Rick Rubin & The Strokes: The Behind The Scenes Story of Reality Awaits

On the heels of the release of thier new album Reality Awaits, The Strokes' bassist Nikolai Fraiture opens up about the creative process working with legendary producer Rick Rubin. After winning their first-ever Grammy for The New Abnormal, the band has teamed up with Rubin once again—this time for an unreleased album fans are eagerly waiting for. Nikolai shares how Rick’s guidance and advice in the studio pushed the band in new directions, and why his presence changes the dynamic in every session. From shaping their sound to helping them make confident creative decisions, Rubin’s impact on The Strokes is undeniable. With new music on the horizon, fans get a rare glimpse into the process that has helped define the band’s latest chapter. 00:00 – Jamming Returns to The Strokes’ Creative Process 00:28 – Daily Jam Sessions Shaping The New Abnormal 00:58 – Rediscovering Band Chemistry in the Studio 01:28 – Rick Rubin’s Role in The Strokes’ Recording Process 01:57 – Democracy vs. Direction: Creative Dynamics with a Producer 02:25 – Capturing Imperfection and Authentic Performance 02:52 – Trusting Rick Rubin’s Vision and Creative Freedom 03:18 – Song Selection, Creative Conflicts, and Final Results Hear the full conversation here :   • The Strokes' Reality Awaits: Nikolai Frait...   -Subscribe & Stay Connected • YouTube →    / @theplugwithjustinjay   • Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com • Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... • Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3Bwna... • Instagram →   / justinjayphoto   Follow the audio podcast of The Plug w/ Justin Jay every other Thursday → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com About The Plug w/ Justin Jay The Plug is a long-form arts & culture podcast featuring unfiltered conversations with artists, actors, musicians, and innovators. Each episode explores the real stories behind creative careers—from breakthroughs and turning points to setbacks and reinvention. Have comments, feedback, or guest suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay → theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com