Julian Casablancas wrote and recorded eight songs while The Strokes were on hiatus that the band’s frontman will release as a solo album called Phrazes for the Young. Frankly, I couldn’t be more excited.
Three-fifths of The Strokes have already released solo projects already and they’ve all been really good. Factor in Casablancas’ song-writing prowess (Julian wrote all of The Strokes’ songs on their first two records) and Phrazes has the potential to be one of the best records of the year.
More details, people: Casablancas’ full solo LP was produced by Jason Lader and Mike Mogis and will be released in the fall. As an added bonus to fans of The Strokes, Julian will support the record with a number of tour dates. Both the release date and tour dates will be announced at a later date.
Julian recorded the record in New York City, Los Angeles and Nebraska. NME reports three of the eight songs on Phrazes for the Young include ‘River of Brake Lights,’ ‘Glass,’ and ‘Ludlow St.’
To get fans excited about the first full-length solo record from Julian Casablancas, the singer and his camp released the follow instrumental video as a teaser to the new record. It’s abstract, includes Julian playing guitar and also features a line that reads “Drunkeness is cowardice, Sobriety is lonliness.”
Most importantly for fans of The Strokes, the solo record is reportedly completely finished and shouldn’t interfere with the album four, which is currently being written by the band in New York City.
Be sure to stay tuned to JulianCasablancas.com for more updates on the new record.
Oh, and now for my personal reaction: I’m f—ing excited. This is the best news I’ve heard since The Strokes announced they were definitely getting back together for a fourth record. The biggest reason to expect great things out of Phrazes for the Young is Julian’s obsessive nature about the music he releases. Nearly every article about The Strokes talked about Julian obsessing over tones in the studio and Nick Valensi even called him an android when he was in the studio.
The Strokes had/have a lot more pressure than Casablancas as an individual, but I think Julian took the solo record very seriously and it should be very different than The Strokes records.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I wanted a Strokes record this year. But then I thought, Jules IS the Strokes, so here we go. I’m excited.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! I am SO EXCITED!
OMG OMG OMG This is AMAZING!
I cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Highlight of my day!
:D
AWESOME! I can’t wait.
IM FUCKING ECSTATIC
I can’t wait for the new album from Jules. It sounds like it going to be pretty good with the sample of the instrumental video. The strokes really has great talent in having their own project solos. I am guessing if Nick will also do a project solo? Anyway I still want the Strokes to come back with a new album.