Interpol’s Paul Banks releases the soundtrack for Sister Midnight

Interpol's Paul Banks releases the official film soundtrack for Sister Midnight

Interpol’s Paul Banks releases the official film soundtrack for Sister Midnight, the directorial debut from Karan Kandhari. The soundtrack was composed and performed by, and also features previously released covers of two Iggy Pop‘s “Sister Midnight” and “Gimme Danger”. The album is out today via Partisan Records (Cameron Winter, Blondshell). A special limited-edition physical 7” of the “Sister Midnight” and “Gimme Danger” covers is now available.

Banks says of his work on the project:

“I fell in love with Uma and her journey the first time I read Karan’s script. It was years ago long before the film was even cast. It was clear to me that Karan had an utterly authentic voice and an inspired vision for this picture. And furthermore it was clear to me that he felt great love for his characters. I believe that from that love springs the undeniable sweetness of this film.

Karan is a brilliant collaborator who made a lasting work and it’s been a great honor for me to participate.

I first began composing music for the film after that first read through, when it was just words on paper. This collection of songs is comprised of works I made way back then, and all the way up to the last weeks of editing. Karan’s idea for the music of the film was both fluid and changing but also clear and certain. As the picture developed he understood better and better what he needed from me in the final, and I tried as best I could to serve his vision.

Fortunately the film was so inspiring to me that it was easy to create music for Uma’s world. And what you find here is a selection of those works – they all belong to Sister Midnight.”

Director Karan Kandhari adds:

“Working with Paul was one of my most fulfilling collaborations on this film. It was a beautiful process of artistic play and discovery together. His music doesn’t appear as traditional score. This is not background music — these are musical centrepieces married to the most crucial scenes in the film. Also, it takes real talent to go toe to toe against the Stooges and Motörhead on a soundtrack and Paul does this effortlessly. I’m so happy fans get to hear not only the music that made it on screen but a whole host of unreleased gems from his sessions.”

Sister Midnight is also available to rent and purchase online now. The rest of the eclectic soundtrack includes music from Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Holly, The Band, Motorhead, T. Rex, Blind Willie Johnson, The Stooges and more.

‘Sister Midnight’ has been nominated for Outstanding British Debut at this year’s BAFTA Awards, and was a hot ticket at the Cannes Film Festival where it was nominated for the Golden Camera award and in Director’s Fortnight. Also nominated for four BIFA awards, Sister Midnight won Best Picture in the Next Wave Award at Austin’s Fantastic Fest and was warmly received at festivals across the globe.