ICYMI: Julian Casablancas talked The Strokes, politics, and his love for The Voidz

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As a long-time fan who has witnessed Julian Casablancas‘ musical journey from the early days of The Strokes to his latest project with The Voidz, I find myself captivated by the complexity and depth of this artistic maverick. It’s fascinating to observe Casablancas’ evolution as he navigates the duality of mainstream success and avant-garde exploration, constantly pushing boundaries while staying true to his vision.

Recently, Julian Casablancas, founder of the influential indie rock band The Strokes, established in 1997, discussed the reason behind his slight separation from the group. In a chat with the Los Angeles Times, he pondered over his changing position within The Strokes and his recent dedication to The Voidz, a creative venture exploring new musical territories.

2013 saw Julian Casablancas founding The Voidz, offering him a platform for delving into avant-garde musical ventures, a departure from the familiar style that characterized The Strokes. Their recent album, released in September with The Voidz, has further solidified Casablancas’ ties to this experimental project.

During the interview, Casablancas subtly indicated that he might lean towards The Voidz over The Strokes when asked about which group he missed more. He seemed reluctant to answer straightforwardly, saying, “Perhaps I’m leaning one way more than the other. I’m not sure if I can answer without potentially offending someone.

When the interviewer hinted that perhaps it was The Voidz he feels a stronger connection to, Casablancas, taken aback, acknowledged, “Occasionally, yes.

The Strokes and The Voidz and politics

Julian Casablancas has pointed out the shift in his songwriting with The Strokes, revealing that many of their tracks contain subtle political messages. When asked if performing with The Strokes creates an “opiate-of-the-masses” atmosphere, he responded, “No, because I incorporate political thoughts into Strokes songs as well. I’ve always done so to some extent.” Casablancas added that this isn’t a recent development; he has been intertwining such themes in his music for quite a while now.

He explained that some Strokes fans might not fully understand this particular aspect, which could be a reason for him taking a break from the band. However, he emphasized that he’s still dedicated to The Strokes, considering it an “extraordinarily cool part-time job” that he feels lucky to have. He made it clear that as long as his band duties don’t interfere with his ability to make significant contributions elsewhere, he will manage both projects simultaneously.

In a previous chat with NME, Casablancas pointed out instances where The Strokes’ music reflects his political views. He brought up songs like “New York City Cops” and “Soma,” which delicately tackle power dynamics and societal problems. Casablancas clarified that when he says ‘political,’ he doesn’t mean in the context of the Conservatives or Republicans; instead, he’s referring to human values and ideas, as well as strategies for philosophically challenging power structures and those who wield control.

The same philosophical undercurrent is present in both his projects with The Strokes and The Voidz; however, the latter provides him with a wider scope for this kind of exploration, maintaining a spirit reminiscent of punk music.

Does this mean The Strokes are losing Casablancas?

In the early 2000s, The Strokes, known for their significant role in reviving garage rock, put out their newest album, titled “The New Abnormal“, in 2020. Tracks like “At the Door” and “Bad Decisions” are part of it. This record was produced by Rick Rubin, earning The Strokes their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Critics appreciated its thought-provoking lyrics and immersive sound, with Rubin stating recently that his approach is all about ensuring the sound is enjoyable, rather than focusing on technical aspects.

This new release represents a major milestone for the band, coming after more than two decades in the music business, demonstrating their continued impact on modern rock. Yet, it seems Julian Casablancas’ creative focus has evolved recently, with The Voidz providing him an opportunity to break rules and explore sounds beyond The Strokes’ traditional style. Known for blending electronic, punk, and even metal influences, The Voidz’s music is uniquely unorthodox, mirroring Casablancas’ ambition to test boundaries and tackle less mainstream themes.

Despite maintaining ties with The Strokes, Julian Casablancas’ dedication to The Voidz indicates an artist who is always seeking fresh avenues for self-expression. His dual musical career underscores his dedication to both mainstream fame and fringe artistic exploration, managing to cater to a wide audience with The Strokes while pushing boundaries with The Voidz. To quote Casablancas himself, as long as his work with The Strokes doesn’t consume so much of his time that he can’t engage in anything productive, he will continue to straddle these two realms, finding meaning in both and staying true to his ever-evolving vision.

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2024-10-31 21:01