Albert Hammond Jr. addresses why The Strokes’ upcoming album Reality Awaits has been delayed and discusses related developments during the band’s rollout. Across coverage, Hammond is described as responding to fan reaction to new songs, including comments around Julian Casablancas’ use of Auto-Tune on “Going Shopping” and “Falling Out Of Love,” with Hammond explaining he does not hate the new material. Sources also note that Nick Valensi, The Strokes’ other founding guitarist, takes an unexplained hiatus during the campaign and has not yet returned. In addition, the album’s release date shifts from June 26 to July 24, with Hammond providing a rationale for the postponement. Separately, Hammond releases new music with KennyHoopla: a dance-punk single titled “NEW AMERICA//”. The outlets present these points as part of Hammond’s broader public update on the band’s status and his own current projects, without indicating additional lineup changes beyond Valensi’s continued absence.