Julian Plenti, the alter ego of Interpol's Paul Banks, began his musical career as an acoustic solo artist in 1998, performing at venues like the Knitting Factory and Tobacco Road. Banks conceptualized Plenti in 1996 and continued to write and perform under this moniker while Interpol gained fame. After a sabbatical in 2003, Banks revived the Plenti project in 2006, experimenting with recording software and enlisting collaborators like Interpol's Sam Fogarino and Ratatat's Mike Stroud. The culmination of this effort was the release of Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper in 2009, featuring intricate arrangements with string and brass sections.

Julian Plenti's musical journey spans over two decades, with Banks conceiving the persona in the late '90s and releasing the debut album in 2009. Throughout this time, Banks balanced his work as Plenti with his role in Interpol, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a musician. Collaborating with a diverse range of artists, Banks crafted a unique sound for Julian Plenti, culminating in the intricate and layered compositions heard on Julian Plenti Is Skyscraper. The album's release in 2009 marked a significant moment in Banks' career, solidifying his place as a multifaceted artist in the indie rock scene.