Interpol singer Paul Banks discusses sobriety and new album in Madrid

Interpol frontman Paul Banks is in Madrid to present the band’s eighth album, ‘This Mirror Weighs a Ton’. During an interview, the 48-year-old musician reflected on his past struggles with substance abuse, stating that quitting drugs and alcohol was not difficult because he was ready for the change.

Banks shared personal connections to Madrid, where he lived from ages 11 to 16 after his father moved there for a position at Volkswagen. He described his upbringing as a nomadic experience that allowed him to become a ‘citizen of the world’. He noted that while moving frequently is often viewed negatively, it helped him appreciate the charms of different locations.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Banks discussed the post-punk revival era in New York and the formation of Interpol in 1997. The band is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity among a new generation of listeners.