Julian Casablancas ascended to rock stardom nearly twenty-five years ago as the intriguingly disheveled frontman of The Strokes. Since then, many have speculated about the band’s decline, only to witness their continued success, including the release of 2020’s “The New Abnormal,” which earned them their first Grammy Award, followed by a tour that reached arenas filled with fans who were not yet born when the band launched their iconic debut album, “Is This It,” in 2001.
In recent years, however, Casablancas has appeared increasingly engaged with his other band, The Voidz, which has just released its third LP, “Like All Before You.” This album presents a collection of electronic rock tracks, characterized by a blend of digital effects and reflections on personal and political collapse. Ahead of a Voidz performance on Wednesday night at the Orpheum Theatre, Casablancas—now 46 and a father of two with his ex-wife—spoke about the album and its themes during dinner on the rooftop of East Hollywood’s Hotel Covell.
Would you like a drink? Do you drink?
No.
Is that a conscious choice?
It just happened that way, actually. It’s amusing—I don’t drink anymore, but I finally appreciate the taste. Previously, I would consume without thought, but now I’ve found that I enjoy this particular tequila much more than that one.
Just in time to lose interest in drinking entirely.
The same applies to cigarettes. I can light someone’s cigarette without inhaling, but I feel I can taste it and appreciate it more than when I used to smoke.
Does vaping appeal to you?
I found the idea of cannabis vaping to be appealing in the past. I no longer smoke cannabis either. As for the current vaping trend—no, it resembles a pacifier to me.
Do you miss drinking?
I miss the initial feeling of euphoria. But it is ultimately a hollow seductress.
Having lived in both New York and Los Angeles, do you believe the two cities embody wealth and power in distinct ways?
In my experience, I encounter affluent individuals in the entertainment sector here, while in New York, I more often see corporate types. Although I’m not socializing with them, I notice well-off individuals engaging in upscale activities. I think I might feel somewhat alienated by the artistic community in Los Angeles.
Is that due to your identity as an artist?
Perhaps, yes.
As a child, did being wealthy seem appealing or unappealing?
The slogan “Die yuppie scum” was a defining phrase of my teenage years, so in that context, it was not appealing. However, being successful in music, akin to figures like Jim Morrison, was certainly regarded as cool.
“Die yuppie scum” resonated with you.
Absolutely. I was living in Yorkville, essentially on the Upper East Side. We were naïve teenage rebels, yet my primary focus was on becoming a good musician. Bands like Built to Spill and Guided by Voices seemed capable of making a living touring as indie bands, which is less viable nowadays. Back then, that was the objective. With the artists I admired—like The Velvet Underground and Bob Marley—wealth was not glorified, although perhaps success implied it.
This new Voidz album features numerous songs that contemplate divorce and the trauma linked to dismantling a family. Is this observation accurate or not?
It’s likely accurate. I didn’t fully recognize it at the time, but upon reflecting on the album recently, I realized the lyrics resonate with me on a profound level. Lyrics can be strange; I often express sentiments that don’t become clear until years later when I realize their significance. It’s almost like a message in a bottle addressed to myself.
Do you value being understood by your audience?
Indeed, the objective of lyrics is to strive for universality. Various individuals engage with the music, and ideally, you wish to be emotionally pertinent to as many as possible. You aim to inspire.
Really?
I believe that the purpose of art is to inspire individuals. Is that a controversial statement?
Inspire them to achieve what?
To envision the best possible realities. To empower them in pursuing their dreams. To validate their emotions, encouraging them to enhance their lives.
This seems contrary to the manner in which I engage with music.
Perhaps you possess sociopathic tendencies. No, in all seriousness, each person is distinct. However, when music impacts you, it is potent. It can evoke sadness yet simultaneously inspire action. [chuckles]
“Like All Before You” è il terzo album di Casablancas con i Voidz.
(Peter Fisher / Per Il Times)
This album includes a track that one might reasonably classify as a reggae song.
“7 Horses”? I wouldn’t categorize it that way.
But you knew which one I was referring to.
The drums might be somewhat similar, but that is due to a guitar in the drum track that we were unable to remove. I would have if I could have.
The Voidz are frequently described as an experimental band. While this may not be your terminology, if that is the case, what is the experiment aiming to discover?
That’s not necessarily my term, but if you seek to envision concepts that haven’t yet come into existence, I suppose it serves as a suitable descriptor.
You have been a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders. He progressed quite far in this election with President Biden; what are your thoughts on that?
I question his strategic decision-making, which I believe is a flaw. I understand the desire to prevent a Trump presidency, which isn’t surprising. However, I find it perplexing that Democrats, who seem to be aware of corporate influences, continue to support a party that appears to serve billionaires. This definitely confounds me. Ultimately, the Democratic Party seems to offer something to Bernie that I fail to comprehend.
When Biden exited the race and Kamala Harris stepped in, did you observe the rise in optimism among liberals with sympathy, amusement, or disappointment?
I would describe my reaction as complete indifference. The fact that they have a candidate at the top of the ticket that no one voted for aligns perfectly with how the DNC prefers to operate.
Will you participate in the vote?
One could argue, as the election approaches, that voting is prudent, even though I believe the policy differences between the parties are minimal. Both are unsatisfactory. However, considering the possibility that Trump may attempt to remain in office indefinitely, it is worthwhile to vote against him.
When would you identify the moment when money tainted politics?
This phenomenon is not new. Since civilization’s dawn, it has been a struggle between the human race and a select few power-hungry individuals. We haven’t experienced true democracy since tribal times.
Given that perspective, you must find it ironic when Democrats lament the importance of preserving democracy.
Of course. Once again, the technicality is that Trump may resist leaving power, which is unfortunate. Yet there’s a part of me that feels this could compel people to awaken to reality.
Does the endeavor of enlightening individuals feel exhausting or invigorating?
There are moments of excitement because the truth is so simple and accessible—you just need to look beyond a few clicks. However, people often don’t seem to care. It’s more like, “I can only commit to one click.”
What about teaching your children?
That seems easier since they have not been subjected to brainwashing, despite their school’s attempts. They don’t really engage with the news yet; it’s challenging to avoid being inundated with corporate narratives on your phone, nearly impossible.
Secondo Casablancas, rinunciare a bere ha comportato: “Mi manca la sensazione di euforia all’inizio. Ma è alla fine una seduttrice vuota.”
(Peter Fisher / Per Il Times)
What music do your children listen to?
Phonk.
Funk?
No, Russian phonk. P-H-O-N-K. È una roba musicale strana da social media.
Do you attempt to introduce them to your preferences?
I play them songs. I believe they have a pretty cool taste.
When collaborating with The Voidz, is there anything you miss about working with The Strokes? And vice versa?
Probably one side more than the other. I’m not certain if I can respond without causing offense to someone.
I assume you miss The Voidz.
Sometimes, yes.
When performing Strokes shows, do you feel as though you contribute to an “opiate of the masses” atmosphere?
No, because I believe I infuse political thoughts into Strokes songs as well. I always have to some extent. I sense a significant number of Strokes fans might not grasp that aspect, which could explain my slight withdrawal from it. Nonetheless, it’s a fulfilling job that I value, so I don’t harbor negative feelings about it. If it were consuming so much of my time that I couldn’t engage in anything meaningful, then I might. But I don’t allow it to reach that point, at least I don’t believe so. I could be deceiving myself.
