Inspired by the likes of Martin Simpson, J Tillman and Isaac Gracie, Newcastle singer-songwriter and folk guitarist Zak Younger Banks combines elements of traditional folk and jazz, penning songs that project universal sentiments whilst retaining hints of subtle vulnerability. A multi-instrumentalist, 17-year-old Zak has performed at nationally-acclaimed folk festivals including Beverley and Whitby, as well as touring abroad in Denmark as part of Folkestra. Alongside fiddle player Eryn Rae, Zak forms one half of an established folk duo on the local scene, supporting other artists regularly. Trained by musicians such as Dave Wood and Ian Stephenson, Zak cites his background in folk as fundamental to his writing; having played several headline gigs in Newcastle, Zak is quickly emerging as a singer-songwriter in his own right.