The Strokes The Strokes The Strokes are an American rock band from New York City. Formed in 1998, the band is composed of singer Julian Casablancas, lead guitarist Nick Valensi, rhythm guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. Following the conclusion of five-album deals with RCA and Rough Trade, the band has continued to release new music through Casablancas' Cult Records. Met with widespread critical acclaim, the Strokes' 2001 debut, "Is This It", helped usher in the garage rock revival movement of the early-21st century—and ranks number eight on "Rolling Stone"s 100 Best Debut Albums of All Time,
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