Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard on Anniversary Tours, Personal Turmoil, and the Making of 'I Built You a Tower'
By
Maya Georgi
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard reflects on the emotional challenges of the band's joint anniversary tour with the Postal Service, which forced him to revisit his 26-year-old self while navigating a personal separation. The article explores how the band's return to an indie label and their experiences touring shaped their new album 'I Built You a Tower,' with Gibbard and guitarist Dave Depper discussing the creative process, the weight of nostalgia, and the band's renewed artistic focus.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledEach night, the frontman would travel back in time, tap into his 26-year-old self and deliver convincing, vulnerable performances.
Offstage, Gibbard was finding it difficult to switch back and forth between the past and present as his personal life took a rough turn.
We're not f-cking around — this is a real band, making real music, and we're still pushing forward.
You might also wanna read
Death Cab for Cutie's "I Built You a Tower" Explores Three Tiers of Grief Through Ben Gibbard's Personal Losses
Ben Gibbard and Death Cab for Cutie return after four years with "I Built You a Tower," an album that channels three distinct tiers of grief
Pitchfork·7d ago
Death Cab For Cutie Returns to Independent Label After 23 Years With New Album
Death Cab For Cutie is returning to independent label releases after 23 years with their new album "I Built You A Tower" on ANTI- Records (a
Stereogum·8d ago
Death Cab For Cutie Release New Single "Stone Over Water" Ahead of Album Drop, Perform on Kimmel
Death Cab For Cutie are releasing their new album "I Built You A Tower" this week on indie label Anti — their first indie release since 2003
Stereogum·10d ago
Stereogum's Weekly Pick: The 5 Best New Songs of the Week
A weekly roundup from Stereogum staff featuring the five best new songs of the week, with a focus on a new Death Cab For Cutie track that ex
Stereogum·1mo ago
Mike D announces debut album Thank You
Louder Than War·4d ago
Rush Performs "2112" Live In Full For First Time Since 1997 On Reunion Tour
Rush's surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson performed their epic seven-part song "2112" live in full for the first time in 29 years
Stereogum·2d ago