Interpol’s Paul Banks covers Iggy Pop on his soundtrack for new film ‘Sister Midnight’

Interpol frontman Paul Banks has composed the score for Sister Midnight, the feature film debut from writer/director Karan Kandhari. In addition to the instrumental score, Paul covers two Iggy Pop songs for it: solo song “Sister Midnight” and Stooges classic “Gimme Danger.”

Here’s Paul on the film:

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 says, “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.”

You can listen to Paul Banks’ Sister Midnight soundtrack below. The two Iggy covers are also being released as a 7″ single on September 5 via Partisan Records.

As for the film, it’s available to rent or purchase digitally via Amazon, Apple and other DSPs. Here’s the synopsis: “Rebellious small-town misfit Uma (acclaimed Indian actress Radhika Apte) arrives in Mumbai to find herself totally unsuited to life as a housewife. At odds with her prying neighbors and under the constant oppressive noise and heat of the city, she decides to break free from the shackles of domesticity and follow her own path.” You can watch the trailer below.