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Paul BanksVocalist of the group "Interpol"
Date of Birth: 03.05.1978
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Paul Banks
- Early Career and Music
- Formation of Interpol
- Success and Discography
- Solo Career
- Discography
Biography of Paul Banks
Childhood and EducationPaul Banks, the legendary vocalist of the band "Interpol," spent his childhood in four different countries: England, the United States, Spain, and Mexico. Born in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, England, Paul's family moved to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in the United States when he was three years old. After a few settled years, they relocated to Madrid, Spain, where Paul attended an American school. However, his restless parents moved once again, and Paul completed his secondary education in Mexico, further broadening his language skills in both Spanish and English.
Early Career and Music
After finishing high school, Paul Banks enrolled at New York University to study English literature. While working for various magazines such as "Gotham" and "Interview," Paul's passion for music grew. He began singing and playing the guitar, initially only for himself. During his time in school in Mexico, Paul had already started participating in theatrical productions and musicals, often taking on lead roles and becoming familiar with performing on stage.
Formation of Interpol
In 1998, Paul coincidentally ran into his long-time acquaintance from studying in France, Daniel Kessler. Daniel, who was in need of a vocalist for his newly formed rock band, proposed that Paul try out for the role. Excited, Paul agreed, and within a few days, the two began rehearsing for a yet-unknown group with the peculiar name "Interpol." Over the next few years, "Interpol" performed in small clubs, refining their distinct and now fashionable but slightly brooding "English" sound.
Success and Discography
While the band faced initial setbacks, their fortunes changed in 2002 when the label Matador took notice and released their single with three compositions. At the end of that year, Interpol's debut album, "Turn on the Bright Lights," was released. Following the album's release, the band embarked on an extensive world tour. In 2003, Interpol received fantastic news when their debut work was included in the Shortlist Music Prize, a prestigious recognition similar to the British "Mercury" award.
Throughout their career, Interpol continued to release successful albums, including "Antics" in 2004. Paul Banks, with his distinctive vocals and enigmatic lyrics, played a significant role in shaping the band's sound. Despite the apparent gloominess, Paul's songs are filled with incredible optimism, expressing themes of weariness, solitude, and unhappy love.
Solo Career
Not content with the band's success alone, Paul Banks constantly explores new projects. It has been confirmed that he is releasing a solo album under the name Julian Plenti. The album, titled "Skyscraper," is set to be released in the United States in early August 2009.
Discography
Albums:
- "Turn on the Bright Lights" (2002) - Matador Records
- "Antics" (2004) - Matador Records
- "Our Love to Admire" (2007) - Matador Records
EPs:
- "Interpol EP" (2002) - Matador Records
- "The Black EP" (2003) - EMI
- "Interpol Remix EP" (2005) - Matador
