Interpol

Interpol formed in New York City in 1997, initially consisting of Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler, Carlos Dengler, and Greg Drudy. After several EPs and initial performances at venues like Luna Lounge, Greg Drudy departed in 2000 and was replaced by Sam Fogarino. The band signed with Matador Records in 2002, releasing their critically acclaimed debut album, “Turn On the Bright Lights,” which featured tracks like “PDA” and “NYC.” This album received recognition, including ranking highly on NME’s and Pitchfork Media’s year-end lists. Their sound, characterized by staccato bass and rhythmic, harmonized guitars, garnered comparisons to post-punk bands such as Joy Division and Television.

Building on their initial success, Interpol released their second album, “Antics,” in 2004. This album achieved greater commercial success, selling 350,000 copies in its first four months and yielding UK Top 40 singles like “Slow Hands” and “Evil.” The band toured extensively, including supporting U2 and The Cure, before moving to Capitol Records in 2006. In 2007, they released “Our Love to Admire,” recorded in New York City, which incorporated keyboards into their songwriting process from the outset. This period also saw them headline festivals like Lollapalooza. Following Carlos Dengler’s departure in 2010, after the recording of their self-titled album “Interpol,” Paul Banks assumed bass duties, marking a significant internal shift. The band briefly went on hiatus before returning to Matador Records to release “El Pintor” in 2014, continuing their evolution and demonstrating artistic resilience.

Throughout their career, Interpol has maintained a distinctive identity, with a focus on refined methods and a consistent output of studio albums. “Marauder” (2018) and “The Other Side of Make-Believe” (2022) represent later stages of their discography, showcasing continued evolution influenced by current events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted remote and collaborative songwriting. The band has also engaged in side projects, with members like Paul Banks releasing solo material and forming new groups such as Banks & Steelz with RZA, and Muzz. Daniel Kessler also formed Big Noble, and Sam Fogarino co-founded Magnetic Morning and EmptyMansions. Their commitment to their craft resulted in a crowd of 160,000 attending a free concert in Mexico City in 2024, highlighting their enduring appeal and significant career milestones.