The Strokes return with new single “Going Shopping” and announce their seventh album Reality Awaits, out June 26, ahead of major 2026 festival appearances including Coachella.
The Strokes have announced their new album Reality Awaits, set for release June 26 via Cult Records and RCA Records. The band has also shared a new single, “Going Shopping,” marking their first official release since 2020’s Grammy-winning album The New Abnormal.
Reality Awaits is the band’s seventh studio album and arrives after several years of global touring that reestablished The Strokes as a dominant live act across festival circuits. The album was recorded in Costa Rica with producer Rick Rubin and later completed across multiple international locations, signaling a broader, more expansive creative process compared to previous releases.
“Going Shopping” serves as the first preview of Reality Awaits, leaning into the band’s signature blend of sharp guitar work, understated vocals, and melodic tension. The track carries the familiar DNA of The Strokes while introducing a slightly more polished, atmospheric edge that reflects their continued evolution.
The rollout aligns closely with the band’s return to major festival stages. The Strokes are set to perform at Coachella 2026 across both weekends, placing them in front of one of the largest global audiences just as the album cycle begins. Additional confirmed performances include Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and Japan’s Summer Sonic 2026, reinforcing the scale of their 2026 comeback.
Since their debut with Is This It in 2001, The Strokes have remained one of the most influential bands in modern rock, helping define the sound of early-2000s indie while continuing to shape the genre decades later. Their ability to maintain cultural relevance across multiple eras has positioned each release as both a continuation and a reset.
With Reality Awaits, The Strokes move into their next phase, balancing legacy with forward momentum as they prepare for a new album cycle and a global festival run.
Featured image credit: Cult Records
