Julian Casablancas

Early Life

Julian Fernando Casablancas was born on August 23, 1978, in Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York City. He is the son of John Casablancas, a businessman and founder of Elite Model Management, and Jeanette Christiansen, a Danish model and former Miss Denmark. After his parents divorced when he was eight, Casablancas experienced a rebellious teenage phase, partly due to his desire to be closer to his father. His musical journey began early, influenced by his stepfather, Ghanaian painter Sam Adoquei, who introduced him to diverse music, contrasting with his earlier Phil Collins influences. Casablancas met future Strokes bassist Nikolai Fraiture at the age of six, and later attended Dwight School, where he formed connections with future bandmates Nick Valensi and Fabrizio Moretti.

Career

Casablancas's music career took off in 1998 when he formed the band The Strokes with Valensi, Moretti, and Fraiture, later adding guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. The band quickly gained attention with their demo and the release of their debut album, "Is This It," which was hailed as a pivotal moment in rock music. Over the years, The Strokes have released seven studio albums, solidifying their status as one of the most influential garage rock bands of the early 2000s. In addition to his work with The Strokes, Casablancas released a solo album, "Phrazes for the Young," in 2009 and has collaborated with the experimental rock band The Voidz.

Personal Life

In 2005, Casablancas married Juliet Joslin, the Strokes' assistant manager, and they welcomed two sons, Cal and Zephyr, before divorcing in 2019. He has been sober since 2009 and is a devoted fan of the New York Mets, even composing theme music for their local broadcasts. Casablancas has expressed a preference for the artistic environment of New York over the lifestyle of Los Angeles, although he has lived in both cities throughout his life. His musical influences include The Doors, Lou Reed, and Nirvana, and he has inspired many contemporary musicians, including Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys.