Julian Casablancas favorite philosopher, whose work, Casablancas claims, held truth as an important standard value. He recognizes Paul Robeson as someone who used his musical platform to help further his serious political intrigue and as someone who, therefore, serves as a role model for politically engaged musicians. Casablancas has been a guest on the Russian sponsored program "Redacted Tonight", as well as included its host, Lee Camp, as an opener for a Voidz show in Houston, Texas in October 2018. Casablancas, along with the Strokes, provided vocals on a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" with Joshua Homme on
Chris Julian (musician) programs samples and drum loops. Julian toured as a lead singer for six years around the United States with his rock band. In 1984, Julian, with partners Fortunato Procopio and Joe Teig, founded Calliope Productions, a New York City based production company. The studio became the center for the East Coast hip hop movement known as the "Native Tongues." Julian collaborated with hip hop artists such as De La Soul, Biz Markie, Naughty by Nature, Deee-lite, Tribe Called Quest, 3rd Bass, and P.M. Dawn, "forging a new African American roots awareness, and a progressive, brainy, 'hippy' sensibility within the hip