Q&A: Will Banister talks music, his career

CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks Will Banister stopped at KENW studios Thursday for an interview before heading off to England for a concert tour.

“Well, my shirt, it’s got some holes, and my boots have half their sole, but I’m wearing them anyway ... and I’ve never been any other way than I am today.”

The words come with the voice of Will Banister, 23, and they’re true for him. But his career as a country musician might not always be the way it is today.

Banister and the Mulberry Band are getting set to become international performers, with a Feb. 26 appearance in the Country Music Festival at Wembley Stadium in London. Other performers include Reba McIntyre, Ricky Skaggs and Lonestar.

He was invited as a result of a chance trip to Clovis by a country music fan, who was interested in his style — acoustic guitars with a deep, smooth voice and three-minute songs that leave the listener wanting to hear more.

A send-off party is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Norman and Vi Petty Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum. That’s the same place where we caught Banister Friday afternoon for a few questions.