The Strokes' Julian Casablancas: 'I'm releasing a Christmas song'

The Strokes' Julian Casablancas has told NME.COM he is to release a solo Christmas single.

The singer, whose first solo album 'Phrazes Of The Young' came out this week (November 2), said he plans to release a cover of festive tune 'I Wish It Was Christmas Today' which first appeared on US comedy show 'Saturday Night Live'.

"It was a fun thing to do. Everyone seems to do a Christmas song at some point, so I always said to myself I'd do that song," Casablancas explained. "I now checked that off the list of things to do!"

The track will be released as a download and a limited edition seven-inch single on December 21.

Get this week's issue of NME - on UK newsstands nationwide from tomorrow (November 4) - for an exclusive interview with Julian Casablancas.

Meanwhile Casablancas will play the following UK and Ireland tour dates later this year:

Manchester Ritz (December 11)
Glasgow ABC (12)
Dublin Academy (14)
London Forum (16)

To check the availability of Julian Casablancas tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.