Julian Casablancas is a prominent figure in contemporary American music, an indie legend who played a significant role in ushering in a major cultural shift within the mainstream through The Strokes. Currently, he is concentrating on the Voidz, a dynamic, post-punk influenced sonic force that combines gritty analogue synths with the rock traditions of his cherished New York.
Last year's 'Like All Before You' marked the band's first full-length release in seven years, showcasing The Voidz in an engagingly diverse manner. This week, they released the brisk new EP 'Megz Of Ram,' signaling that the group is in a fertile creative phase.
It seems to be a significant time in Julian Casablancas' life. He is actively supporting New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, heavily advocating for some of the politician’s progressive policies.
Returning to the UK to perform at IDLES' hometown Block Party this week, Julian Casablancas took a moment to chat with Clash.
—
—
Let’s start with the big question – the New York Mets had a fantastic win last night; how are you feeling about them at the moment?
(Laughs) I haven’t been closely following the games. I check in occasionally. There’s one player I really admire, but he wasn’t playing last night, unfortunately.
You’re back in the UK soon, invited by IDLES – do you feel a connection with that band?
They are definitely one of my favorite bands right now. They’re fresh, edgy, serious, and honest… really cool people, you know?
Their music has a political edge; do you think more artists should be addressing these issues now?
Well, it really depends on who’s speaking! (Laughs) I believe it’s important for people to stay informed. I wish there was more authenticity and reality in mainstream culture, to put it that way.
That's a great perspective. The UK was instrumental in your career; is it nice to return?
Absolutely. I find myself enjoying it more each time, especially because it’s been sunnier during my recent visits. My past memories of the UK are quite gloomy, but it’s summer now. I’ve been visiting London for various reasons lately, even as a tourist – I'm not diving into anything too deep – but I’ve been liking it.
—
—
The Voidz are in an excellent creative space; it's been a year since 'Like All Before You' released. How do you feel about the music now that it has had time to resonate?
That album was our last effort to create an old-school record. We recorded in a studio with quality equipment, spending a week with vintage amplifiers. In a way, that’s not our true passion anymore – but you have to sell some records…! With this new EP, we’re going back to our roots. It's not entirely DIY, but it was recorded in a basement in New York, doing exactly what we want without following traditional paths. It's a blend of modernity and personal influences, or something like that.
The EP seems to inhabit a unique space. Do you think the recording environment influences the final product?
We always bounce ideas off each other in a consistent way, but the environment has a significant impact on us. I remember shooting a video where we dressed up like 50s and 60s jazz musicians and used small amplifiers. Knowing we would be lip-syncing all day, we brought those amps along. Given our outfits, we ended up sounding like a wedding band instead of our usual style… which was quite an enlightening experience. What you wear and the character you take on can affect your performance. For instance, writing on a sunny beach might inspire different creativity than in a basement in New York. We enjoyed recording in LA; we thought we’d let the sunshine in and not focus too much on confusing the audience. We did that for some time, and now we’re all about just doing what we want.
As a fan, you can really sense the essence of a city from a record – whether it’s from Berlin, London, or Montreal. As a musician, does New York still inspire you?
I still recommend New York to anyone I know getting into the arts or pursuing something creative. Despite everything happening around the world, there’s something intrinsic about the city that fosters a silent competition among all the cutting-edge cultures. A lot has changed, but you can still see that spirit in the graffiti and fashion – it feels like you’re witnessing the future unfold. Although the quality of life and the quality of art have shifted, the standard of art in New York remains unmatched.
It’s impossible to discuss New York without mentioning the Mamdani campaign – you’ve publicly supported him and met him as well. Many seem to connect with him, especially young people. What do you think makes him resonate so well?
He has effectively found a way to sneak in unnoticed. There was an expectation with Cuomo that overlooked him.
Breakout artist bib sama. has released a new single titled 'f33l'. A versatile talent who defies categorization, bib sama. incorporates various styles and sounds to discover
Junction 2 focuses on cutting-edge sound quality and innovative stage designs, featuring vibrant woodland dance floors and picturesque riverside locations.
Master Peace has released his latest track 'Shake Me Down'. The UK artist achieved significant success with his 2024 debut album 'How To Make A Master Peace', which has been highly anticipated.
END IT parodies Celebrity Deathmatch in their latest video 'Optical Delusions.' The band has chosen to pay homage to a classic late-night MTV favorite, Celebrity
The Great Escape has a truly worldwide reach, and this year’s event was no different. Participants from places as diverse as the Faroe Islands to Japan displayed their
The breakout Australian trio Blusher has released their new EP 'RACER' in its entirety. The band combines club elements with exceptional pop charm, producing some exhilarating tracks.
Julian Casablancas is a highly significant figure in contemporary American music, an indie legend who played a pivotal role in launching a major cultural transformation within the