Paul Banks of Interpol forms Berlin band with Liars' Aaron Hemphill for upcoming album
Paul Banks of Interpol has revealed that he is preparing an album with a Berlin-based band that includes Liars' Aaron Hemphill. In an interview with The Berliner, Banks said the project has been in the works for three years and also features London musician Raife Burchell. The group does not have a label yet, and Banks hopes the record will arrive next year.
Banks has spent recent years living in Berlin. The unnamed group also features London's Raife Burchell, whom Banks met through boxing; Burchell often spends time in Berlin. Aaron Hemphill is based there and has known Banks since the two acts shared a 2004 tour. Banks says Hemphill helped him settle in, even with practical matters such as obtaining coverage for medical care.
The project has taken three years so far and has no label, though Banks hopes it will arrive next year. His earlier outside work includes Muzz, with Josh Kaufman and Matt Barrick, and solo releases as Julian Plenti and under his own name. Interpol's latest album also benefited from lyrics Banks refined in Berlin.
For listeners of Interpol, Liars, and indie rock, this collaboration could spark fresh anticipation and draw attention to Berlin's music community. Fans may view it as an extension of Banks's outside projects, while Hemphill's involvement could connect different audiences. Since no label or firm date is confirmed, its immediate reach may stay limited, but a future release could deepen interest in cross-border collaborations and possible live shows.