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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Fake Dad’s new indie rock single “ON/OFF,” featuring guitarist Jeff Frantom (Blondshell), delivers a grunge-fueled chronicle of emotional overwhelm and overstimulation.
Fake Dad
Los Angeles vibrates with the eclectic energy of countless musical duos, but few possess the magnetic pull of Fake Dad. Andrea de Varona (she/her) and Josh Ford (he/him), the brains and hearts behind this indie rock meets dream pop project, are more than just collaborators; they’re a sonic force, a shared vision forged in the crucible of a New York City college party back in 2020.
Their story is a testament to the power of artistic synergy. Imagine: Andrea, with her distinct vocal delivery, blending seamlessly with Josh’s mastery of 90s-inspired guitars and grooving bass lines. Add a dash of buoyant synths and a meticulously crafted production sound, and you have Fake Dad – a sound that’s both intimately familiar and refreshingly unique.
Their music isn’t just a collection of catchy hooks; it’s an immersive experience, a journey through meticulously crafted sonic landscapes created within the walls of their apartment. They strive to create music that resonates on a deeper level, music that “understands you.” This genuine connection has propelled them to notable heights, landing them on numerous official Spotify playlists and selling out shows in both their former stomping grounds of NYC and their current home in Los Angeles.
But 2024 has brought a fascinating twist to their creative process: a deep dive into the concept of “posers.” In a world where authenticity is prized, Fake Dad found themselves captivated by the idea of artists who adopt personas, who “pretend” to be someone else.
This exploration led them to the iconic figures of rock history, where the lines between reality and performance blur. PJ Harvey, channeling raw power far beyond her physical stature; Stevie Nicks, weaving a mystical persona to command her space; Tina Turner, a phoenix rising from the ashes of her past; David Bowie, a cosmic chameleon; and LCD Soundsystem, the introverted life of a party. Each artist, in their own way, found a profound truth within the artifice.
Inspired by this realization, Andrea and Josh embraced the freedom of writing through the lens of characters. This liberating process allowed them to explore the sonic territories of their favorite rock, punk, and new wave legends while simultaneously deepening their understanding of themselves.
Holly Wholesome And The Slut Machine
Their upcoming EP, “Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine,” is a testament to this transformative journey. It’s a world populated by angry, burger-flipping clowns, star-crossed knights, and masked sleep paralysis demons. Through these fictional characters, Fake Dad unpacks very real aspects of their lived experiences, including their identities and sexualities as romantic partners in a straight-passing relationship.
This EP is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a bold declaration, a glimpse into the expansive and singular vision that Fake Dad is cultivating for 2025 and beyond. They’re not just creating music; they’re crafting a universe, a space where authenticity and artifice collide, revealing the profound truths that lie within.
Fake Dad is a reminder that sometimes, the most genuine expression comes from embracing the power of persona. They’re not just a band; they’re a story, a journey, and a testament to the transformative power of music. And with “Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine,” they’re inviting us all to step into their world and discover the truths hidden beneath the mask.
ON/OFF
Fake Dad has unleashed “ON/OFF,” a searing new indie rock single that plumbs the depths of emotional overload and raw, unfiltered frustration. This isn’t just a song; it’s a visceral experience, a sonic snapshot of modern anxiety rendered in the gritty textures of 90s grunge.
“ON/OFF” is a raw chronicle of the moment-by-moment unraveling that comes with being emotionally overwhelmed and overstimulated. Andrea de Varona’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of contemporary malaise: the inertia of bedrotting, the numbing haze of serotonin burnout, the endless scroll of doomscrolling, the disorienting blur of time, and the desperate, solitary search for clarity on a cold bathroom floor. Is it too much? Not enough? The question hangs heavy in the air, a relatable echo for anyone who’s grappled with the relentless pressures of modern life.
De Varona’s vocal delivery, both airy and haunting, combined with a sparse, almost skeletal melody, creates a palpable sense of dissociation. The verses immerse the listener in the stomach-dropping feeling of time slipping away, a sensation familiar to anyone who has navigated the treacherous terrain of depression and burnout. It’s a sonic representation of that liminal space where reality begins to fray.
But “ON/OFF” isn’t just a descent into despair. When the tension reaches its breaking point, the song explodes with a cathartic surge of rage. The guitars, bolstered by a guest appearance from Jeff Frantom of Blondshell, erupt in a torrent of distortion, mirroring the internal tempest. It’s a primal scream against the relentless onslaught of glowing screens, push notifications, and panic-inducing headlines. A desperate plea for a moment of respite, a brief escape from the constant bombardment of the outside world.
“ON/OFF” doesn’t just describe the feeling of being overwhelmed; it embodies it. It’s a grunge-infused anthem for the digital age, a raw and unflinching look at the emotional toll of modern life, delivered with the kind of visceral honesty that leaves a lasting impact.
This was written when I couldn’t get out of bed or leave my apartment. Time really bleeds together. When you ignore feelings for long enough you become overwhelmed by and disconnected from them—both numb and overactivated. This song compares that numbness to its direct companion, doomscrolling serotonin burnout. The modern world wants us to be overstimulated and ‘turned off,’ this song is me pleading to be turned back on.
-Fake Dad
Find more from Fake Dad now:
https://www.instagram.com/fakedadtheband
https://www.tiktok.com/@fakedadtheband
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