Interpol’s origins can be traced to 1997 and New York University, where the original line up were students. Guitarist Daniel Kessler had “been looking to put a band together for a while” when he met drummer Greg Drudy on campus. Kessler later added Carlos Dengler (bass guitar, keyboards - commonly referred to as Carlos D) after meeting him in a history class. Kessler had previously met Paul Banks whilst in Paris, and approached him to become lead singer when he ran into him on the street. In 2000, after releasing the “Fukd I.D. #3” EP, Drudy left the band, and Kessler recruited Sam Fogarino as replacement, whom he knew through Fogarino’s job at a local vintage clothing store. Fogarino had previously turned down the opportunity to replace Sara Lee Lucas as drummer for Marilyn Manson before moving to New York, and was the original drummer for South Florida’s The Holy Terrors.

Settling on a songwriting method that included all the band members (rather than relying on any given chief songwriter), Interpol self released several EPs between 1998 and 2001, and the band signed to Matador in 2002, an independent label famous for breaking bands such as Pavement. A self titled EP was released in June, creating anticipation for a full length album.

Debut LP “Turn on the Bright Lights” in August 2002, on Matador. Recorded at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the record sold exceptionally well for an independent release, making many ‘Top 10 of 2002’ lists, and the band toured extensively. Sessions for the follow up album began in late 2003, with Tarquin Studios again the preferred venue. September 2004 saw “Antics” released, again on Matador, and again populating many ‘Top 10’ lists. Debut UK Top 40 hits were also achieved with singles "Slow Hands", "Evil", and "C'Mere" charting at 36, 18 and 19 respectively, and “Antics” was certified Gold in the UK.
Interpol toured once again after the release of the album, with the tour going on for almost 18 months, including a number of shows playing as undercards for U2 and The Cure.

Taking only 3 months off after touring finished, Fogarino confirmed that the band were back in the studio working on new material in March 2006. He also confirmed that they would be leaving Matador in search of a new label, which eventually occurred in August/September, when Interpol signed for Capitol Records. They toured Europe, Canada and the US, playing small venues and experimenting with new material, and third LP “Our Love To Admire”, recorded this time in their hometown of New York City, was released in July 2007, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.