Hip hop rapper-producer-songwriter, Ban Micah's first track of 2021 is the seductive, sultry, flirtatious 'Anime Eyes' – a not so subtle song about physical first connections.
"Going into the making of this track, it was at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown and I was nine anime series deep, missing human interactions, international travel and live music. I felt inspired to make an absolute BOP!" declares Ban Micah."While the story behind this track isn't as deep as others I've made, I can honestly say that this track personifies my mind state during the pandemic."
Who is Ban Micah... I'm a Sydney hip hop producer/ rapper/ singer/ songwriter now currently based in Auckland (shoutout COVID).
I wrote my first song at age 12 (not a banger but not everything can be lol) and I first started making beats when I was 22 thanks to my homie Hatch hooking me up with a crack version of Ableton Live 8, and have been pumping out banger after banger ever since. Or at least that's what I like to tell myself.
I sound like... A cross between me and myself.
My first gig was... A 7.30pm slot at the Standard on Oxford Street; I played in front of my mum, sound engineer and the bar staff. Best performance of entire career to be fair.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... I settled on my name when I finished up an online rp (role play) with some friends; my character's name was Micah Banarupee and as far as characters he was an absolute CHAD! So I chopped and flipped the names around, and abra cadabra – Ban Micah was born.
In the studio I usually... Kickback and scroll through countless samples looking for inspiration, and I also dive deep down into the procrastination zone once plan A fails.
If I could tour with anyone... Kendrick, Cole and Gambino – that'd be an amazing tour.
Social media is... A fantastic way to waste valuable creative time.
My favourite app at the moment is... A tie between TikTok and YouTube; obvious reasons apply here, firstly I need something to watch/ listen to when I'm eating or gaming and secondly short form comedy and dat.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Falling off stage and snapping my patellar tendon after doing possibly the greatest performance of my life in front a group of hens and my Dad: "Walk it off son!" Words to live by, really.
Life on the road can be... Tiring/ exciting/ fun/ long – although none of these have really been a thing the past two years. But when everything evens out again, I'll defs be looking forward to getting those feelings back.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Fat chicken parmis and double blacks for the whole gang.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... When I was 19 working at this pub in Auckland and I had to ask a group of Mongrel Mob lads to take their patches off 'cause of the pub's 'no patch' policy. Definitely thought I was gonna cop a hiding back then, lol!
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Dave Chappelle because he's Dave Chappelle the living GOAT OF COMEDY and ONE OF THE GREATEST HUMAN BEINGS OF ALL TIME... I'm Rick James bitch!
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? It would have to be a toss up between Tokyo and London. Both cities are amazing, the nightlife and vibes would be a perfect place to find inspiration and adventure.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Dave Chappelle, Joe Rogan and Neil DeGrasse Tyson. As if you need a reason, lel.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Homemade cheesy garlic bread, Linguine Boscaiola and banoffee pie. They call me Black Chef Ramsey – you know the vibes.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love cats. Don't get twisted; dogs are the homies but when it comes to cats, you really gotta earn their love and affection which makes it a lot more rewarding; shoutout dogs though.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Lychee Green Tea from Epic Tea in Bankstown ONLY.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Yesterday. I BEEN out here pushing weight lad.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Hanging out the washing. It's tedious.
Do you have any phobias? Snakes to a certain degree. I wouldn't say I'm gonna freak out at the sight of one but look, if I saw one perched in my toilet bowl I'm not gonna not close the bowl set fire to the house, leave and never look back... you know what I mean?
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Sheesh, NO! But if I did then it'd have to be MAFS; bro, I just love the drama of a forced, toxic, monogamous relationship, haha!
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Damn, I'd have to say my cousin; and the method psssh idk something involving a drink up some shampoo, a Johnny and well I think I'll just leave the rest up to your imagination.
Best local takeaway joint for a 2am feed that will leave you with a food coma? In Sydney, I'm gonna have to default to Maccas. It's cheap. It's nasty and it's gonna fill you up also 'cause there's not really any place that's open at 2am near me, lol.
As for Auckland, I'm picking the White Lady Burger stand in Newmarket; booooooy all I'm gonna say is White Lady deluxe burger combo???
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop: "Whatever happens, happens."
Last show you binge-watched? 'Shadow And Bone'. Absolute banger. Can't wait for season 2.
