Ones To Watch: Fake Dad

Genre: Synth Pop, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Remi Wolf, BENEE, Tegan and Sara
Release: Yerba Mala (EP), out October 19th, 2023
Label: Independent
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford, known as Fake Dad, transformed their Los Angeles apartment into a vibrant creative hub where they craft captivating, genre-blurring, music. Their distinctive fusion of bedroom synth-pop and indie rock set them ones to watch.

Their collaborative journey began in 2020 at a college party in the East Village, and their creative partnership has been inseparable ever since. Fusing their unique visions, Fake Dad‘s music is an intoxicating blend, featuring quirky synths, catchy pop hooks, and sun-kissed guitar riffs.

Their upcoming EP, Yerba Mala, delves into the complexities of relationships, with a particular focus on de Varona’s experiences as a first-gen Latinx individual. The EP’s title, a Spanish phrase referring to weeds that need removal for new growth, metaphorically captures the essence of the record. It explores the evolution of relationships with friends, family, and hometowns, reflecting the transformative journey towards self-betterment.

The lead track, ‘So Dramatic!,’ is a bilingual English-Spanish song that playfully teases melodrama and theatrics, packed with an energetic synth-line and punchy vocals. “Having bilingual lyrics that are never fully in Spanish was very intentional because we’re trying to capture the identity and existing duality of being a Hispanic person in America,” explains de Varona.

Listen to Fake Dad’s “So Dramatic!” below

Fake Dad‘s music provides comfort and connection, as they openly share their interpersonal battles – be that with anxiety, depression, or body dysmorphia. With their catchy tracks, Fake Dad has already gained significant recognition, from being included on numerous Spotify playlists as well as selling out shows in their hometown.

Yerba Mala marks the next chapter in Fake Dad‘s artistic evolution, which they’ll be ready to share on October 19th. The duo will be celebrating their EP release with a headline performance at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles, CA, on October 24th, 2023.

For more information on Fake Dad, to pre-order your copy of Yerba Mala, or to get tickets to their upcoming tour dates, visit their website here.