2015–2018: Early EPs Nelson grew up singing in
Liverpool Cathedral Choir and performed with the choir in various locations throughout Europe before deciding to start a solo career. In 2015, he relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from his native Liverpool, and contacted Canadian producer
Stephen Kozmeniuk to work on his sound. A music video for the song was directed by Christopher Ranson and released in October 2015. "Shine a Light" peaked at number 5 on the
Billboard Canada Rock chart, and number 71 on the
Canadian Hot 100. In December 2015,
Spotify included Banners on its Spotlight list, which highlights 15 artists to watch in 2016. On 4 December, Banners released his third single "Start a Riot". The EP debuted at number 67 on the
Billboard Canadian Albums Chart. On 22 January 2016,
Capitol Records released a soundtrack album for the TV series
The Royals, which included Banners' song "Half Light". On 27 January 2016, Banners made his television debut performing "Shine a Light" on
ABC's show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!. From 29 February to 31 March 2016, he joined American bands
POP ETC and
The Moth & The Flame for his first U.S. tour. On 3 June 2016, Banners released the single "Half Light". On 24 July 2016, Banners performed at
WayHome Music & Arts Festival. On 31 July 2016, he performed at
Lollapalooza in Chicago. On 16 September 2016, Banners released "Into the Storm" The song's music video stars
Ashley Greene.
2019–present: Where the Shadow Ends On 4 October 2019, Banners released his debut album,
Where the Shadow Ends, preceded by the singles "Got It In You" and "Where the Shadow Ends" The album was supported with a five-week headline tour across North America. In 2020, his 2017 single "Someone to You" received a resurgence in streaming following a
TikTok trend. The single was certified Gold in Australia by the
Australian Recording Industry Association. On 1 May 2020, Banners released his third EP,
Always Yours, on Island Records, with acoustic versions of previously released tracks, along with the new title track. In January 2023 he released the EP ''I Wish I Was Flawless, I'm Not'' on
Nettwerk. The EP was a
Juno Award nominee for
Adult Contemporary Album of the Year at the
Juno Awards of 2024. ==In popular culture==