Unsuspecting Country Music Artist Sings Opening Song in Upcoming Film “Cry Macho”

Will Banister Recounts How Clint Eastwood Made His Day

Nashville, TN — The September release of Clint Eastwood’s much anticipated new movie, “Cry Macho,” holds the potential of skyrocketing one young indie county artist into stardom. Will Banister is just a good ole boy from Portales, New Mexico, raised about 20 miles from the Texas state line. He is an indie country music artist whose wholly traditional sound and deep-throated croon have lured millions of music fans to his vast storehouse of online videos. From his original songs to live performances to covers of some of his favorite songs, it’s clear that people have taken quick notice of this modern day classic, and they just want to hear him sing.  As luck would have it, Clint Eastwood has become one of those people, so much so that he enlisted Banister to record the song “Find A New Home” for inclusion in his new film.

Banister recounts how it was just a normal afternoon when out of the blue he got a call from Marlon Espino, a film composer who was working on the film. In one of those “I know a guy who knows a guy” kind of scenarios, Espino called on his old college roommate down in Texas to ask for suggestions on a singer with the exact right kind of voice for the song.  That friend was well acquainted with fellow musician Will Banister and he quickly put the two in touch.  A track was sent over to Banister who recorded his vocals at home and sent the track back with the understanding that if the director liked it, they would fly him out to California to record it proper. At that time, Banister thought it was just some kind of indie film.  The director, Eastwood, did, in fact, like it.  He liked it a lot, and said upon hearing the vocal track, “that guy’s voice is from the top of those speakers down to your feet.”  A few days later Banister, his wife and his band were on their way to Carmel, CA to meet Eastwood and perform at his private golf course, Tehama.  Ultimately, the decision was made to keep the version of the song just the way it was with no re-recording needed.  The song will also be included on the film’s soundtrack. Banister had never felt more humbled. “I am a super fan of Mr. Eastwood’s.  I watched a lot of his movies growing up and he was the kind of guy you wanted to be as a kid. Getting the chance to meet him and perform for him was quite an honor.  He is as down to earth as I thought he would be.”

“Cry Macho,” will be in release in theaters and streaming on HBO Max on September 17th.