Exclusive: Gordon Raphael talks New York 90s vs Now & The Strokes
Ahead of our upcoming issue, Rambler! had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary music producer, Gordon Raphael, renowned for his work on the iconic debut album This Is It by The Strokes. Gordon’s concise and intensely productive trip to New York this past summer saw him recording with one of our NYC house favorites, Jade Tourniquet.
Gordon Raphael's name has become synonymous with the raw, unfiltered sound that defined The Stroke's early releases. The albums, filled with infectious hooks and gritty lyrics, captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, igniting a sense of unity and belonging among music enthusiasts. Raphael's uncanny ability to infuse every record with a distinct sense of communal energy is a testament to his understanding of the power of music in fostering connection and inner vulnerability.
During the interview, Raphael shared invaluable insights into the recording process that shaped The Stroke's music. He delved into the captivating moment when camaraderie transformed the studio into a sanctuary of emotional expression. Raphael explores the way the band members' deep bond and shared experiences inspired lyrical honesty and a profound sonic resonance. His anecdotes reveal moments of ordinary magic that filled the lives of those involved, as music brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds.
photos by Riley Natalova
Gordon & NYC Editor at Our Wicked Lady, Brooklyn 2023
As a thank you from Rambler! to the incredible year we’ve had, we invite you to explore highlights from our conversation with Gordon that will be featured in our upcoming issue. Together, we delve into the transformative power of shared experiences, showcasing how intimate connections forge the foundation of artistic brilliance.
“….about a year into my reputation, almost 2000, late 99’ : We got evicted. And so I was lucky to find a partner, Jimmy, who said if you can find a building, I’ll help you make a new studio. So I did just that and we made a new studio on Second Street and Avenue A, right across from 2A, a place that’s now called Berlin. So my studio was a kitty corner across from 2nd and A, and that’s where I met The Strokes. I was working. I saw them at LUNA Lounge, which was on Ludlow Street, and all the clubbing was on Ludlow Street. ”
“….the funny thing is there was a band I liked better [than The Strokes] that played before them. And the band I liked didn’t show. But a day later, Albert called me and wanted to see the studio because they’re very sensitive to the aesthetic environment before they make music, and they came down and we had red glitter walls and purple glitter walls and fake leopard print and silver wood and they just loved it. They asked to hear some stuff I had recorded, so I played him some of my band’s music and some other things. I talked to him recently, for my book. He told me after that he ran home to Julian, he lived about half a mile away. He ran all the way home and told Julian they had to record there. And so they came about a week later. ”
“...Jade Tourniquet. I think they got ahold of me still a while I was in England, and they said, Hey, we might want to work with you and I checked out their music and I said like, Oh my god. This is exactly my kind of music. I can’t believe it exists in New York. I haven’t heard rock music this exciting in New York for a long time. And I kind of gushing to them about how much I love them. ”
