Oscar Langburne and Interpol's Paul Banks Make the Unlikeliest of Collaborators
You probably know Paul Banks as Interpol’s frontman. Since their debut record in 2002, Turn on the Bright Lights, Interpol has continued to put out sick records for nearly two decades. Through the years, I somehow learned that Paul surfs. And has a serious affinity and appreciation for the ocean since spending a chunk of time living in Mexico City as a kid.
I recently noticed that a quiver of Oscar Langburne’s surfboards featured photos I’d seen on Paul’s personal Instagram — rad black and whites of building architecture and skylines — and I had to reach out to see how it all came together. —Travis Ferré
Inherent Bummer: So how did some of your photos end up on a quiver of surfboards for a 17-year-old professional surfer in Australia?
Paul Banks: Oscar hit me up on the ‘gram and told me he was a surfer from Australia, a fan of my music and photography, who used images of his favorite bands and movies on his surfboards, and he wanted to know if he could use some of my images on his boards. I said, “shit yeah!” I love surfing and am honored by any love from that community.
The photos he used feature distinct architecture and skylines. What is it that draws you to these structures?
I’ve always been intrigued and inspired by architecture. I remember early on I would speak about my lyrics in terms of skylines — a dissociated amalgam of elements and forms representing diverse times, styles, feelings — yet being taken-in an as one cohesive whole. All the diversity become intimate.
But I digress. When I was a kid I was intrigued by skyscrapers because of their perfection. It was alienating and inspiring at the same time. Lines so straight that you’d never find them in nature — stretching high into the sky. Like a flex to God. Created by curvy, malleable, and chaotic human beings. They sort of “unrepresent” us.
[takes bong rip]
You’re a New York-based artist and musician, but tell us a bit about your surfing life?
I surf in Panama on the Pacific side. I tend to go back to one spot between tours. It’s the wave I learned on and the wave I love. I’ve surfed other places too, but to little avail. I’d surf every day if I could. No question. It truly is the end all be all. It’s spiritual and athletic in such extreme quantities that I can’t imagine any pastime being more fulfilling.
I’ve been obsessed with waves and the ocean my whole life. I was always a good swimmer and a some-time body surfer when I lived in Mexico in high school. I nearly drowned at that time and had to be rescued — and I got the respect for the ocean that is necessary — and I also learned the feel of the waves that way.
I decided finally at 30 that it was time to take my love affair with Mother Nature to the next.
Has Oscar sent you any photos of him riding the boards?
The boards look amazing! And he’s such a steezy surfer. He recently set a clip to a Muzz tune [Paul’s most recent musical project and band] and it was so epic. Made me very happy.
Any places you’d love to surfer? Favorite surfers to watch?
I like John John and JOB and I watch Medina and Toledo and the Brasílian dude who just won [Italo] ...but I’m not that avid or informed as a fan. Which you can probably tell by my list there [laughs]. I’d love to see Pipeline, Shipsterns and Nazare in person — see them, not surf them.
Been really enjoying Muzz, what’s next for that project?
Thanks! We are working on new stuff and intend to make more records. The debut dropped June 5th. And when touring starts happening again, we will certainly tour.
We also chatted with Oscar to get an idea of what triggered him to reach out to Paul for the images.
Inherent Bummer: What was your first impression of Interpol…or what projects of Paul’s were you into?
Oscar Langburne: I heard Interpol’s “Evil” on a playlist and was like, “This is fucking sick!” from the first listen. Then just started checking out albums and clips and thought they were really interesting and edgy.
What caught your eye about the photos he takes and where did you see them?
From reading about Interpol I just started following Paul's personal Instagram and thought the photos he posted were really interesting. They are mostly buildings but the angle he shoots them they take on a different look and takes them from being just a building. They look like they could be album covers actually.
When did you decide to make the effort to get them on your boards?
I've always had musical influences on my graphics and I just thought something different from albums or musicians for a change would be cool — but still connected to something I like could look rad. Hayden does all my boards and prints so it worked perfect. I think he might be doing Paul a custom and sending it to him in South America which would be pretty cool.
How was the experience working with him on it?
Well I just hit him up on Insta thinking I'd never hear back ... but ‘cause he's such a humble dude it went from there. It's really cool when someone you look up to actually makes an effort, a lot of people only give time to people if they think there's something in it for them but seeing how Paul speaks in interviews and stuff, he just seemed really down to earth and not some pretentious wanker and that's exactly how he was. I freaked out though when he hit back.
Did you guys ever talk about surfing?
A little over insta and email. When I found out he surfed it was super cool and something in common. I didn’t know that at first. Hopefully one day we get to have a surf and I can say thanks in person.
