Julian Casablancas talks Strokes, new album and parents

Just a decade ago, as leader of the Strokes, Julian Casablancas was the New York messiah who was supposed to save rock 'n' roll. But now he's left town, (sorta) moved on from the band, and created a new sound. Excerpts from his GQ story below:

On why he left New York:
"I don't know how many, like, white people having brunch I can deal with on a Saturday afternoon."

On The Strokes:
"It wasn't so equal, but it was the illusion of equal, so I think it fucked with everything."
"A band is a great way to destroy a friendship, and a tour's a great way to destroy a band."

On what his parents thought of the Strokes and what he's accomplished:
"I think they're proud. My mom, she's funny: She plays the albums and sings along and stuff."

The October issue of GQ will be available on newsstands in New York and LA on September 23 and nationally September 30.