HOW THEY BECAME THE STROKES----- how they met: Julian and Nikolai have known each other since grade school, Albert and Jules met at a school in Switzerland, Nick, Fab, and Julian went to the same high school and formed a band with Nikolai. They knew they needed another guitarist. Julian and Albert were reunited because Albert was living near where Jules was bartending at the time. They played with Albert and knew it fit...the strokes were complete! (they weren't called "the strokes" yet...but they had all the members) IN THE PICTURE: (from left to right) Nikolai, Fab, Julian, Nick, Albert
-----JULIAN CASABLANCAS----- Julian is 24 years old and has always lived in NYC. Julian's mom was Miss Denmark (she won a VW Beetle and gave it to her dad, how nice!). His dad is John Casablancas (of the "elite" modeling agency). Many people say that the only reason the strokes were signed is because of their rich parents, their connections, and so on, but that's just a nasty rumor that can be abolished by a listen or two to their album. ANYWAY Julian is really rocking that "i'm just way too tired" image, but it works for him. His voice has got the "i've been living in a big city all my life and it shows" vibe to it...it's great. we all love you jules, and we're sure the next album will be great, so don't get too stressed out, really.
-----FABRIZIO MORETTI----- Fab is 22 years old. he was born in Brazil, but moved to NYC when he was about 3. Fab studied architecture before he made it big in a little band called the strokes...you might have heard of them. so was it a good idea for him to put aside his architectural dreams to be in a band? strokes fans seem to think so. Fab's got energy and rhythm, as he should, since he's the drummer, but he's also got this kind of fun coolness about him which just adds to how much we all like him. and to Fab's curls: R.I.P. (he'll grow them back...right?)
-----ALBERT HAMMOND, JR.----- Albert is 22 years old and plays guitar in the strokes. Albie lived in L.A. as a kid. his dad is the singer/songwriter Albert Hammond (Sr.) who had some hit songs back in the day. Albert brings style and an added cool-factor to the band and, might i add, his guitar is awesome (gotta love that photo). his solos are fast, catchy, and effervescent (<--that last one is kind of a joke, "maximum strokes", enough said). Al is an overall cool cat,and his clothes, shoes, and method of guitar playing validate this. Rock on Albie, rock on.
-----NIKOLAI FRAITURE----- Niko is 24 years old and plays bass guitar. He would meet the requirements for "the quietest stroke in interviews." i don't know what he's like in real life, but he really doesn't talk much in any of the interviews that i've read...and i've read many, many interviews. His bass playing makes up for it all, though. The bass-line on "Is This it"...it's great, you can't not love it. Niko was born and raised in NYC, I believe. He spends time helping his mom take care of his little sister, Elizabeth. They even designed a strokes t-shirt together. "Nikolai enjoys fine sandwiches and playing cards."- thestrokes.com
-----NICK "the bird" VALENSI----- Nicky boy is the youngest stroke at age 22 (he just turned 22 on the 16th of January). He plays guitar for the strokes. Nick has also always lived in NYC. He's is probably the stroke most likely to be called "hot" by some girl who doesn't know who they are. That's just the way it goes. Don't let his cute-boy face fool you, though, because he can play some mean guitar. The solo in "The Modern Age" is just...just...the best, there's nothing bad you can say about it. Yes, Nick brings the good cheekbones to the band, but he's got talent and don't you forget it!
