The Strokes Tease New Music with Live Debut, Cassette Sent to Fans

The band's upcoming album 'Reality Awaits' will be their first in six years.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:15pm

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An abstract composition of jagged, overlapping black silhouettes against a bright red background, conceptually representing the indie rock band The Strokes and their new music.The Strokes' bold new musical direction is teased through an abstract, minimalist visual metaphor.Austin Today

The Strokes followed up their announcement of a new album called 'Reality Awaits' by debuting a new song called 'Going Shopping' during a live show in San Francisco. Meanwhile, a fan on Reddit reported receiving a cassette tape featuring the new track after signing up for the band's mailing list.

Why it matters

The Strokes are one of the most influential indie rock bands of the 2000s, and their new album will be highly anticipated by fans. The band's decision to tease new music through a live debut and a limited cassette release is an intriguing promotional strategy that builds excitement for the upcoming record.

The details

During their show in San Francisco on Monday night, The Strokes performed a new song apparently titled 'Going Shopping' for the first time. Additionally, a Strokes fan on Reddit claimed to have received a cassette tape featuring the new track after signing up for the band's mailing list.

  • The Strokes announced their new album 'Reality Awaits' on Monday.
  • The band debuted the new song 'Going Shopping' during their live show in San Francisco on Monday night.
  • A fan on Reddit reported receiving a cassette tape with the new song after signing up for The Strokes' mailing list.

The players

The Strokes

An influential indie rock band formed in New York City in the early 2000s, known for albums like 'Is This It' and 'Room on Fire'.

Julian Casablancas

The lead singer of The Strokes, known for his distinctive vocal style and songwriting.

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What’s next

The Strokes will perform at Coachella on Saturday, April 12, 2026, as part of their upcoming live schedule which also includes sets at Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Just Live Heaven and Shaky Knees.

The takeaway

The Strokes' decision to tease their new album 'Reality Awaits' through a live debut of a new song and a limited cassette release demonstrates the band's continued ability to build anticipation and excitement among their devoted fanbase, even after over 20 years in the music industry.