

In September 2007 they did a Take-Away Show acoustic video session shot by Vincent Moon. The Flying Club Cup was officially released in October 2007. He also expressed interest in French film and culture, claiming this was his original reason for traveling to Europe. Condon has cited Francophone singers Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg and Yves Montand as influences. The music on the album has a French influence due to Condon's interest in French chanson during its recording. Lon Gisland was the full band's first release in 2007.īeirut's second album, The Flying Club Cup, was recorded largely at a makeshift studio in Albuquerque and completed at Arcade Fire's studio in Quebec. Condon recruited friends to play Gulag Orkestar's first live shows in New York in May 2006.īeirut's first music video was for Elephant Gun, directed by Alma Har'el who also directed the band's second video "Postcards from Italy". Condon recorded most of the material for Gulag Orkestar alone in his bedroom, finishing the album in a studio with Jeremy Barnes ( Neutral Milk Hotel, A Hawk and a Hacksaw) and Heather Trost ( A Hawk and a Hacksaw), who became early contributors to the band.īa Da Bing Records signed Condon on the strength of the recordings. Returning from Europe, Condon enrolled at the University of New Mexico, where he studied Portuguese and photography. Zach's younger brother Ross Condon played in the band Total Slacker. Condon's exploration of world music developed Beirut's melodic sound. Ĭondon attended community college for a short period, then traveled to Europe at the age of 17 with his older brother, Ryan. Work at a cinema showing international films piqued his interest in Fellini arias, Sicilian funeral brass, and Balkan music. Ĭondon attended Santa Fe High School, until dropping out when he was 17.

Condon played trumpet in a jazz band as a teenager and cites jazz as a major influence.

He grew up in Newport News, Virginia and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Zach Condon was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 13, 1986.
