You can't hide behind a guitar forever.
Even if that guitar happens to be playing lead for The Strokes. As a founding member and eminent contributor to that most beloved of American rock and roll bands, Nick Valensi already has an impressive enough pedigree to comfortably coast for the rest of his life. Instead, he decided to focus his attention on a new musical project. The succinctly-named CRX finds Valensi center stage, unleashing an asset that had heretofore gone undeployed: his voice.
Before his show at Stubb's on Saturday, December 10th, we caught up with Valensi to ask him about his new band, his stupidest injury, and more.
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Do512: In the coming years, do you think CRX will continue to be an ongoing creative outlet for you?
CRX: Yeah, I want CRX to be an ongoing thing for sure. More albums, lots more touring. We're having so much fun, I couldn't imagine stopping right now.
Somewhere, someone is writing the Nick Valensi biography right now-- What is the title of this chapter?
CRX: "New Skin"
You’ve mentioned that CRX was born from a need to get back on the road, but can you recall a moment or time when filling that void felt absolutely necessary?
CRX: After recording The Strokes album, "Comedown Machine," we all made the decision to not tour behind the album. The vibe among us was really good, and we agreed that getting on a bus for 6 months might ruin it. I think I was left with more of an itch to get onstage than the other guys because they all had side projects that they'd been touring with. That was when I started thinking about putting a band together outside The Strokes.
What’s the dumbest way you’ve ever hurt yourself?
CRX: I once dropped a motorcycle on my foot and broke a metatarsal bone. I had to do some Strokes' shows with a cast on my foot.
Playing under a new name with a different band, does it feel like you’re starting over?
CRX: In a way, yeah it feels like starting over again, which is really fun and exciting. I'm so lucky, though, because The Strokes have such awesome fans and lots of them have quickly come on board with CRX. We really do have the best fans.
If the universe had a suggestion box, what would you put in it?
CRX: Give me a break.
Photo via Darian
What memory sticks out to you when you think of Austin, Texas?
CRX: A few tracks on New Skin were recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin. My dear friend and longtime Strokes producer Gus Oberg lives down there, so I get to visit pretty often. I'm really looking forward to bringing CRX to Austin for the first time. It's one of my favorite cities on the planet.
What is something in life that you wish was more popular?
CRX: Buying records.
What's a habit you have learned that has improved your daily life?
CRX: Writing.
Tell two truths and one lie about yourself (Don’t tell us which is which)
CRX: I drive an old Cadillac, I don't like chihuahuas, and I'm a huge Kanye West fan.
