Life & Work with Ammo Bankoff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ammo Bankoff.

Hi Ammo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My creative journey has been marked by an array of pursuits, including earning a BFA in Photography and becoming a certified Pilates instructor. I read tarot and astrology, I make and edit music videos, I’m a songwriter and musician, and I work in marketing, helping smaller e-commerce brands realize their potential. However, the common thread in all these endeavors has always been music. It’s the one thing that gives me that alive feeling deep inside.

I had deep roots in the local music scene growing up in Southern California. As soon as I got my driver’s license, you could find me anywhere between Tijuana to San Francisco, seeking kindred spirits among musicians and creatives. This period of my life was dedicated to playing live music, documenting weirdos, developing tri-x 400 black and white film, and embracing every experience I could find.

In the mid-2000s, I left Highland Park for the Bay Area to study Photography. After living in Oakland for some time, I ended up in a loft in San Francisco’s Mission District. We transformed the loft into a vibrant living space that frequently hosted bands. Eventually, I absorbed all I could from that experience and fled back to Los Angeles to focus on music again.

Back in LA, I found myself in a 3-bedroom house in Elysian Valley (aka Frog Town), fondly called the “Dollhouse.” Ten creatives, including musicians, filmmakers, actors, dancers, producers, and make-up artists, shared the space. The Dollhouse was a mesmerizing nexus of artistic energy where we constantly inspired and supported each other.

The atmosphere at the Dollhouse rekindled my passion for music. Our entire band lived under the same roof using the living room for rehearsals. The ambient noises from the skatepark and glass factory across the street meant our noise-making went undisturbed. Drawing on the skills I acquired in San Francisco, I explored creating short films and music videos, further expanding my photographic expertise.

In time, I co-produced and took on the role as the director of photography for a passion-driven feature film titled ‘Jerry Powell & the Delusions of Grandeur.’ This project was a true collaboration, originating from a character conceived by one of my housemates and materializing through the writing and directing talents of another. We pieced the film together on a modest budget, driven solely by our collective desire to create. While I might think twice before diving into another feature film without adequate funding, this experience challenged my creative boundaries and bestowed me with invaluable skills.

Being part of a vibrant creative community has been essential for my growth and motivation. The support and camaraderie among like-minded individuals have allowed me to continue pursuing my passions even when faced with challenges. Today, I find myself oscillating between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, embracing new opportunities while remaining anchored to my creative origins.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road I’ve traveled has been anything but smooth. My life has been a whirlwind of simultaneous pursuits, leaving little room for monotony and boredom. While this constant stream of excitement, new people, and places propels me forward, it can also be a source of stress and a sense of being overwhelmed. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

For me, it is imperative to explore the unknown, learn, and create. I absolutely crave knowledge, but this journey is not without its challenges. Overcoming blocks and frustrations can be a daunting task, but adopting a “just do it” attitude often helps me push through.

My tendency to dive into projects without hesitation can be both a blessing and a curse. This fearlessness allows me to take on new ventures, but sometimes I lose sight of the overall vision, leading to moments of doubt, uncertainty, or abandonment.

Frequently, I find myself leaving projects unfinished as my interest wanes or challenges become too daunting. As I mature, I aim to be more focused and intentional in my pursuits. But I also recognize that exploration is crucial for discovering new interests.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the moment, my main artistic focus is Silent Mass, a Brooklyn-based music project. It started as a solo venture under the name AMMO, but as it grew to include a live band, the project transformed, and a name change felt fitting. In late January, we did a mini-tour in Southern California. Now we’re back in Brooklyn, finishing up our full-length record, and plan to tour the East Coast later this year.

I also have a freelance business assisting boutique e-commerce and independent service businesses with marketing and content creation. Many of my clients are also creatives, and it’s satisfying in part of their journey. This endeavor has evolved naturally over time, and I’m eager to see how it grows. Eventually, I’ll create a website, but for now, I am strictly word of mouth.

My creative energy thrives on the ability to embrace various outlets and passions. When I find myself stuck in one area, I know that I can turn to something else until I get back into the right frame of mind. Being adaptable has been vital to all aspects of my life allowing me to seamlessly navigate creative blocks, keep the momentum going and stay inspired.

What matters most to you?
Chasing creativity, living in the moment, and sharing those moments with other creative individuals are what matters. Remaining inspired, motivated and offering support to others in their creative endeavors is essential. When I collaborate with others, it sparks a unique energy within me, increasing my passion for my own projects. Embracing reciprocity is important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://silentmassmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silentmassmusic/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@silentmassmusic
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/silentmassmusic
• Other: https://ammophotography.com/

Image Credits
Main image – Photographer Uknown Ammo in TTC – Photographer unknown Black Flamingo – By Dylan Gordon / Dirty Snapshots Ammo – By Matt Bennett Jerry Powell & the Delusions of Grandeur – Film Still by Ammo Death Valley Girls Editorial for LA Record – By Ammo Ammo in Bronx Music Video – By Steve Hanft Ammo developing film in her shower – By Ammo Ammo shooting a Music Video with Friends. Trailer for Jerry: https://player.vimeo.com/video/31038690?h=01f611e588