The Strokes

Is This It

First released2001

Is This It, The Strokes' debut album, was recorded primarily at Basement Studio in New York City and Transporterraum in Los Angeles during 2000-2001. The album was produced by the band themselves along with producer Gordon Raphael, who played a crucial role in shaping the raw, energetic sound that defined the record. Raphael utilized relatively simple recording techniques and minimal overdubbing to capture the band's live energy and garage rock aesthetic, recording much of the material on a limited budget. The production approach rejected the polished, overproduced sound that dominated rock music at the time, instead emphasizing tight musicianship and direct songwriting. Released in 2001, the album became a landmark recording that helped revitalize interest in guitar-driven rock and New York's indie music scene.