With the recent release of, Like All Before You, discussion regarding Julian Casablancas and The Voidz have been on the uprise. Like All Before You is classified as their most "unpredictable album yet", with songs featuring heavy guitar riffs, techno beats, and calls to the psychedelic world. Consisting of a melding of sounds earning the self proclaimed title, "prison jazz," Julian Casablancas, the front man of The Strokes, started The Voidz as his passion project. In addition to Casablancas' vocals, the group includes Beardo Gritter (guitar), Amir Yaghmai (guitar), Jake Bercovici (bassist/keys), Jeff Kite (keys/synth), and Alex Carapetis (drums). The Voidz push the idea of raw energy and distorted audio forward, finding inspiration in classical pieces, hiphop, underground rock and new wave.
Recently, I had the chance to attend an exciting Q+A with The Voidz, hosted by 2B Entertainment. The event transported attendees back to the 60's with vintage decor–lamps, velvet curtains and a broader sense of elegance–at NYC's iconic Nine Orchard Hotel. The band arrived to the stage a little after 9:15, earning a hush amongst the crowd as everyone prepared to ask their most coveted questions. The discussion opened up with inquiries regarding the inspiration for the band. More specifically, questions around what drives The Voidz specialized sound and areas they seek the most influence from. Due to the various backgrounds of each member, the group came to the conclusion that the ultimate source of creativity is just from going about their daily life. Whether that applies to a conversation they may have with someone on the street, a new underground artist, or the environment around them, anything or anyone can spark a new development.
Conversation soon shifted to the concept album Like All Before You, specifically regarding their hits, "Square Wave", "7 Horses" and my personal favorite, "Prophecy of the Dragon." The band considers their new work as a "jump back" to their original need for "out of the box thinking." With their politically-driven lyrics, they seek something that is deemed catchy, yet, holds the balance between rock and experimental. The new album presents itself to the listener as a futuristic, video-game like world where the narrator of the story must find meaning in their daily life. balancing the struggles that humanity faces in a hypnotic and otherworldly manner.
The album art itself earned it's own conversation considering the band went with AI to develop the image. Bercovici claims that they were prepared for some backlash and controversy that would arise from it's use. Casablancas appeared to have no knowledge about the movements against AI art, claiming that AI can simply be a tool to create unique imagery from randomized objects.
Julian Casablancas also announced that The Voidz will be holding a residency at Club 82 during the spring of next year. According to Casablancas, this venue is considered an, "old, legendary NY place" known for its speakeasy, glam rock scene and drag performances. Artists featured in the past include, Judy Garland, Tennessee Williams, Frank Sinatra and Errol Flynn. The band is enthusiastic to bring their unique and intricate sound to the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
The event concluded with a resounding applause as the band gathered center stage for photographs, before exiting to rehash the interview. Afterwards, The Voidz mingled around the venue, exchanging conversation among attendees and other journalists.
A special Thank You to 2B Entertainment for putting together the event as well as a special Thanks to Nina Savio for the invitation.