The Strokes’ Nikolai Fraiture on Buddhism, music and collaboration

Today we’re talking about music and creativity with special guest Nikolai Fraiture, who is best known for being the bassist of The Strokes.He also created a new theme song for Buddhability, which we’re so excited for you to hear!Nikolai started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is the core practice of SGI Nichiren Buddhism, just a few years ago. Today he shares how he has seen his Buddhist practice impact his life and his work.Plus, this year, which is the 20th anniversary of their breakout album, Is This It, The Strokes won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their newest album titled The New Abnormal. Nikolai discusses his experience recording the album, as well as his journey with the band from the age of 19.CHEAT SHEET0:35 Buddhability’s new theme song by Nikolai Fraiture2:13 How Nikolai started practicing Buddhism5:03 How chanting first felt to him6:49 The changes he noticed in himself10:33 How Nikolai got into music as a teenager15:02 The first two years of being The Strokes18:38 What the hardest part of the creative process is22:35 How he dealt with his health challenges30:03 How Buddhism helped him change preconceived notions and judgments 33:47 When his bandmates noticed he 37:21 The evolution of his creative process as a musician43:12 How Buddhism resonates with what he learned from one of his first bass teachers48:25 What went into recording The New Abnormal52:20 Key concepts from Buddhism and basketball56:36 Advice for aspiring young musicians59:30 How Nikolai’s relationship with his brother changed due to Buddhism1:07:28 Where to check out Arts Elektra