The Strokes: The First Ten Years

by Cody Smyth (Photographer), Claude Franques (Contribution by), Mick Rock (Foreword by)

Overview

The first authorized visual record of one of New York’s greatest bands.

An intimate and impressionistic narrative of The Strokes’ first ten years, including images of the guys when they were students at the Dwight School in Manhattan and would gather for lunches at their local diner. This is a peerless window into the group through the lens of a close friend who was there before it even began.

The book features hundreds of color and black and white images of the band in public and in private. A truly personal look at the rise of The Strokes—one of the biggest and most enduring bands in the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781644283509
Publisher:	Rare Bird Books
Publication date:	10/24/2023
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	11.70(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Cody Smyth was born during a snowstorm in 1978 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. He was raised by his artist parents on the Upper West Side and the West Village. Shooting professionally for over 20 years, Cody has worked commercially with clients such as Apple TV, Variety, MTV, MTV2, Vanity Fair, NME, Nylon, Dazed & Confused, Ford Models, among others. He has photographed some of the biggest names in music, including The Strokes, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Joan Jett, Dave Gahan, Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys and many more. In 2001 he started working and later collaborating, with legendary photographer Mick Rock on countless photo and video shoots. It became a mentorship that lasted over 20 years. The Strokes: The First Ten Years is Cody’s first book.

Editorial Reviews

Cody's been with us since the very beginning—always a motivator, forever a friend. Along the way he captured some very special moments. I didn't even know he'd brought along his camera."

—Nick Valensi, the Strokes

“This book is brimming with nostalgia. It feels like the scrapbook we never made.”

—Fabrizio Moretti, the Strokes

“My friend Cody has photographed The Strokes since the very beginning and has built a varied and substantial collection, probably the most definitive out there.” 

—Mick Rock, photographer

"Cody’s revealing and intimate photos of The Strokes, extending back to their high school days, are a rare treat for anyone who loves the band.  During the explosive period where The Strokes were the center of the conversation about rock music, Cody snapped tender and celebratory photos that could only be captured by someone in their inner circle. Essential for Strokes fans!"

—Adam Green, Moldy Peaches

From the Publisher