The Strokes

The Strokes were one of the most influential bands of the early 21st century. Their direct, hooky sound was inspired by classic tunesmiths like Buddy Holly and the Velvet Underground. With their acclaimed 2001 debut, Is This It, the Strokes reinvigorated a rock scene that had spent years focused on post-grunge and nu-metal. Though they spent much of the 2010s working on individual projects, they returned with some of their most passionate-sounding music on 2020's The New Abnormal. They helped shape the sound and look of alternative rock in the 2000s.

The Strokes were formed in the late '90s. Singer/songwriter Julian Casablancas, drummer Fabrizio Moretti, and guitarist Nick Valensi started playing together. At the time, the then-unnamed band's musical influences included the Doors, Bob Marley, the Velvet Underground, and Jane's Addiction. The Strokes enlisted Gordon Raphael to record their three-song demo. Rough Trade released the group's demo as The Modern Age EP in January 2001. RCA emerged as the victor after a bidding war. Along with playing several festivals in 2017, the Strokes started mapping out their sixth album which was to be released in 2020. It will be their first with producer Rick Rubin.