Nikolai Fraiture Net Worth

What is Nikolai Fraiture's Net Worth?

Nikolai Fraiture is an American musician who has a net worth of $10 million. Nikolai Fraiture is best known as the bassist of The Strokes. As a founding member of one of the most influential rock bands of the early 2000s, Fraiture played a crucial but often understated role in shaping the group's sound. His melodic, tightly locked bass lines provided the backbone for The Strokes' minimalist aesthetic, anchoring songs that helped reignite global interest in guitar-driven rock music. While rarely seeking the spotlight, Fraiture's musical discipline and taste became essential to the band's chemistry and longevity. Outside of The Strokes, he has pursued solo work and side projects that highlight his songwriting instincts and broader creative ambitions, reinforcing his reputation as a quietly vital figure in modern rock.

Early Life

Nikolai Philippe Fraiture was born on February 13, 1978, in New York City. He grew up on Manhattan's Upper East Side in a culturally rich environment that exposed him early to music, art, and literature. Fraiture attended the Lycée Français de New York, where he received a bilingual education and developed a global outlook that would later influence his creative sensibilities.

As a teenager, Fraiture became interested in music and gravitated toward the bass guitar. He was drawn to the instrument's role as both rhythmic anchor and melodic counterweight, an approach that would later define his playing style. During his school years, he became close friends with Julian Casablancas, a relationship that proved formative for both musicians.

Formation of The Strokes

In the late 1990s, Fraiture reunited with Casablancas in New York City and joined forces with Nick Valensi, Albert Hammond Jr., and Fabrizio Moretti to form The Strokes. The band quickly developed a reputation on the New York club circuit for its raw presentation, sharp songwriting, and cohesive visual identity.

Their debut album, "Is This It," released in 2001, was widely hailed as a landmark record. Fraiture's bass work was central to the album's impact. Rather than simply following guitar riffs, his lines often carried melodic weight, subtly shaping the direction and feel of each song. This approach became a defining feature of The Strokes' sound and influenced a generation of bassists who embraced restraint and musicality over technical flash.

Getty Images

Career with The Strokes

Fraiture remained a constant presence throughout The Strokes' evolving discography, including albums such as "Room on Fire," "First Impressions of Earth," "Angles," "Comedown Machine," and "The New Abnormal." While the band experienced periods of internal tension and long breaks between releases, Fraiture's steady musicianship helped preserve continuity across changing creative phases.

On stage, he was known for his understated demeanor and precise timing, allowing the band's songs to breathe while maintaining their rhythmic core. His ability to lock tightly with drummer Fabrizio Moretti formed one of the most reliable rhythm sections in modern rock.

Side Projects and Solo Work

In addition to his work with The Strokes, Fraiture has explored solo material under the name Nickel Eye. His debut project, "The Time of the Assassins," released in 2009, showcased a darker, more introspective sound influenced by folk, post-punk, and art rock. The project allowed Fraiture to step forward as a vocalist and primary songwriter, revealing a more personal and experimental side of his artistry.

He has also collaborated with other musicians and contributed to various creative projects outside the band, though he has consistently maintained a low public profile compared to many of his peers.

Musical Style

Fraiture's bass playing is defined by melody, restraint, and feel. Rather than dominating arrangements, his lines subtly guide songs forward, often becoming as memorable as the guitar parts. His style emphasizes groove, tone, and musical conversation, qualities that have made his work enduring and widely admired.

Who's Richer?

Nikolai
Fraiture

Compare!

Nick
Valensi