Paul Banks forms band with Aaron Hemphill in Berlin
The world of music is constantly evolving, and sometimes the most powerful shifts happen when established artists venture into new territories. Interpol frontman Paul Banks is currently channeling that energy, embarking on a long-anticipated musical journey in Berlin, forming a new collaborative project with guitarist Aaron Hemphill of the band Liars.
This isn’t just a casual pairing; it’s a project born from shared time and creative refinement. Banks has spent the last three years developing this material in the city, transforming the urban landscape into a rich source of inspiration. He describes the experience as essential to the record, noting that much of the lyrical work and musical ideas were refined while immersed in Berlin.
The collaboration is more than just a side project. Banks has formed what he affectionately calls the Berlin Project, a creative space that has deepened his artistic roots. This journey also brought him into contact with Aaron Hemphill, a figure Banks describes as one of the coolest guitarists he’s ever encountered, who has provided valuable insight into life in the city.
Their bond is rooted in shared experiences; Banks met Hemphill when Liars toured with Interpol in 2004, and Hemphill has since helped Banks navigate the city, offering advice on everything from health insurance to local life. This connection adds a deeply personal and authentic layer to the music they are creating.
Banks’ musical career has always been marked by evolution. Before this venture, he released solo work under his own name, including albums under the monikers Julian Plenti in 2009 and Banks in 2012. He also previously led the supergroup Muzz, featuring producer Josh Kaufman and The Walkmen’s Matt Barrick, marking another phase of collaborative experimentation.
The result of this process is reflected in the music. Interpol’s previous work, such as the album ‘This Mirror Weighs A Ton’, was widely lauded as a defining moment—a unified and satisfying expression of the band’s journey. Now, Banks is applying that same dedication to a new sound, infused with the unique energy and aesthetic of Berlin.
Whether it’s the anthemic sound of their past or the experimental explorations of their present, Paul Banks continues to demonstrate that great music is forged through relentless, inspired collaboration and the courage to embrace new cultural landscapes.
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