Interpol's Paul Banks

Interpol's Paul Banks

Author: Pushkin Industries August 15, 2024 Duration: 56:28

While Paul Banks is technically the lead singer of Interpol, he sees himself more as a member of a gang of musicians. Interpol formed in 1997 after lead guitarist Daniel Kessler invited Paul—who was a student at NYU at the time—to watch the band rehearse.

In 2002 Interpol released their era defining album, Turn On The Bright Lights, to widespread critical acclaim. At the time they were lumped together with New York City’s emerging “indie sleaze” movement with bands like The Strokes, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Their sophomore album Antics in 2004 surpassed critics' expectations and further evolved their sound. September marks the 20th anniversary of Antics, and to celebrate, Interpol is embarking on an international tour where they will play the album in full.

On today’s episode Leah Rose talks to Paul Banks about how he wrote the lyrics to key tracks on Antics. Paul also explains why he hasn’t listened to rock music in over 20 years. And he remembers watching a boxing match with John Frusciante and RZA from Wu-Tang, and how John forever changed the way Paul thinks about musicality in hip-hop.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Interpol & Paul Banks songs HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Imagine a conversation where the only agenda is genuine curiosity about the creative process. That's the space Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond occupies. Hosted by these four distinct voices from the worlds of music production, writing, and journalism, this podcast strips away the standard interview format. Instead, it feels like you're overhearing an insightful, meandering talk between friends who happen to be some of the most fascinating artists alive. The discussions delve into the unglamorous realities of making art-the false starts, the moments of doubt, the sheer stubbornness required to push through. You'll hear legendary musicians and emerging talents alike discuss not just their hits, but the failures and personal stories that truly shaped their sound. It’s less about celebrity and more about the human experience behind the songs we love. Each episode is a deep, unstructured dive into why creators do what they do, offering a rare glimpse into the vulnerability and chaos that fuel great work. Produced by Pushkin Industries, this series connects the dots between music, culture, and the society that inspires it, making it feel like an essential listen for anyone interested in the stories behind the art.
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