Interpol performed a private, intimate show in front of just 150 people for KCRW on the eve of the release of their new self-titled album earlier this week and the 8-song set is now up in our archives and available on demand! The slow building, epic “Lights” was one of the highlights.
They not only debuted new songs but a new line up – with the addition of Dave Pajo (Slint,Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and Brandon Curtis (Secret Machines) following the departure of bassist Carlos D.
In an interview with KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley (you can read the transcript at KCRW.com), Singer Paul Banks said it was an amicable split and they all saw it coming.
“It wasn’t so sudden. In a band like ours, we’re all really open with each other. It’s a bit like being in a relationship – there’s always signs. It’s really exactly kind of like that. I don’t think we were shocked. Obviously, disappointed — he’s a great guy.”
They also talked about the influence of New York City on their music:
Paul Banks: “I think when taking time out of New York City and then coming back to it you realize that it’s just such a hyper-stimulating place and I think it just revs you up – not always in a good way. But I think that our music does reflect in a way, that kind of like, a lot of stimulation. There’s a lot of grit in New York City too. It’s definitely like a pace – a pace thing that is cranked.”
Drummer Sam Fogarino: “Don’t you feel that after having spent so much time there, that you have it deep within you? We could have written this record in Tahiti – it all becomes a state of mind, you know. New York leaves such an imprint – that you just can’t – you can leave for years and it just doesn’t go away. There’s always a lot to draw upon, from that imprint. Black imprint.” (laughter)
The group’s new album marks a return to the indie label that launched them, Matador, and label founder Chris Lombardi was in attendance at the show, as was actress Catherine Keener who is a huge fan of the band. The performance was recorded in the private studio of legendary producer Bob Clearmountain as part of KCRW’s Berkeley Street Sessions.
See photos here and check out the performance on demand.
RR