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Machu Picchu
The Strokes
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- Album
- Angles
- Released
- 2011
- Genres
- garage rock, indie rock, alternative rock
- Length
- 3:30
- Tempo
- 105 BPM
- Label
- RCA Records Label
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About this song
Julian Casablancas explained that the title began almost as an internal joke. He named the track after Machu Picchu, the famous ancient Incan citadel high up in the Andean mountains, which he saw as the ultimate mountain destination.
What it's about
The song centers on its core line about looking for a mountain to climb. It is about trying to stay busy, find a purpose, or achieve success.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 1 other song, like “STAR PLAYER by Fenix Darko”.
- Covered once, including “Machu Picchu (BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge) by Foster the People”.
- Written by Nick Valensi and Julian Casablancas.
- Produced by The Strokes and Gus Oberg.
- Recorded at One Way Studios (Upstate New York) and Electric Lady Studios (Greenwich Village.