd gazing and opens the doors up to endless and maybe unexpected interactions.

4) He’s playing small venues (for the time being)

Right now is an opportune time to see Banks’ talents in an accessible and intimate way. There’s no doubt that as word spreads about this young talent, he’ll be doing more than just selling out venues (which he did effortlessly at Brooklyn Steel); he’ll be packing theaters and maybe more.

5) His band compliments him perfectly

Banks’ band plays well off of him and he plays well off of them. He does an incredible job of including and interacting with them throughout his set—each member of the band reads as instrumental (they aren’t just fixture onstage, as is often the case with solo artists). Their interaction is both comforting and key in complimenting an all-around incredible performance.

Be sure to check out Jacob Banks at mrjacobbanks.com and on iTunes.