Kota Banks has returned with another pretty pop tune for the girls. After the success of her recently released EP, Never Again, Kota is steaming full speed ahead with the new super sweet single, Eternal Crush. Created with longtime collaborator, producer Swick, the song uncovers more of the electric, hyperpop-infused side of Kota's world. We spoke to the artist about why now was the right time to release the single, and what's next:

Hi Kota! We love the new single. Tell us about creating this one, when and where did you write it? What was on your mind?

I wrote it during lockdown actually! My producer Swick had sent me this really amazing chaotic best and I was trying to stay creative so I pulled it up, and was immediately inspired with all the melodies. Interestingly the lyrics often come first for me but this one was very sound driven. I was just recovering from this crush that felt as though it was going to be eternal… and kind of lamenting the lack of mutual interest. I like for my sadness to sound like a party song because it means sadness can be transformable and transformative… so that’s why it sounds so cute and upbeat and fun!

Tell us about your collaboration on this track with Swick and what he brings to your world?

Swick brings creativeness!! His beats are so wild and unique, you really can’t even attempt to replicate them. It set the tone for me with this song, it felt flirty and chaotic and dreamy and grungey all at once, which complemented my emotions really nicely.

Who is your eternal crush? :)

My maaaannnnnn forever and ever, lmao!

Why is this the natural next step for you so soon after your NEVER AGAIN?

I think it was the next natural step because it really imposed itself… the song was like “hey can you release me?” Every day. Obviously it didn’t actually say that but there was this energetic persistence that I couldn’t ignore. So here we are! When a song presents itself and is ready to be released, at that point I don’t really think too much, I just let it have its moment. I like to honour my ideas and their timeline because I’m grateful I got to be their “host”! (I’ve read way too many creative books lol)

How do you think your music has progressed over the last few years?

I think it’s become a little more intentional and well crafted. I used to write just as a stream-of-consciousness kind of activity, but now I feel like I really want to articulate what I’m feeling properly both sonically and lyrically. So naturally my sound has evolved but I think more importantly I’m more interested in the craft of songwriting than ever before and I think that translates. For example, I’m making an album and I very much want it to be cohesive, which has never been a thing for me before. I want it to feel like this really seamless body of work that stands for something and explores certain themes, and really is my signature sound.

Who would you still love to work with in the future?

I think kahukx is really cool so maybe him.

Who is on your playlist at the moment?

Mariah the scientist, Roy Woods, YAZ, PinkPantheress, Latto!

We love your style. Tell us how you create the visual world of Kota Banks?

Thank you! It’s something that wasn’t always a priority for me, so many artists have a really strong visual component from the jump, but I felt like I was so wrapped up in the music that it was all I cared about at the start. Now I’m starting to evolve and cultivate a style, I save a lot of things on Pinterest etc. I love flirty and feminine but also brash and colourful.

What is something you’re passionate about right now - aside from music?

My goal is to hold a 10minute plank by my birthday this year. Pray for me.

Praying! What’s next?

THE ALBUMMMMM!

Listen to Kota Banks HERE.

@kotabanksmusic