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Fake Problems
Real Ghosts Caught On Tape out now!
Were MTVs Push Artist of the Week...blog

We’re MTV’s “Push Artist of the Week”...

We’re MTV’s “Push Artist of the Week” all this week.  Check out some web content by clicking here, and watch MTV all this week to…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Jan 23, 2012
Were MTVs Push Artist of the Week...blog

We’re MTV’s “Push Artist of the Week”...

We’re MTV’s “Push Artist of the Week” all this week.  Check out some web content by clicking here, and watch MTV all this week to…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Jan 23, 2012
Were MTVs Push Artist of the Week...blog

We’re MTV’s “Push Artist of the Week”...

We’re MTV’s “Push Artist of the Week” all this week.  Check out some web content by clicking here, and watch MTV all this week to…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Jan 23, 2012
Spring Tour w Say Anythingblog

Spring Tour w/ Say Anything

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be hitting the road with Say Anything this Spring!!!  3/24/2012 @ Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA 3/25/2012 @ Wonder Ballroom…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Jan 18, 2012
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needlesandskin:br br My newest seorita! Lifes a drink, get...blog

needlesandskin: My newest señorita! “Life’s a drink, get...

needlesandskin: My newest señorita! “Life’s a drink, get thirsty” (-Fake Problems) By Lollo. It’s a bit.. rough on the edges but I guess we’re just young and…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Jan 11, 2012
2011 Shows!blog

2011 Shows!

chrisfarren: Hey!  We’ve got three shows at the end of December to close out the year - come on out!Dec 28 / Orlando, FL / The…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Dec 11, 2011
sam-ash:br br I had to.blog

sam-ash: I had to.

sam-ash: I had to. Imported from FAKE PROBLEMS
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Oct 27, 2011
Ampersand Sessions: Fake Problemsblog

Ampersand Sessions: Fake Problems

Ampersand Sessions: Fake Problems: More acoustic fun!  This one includes two new songs.  Huge thanks to The Ruckus for always being the best.Imported from FAKE…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Oct 17, 2011
chrisfarren:br br New song!blog

chrisfarren: New song!

chrisfarren: New song! Imported from FAKE PROBLEMS
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Oct 08, 2011
Sleepover Show 75 w Fake Problemsblog

Sleepover Show #75 w/ Fake Problems

Sleepover Show #75 w/ Fake Problems: I did this session back in May, in Cambridge Mass.  These people were so nice to me, and this…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Oct 03, 2011
haleyhager:br br I really like Fake Problems. I just got it done...blog

haleyhager: I really like Fake Problems. I just got it done...

haleyhager: I really like Fake Problems. I just got it done so…excuse the blood. This is so awesome!  The first official “Beach Punk” logo tattoo!!!Imported from FAKE…
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Sep 24, 2011
Were playing a full band acoustic set on September 29th...blog

We’re playing a full band acoustic set on September 29th...

We’re playing a full band acoustic set on September 29th at the Atticus Store in Los Angeles!  Please RSVP here!  Imported from FAKE PROBLEMS
Fake Problems
Fake Problems Sep 24, 2011
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Fake Problems (more info)
  • Label: Side One Dummy
  • Label Type: indie
  • About:
    Evolution is a naturally occurring force in life, however there’s nothing predictable about Fake Problems sonic journey from underground heroes to indie rock trailblazers. Since forming in Naples, Florida, five years ago the group—which includes vocalist/guitarist Chris Farren, bassist Derek Perry, drummer Sean Stevenson and guitarist Casey Lee—have released two critically acclaimed full-lengths, won over countless fans all over the world and toured and played shows with everyone from The Hold Steady to Frank Turner. However with their sophomore release on Side One Dummy Records, Real Ghosts Caught on Tape, Fake Problems have exceeded even their own lofty expectations by creating a cerebral masterpiece that sees the band fully reconciling all of their seemingly disparate influences and proving it’s finally their time to step into the spotlight.

    Recorded with Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem, Lucero) in California, the album sees the band stripping down the expansive orchestration of 2009’s It’s Great To Be Alive and discovering what magic lurks at the core of Fake Problems’ collective psyche. “We wanted the album to be a little more subtle and let it speak for itself,” Farren explains when asked how found the act found the inspiration to craft a unique brand of music that manages to incorporate elements of infectious indie rock & roll and ‘60s girl groups—the latter of which is aided by crooning vocals courtesy of Fake Problems’ longtime friends/fans Arrested Development’s Mae Whiteman and Alia Shawkat.

    Farren also acknowledges that Hutt helped the band realize their Phil Spector-esque wall of sound production style they had in their heads, which allowed them to transcend the DIY punk scene they grew up in without abandoning their roots. “In the past we would jam so many ideas into one song and it would just be too much,” Farren admits. “Ted helped us realize that while that approach is very creative, it’s wasn't the best way to go about writing this record” he continues. “This album was a good exercise in restraint and filtering the ideas so we could make every good idea really count. “

    From soul-inspired indie-rock experiments like “5678” and chilling compositions like “Ghost To Coast” to sparkling beach punk-inspired gems like “Complaint Dept,” Real Ghosts Caught On Tape effectively shows how Fake Problems have organically developed into one of rock’s most exciting acts and will undeniably see them attracting a whole new base of music fans who are looking for something in what they listen to that can’t be easily described or marketed. “The song ‘Complaint Dept’ was such a different thing for us to do because all of the guitar parts are so intricate and noodly,” Farren says when asked about some of his favorite moments on the album. “It was just so fun to be able to do that with our band because it’s surprising for a Fake Problems song, but it works for us.”

    Real Ghosts Caught On Tape also sees Farren expanding his lyrical palette—and while he’s become well known for his theological imagery, this album sees Farren exploring himself more as opposed to any external deities. “There’s a theme in the lyrics of uncertainty,” he explains. “There’s an emphasis on fear, trying to persevere, not giving up hope and doing the best you can to stay positive,” he continues. “It’s more of a record about being yourself and living your own life than it is about any other person, concept or idea,” he summarizes. Although lines like “When I reach the pearly gates of hell, I'll send those dimes back up the wishing well with a note tied to each that reads 'Nobody's listening.'" (from “Complaint Dept.”) still display Farren’s gift for wordplay and metaphor, “it’s more of a conversation than a sermon.”

    That said, Real Ghosts Caught On Tape isn’t going to make Fake Problems an easy act to categorize—but that’s something that they wouldn’t change for the world. “Creatively we always molded our band from the beginning so that we’d be able to do anything and tour with anyone from Against Me! to William Elliott Whitmore to even the Dillinger Escape Plan,” Farren explains. “I think it’s kind of hard to slap our name on a sticker and recommend us if you like another band, but I think in the long term it’s definitely a blessing that we’re not pinpointed into one thing,” he continues. “We really don’t ever want to be that type of band.”

    “Sometimes I dream of getting in my car and driving straight through the night,” vocalist Chris Farren croons on the intricately arranged ballad “Ghost To Coast.” Real Ghosts Caught On Tape is the perfect soundtrack to that journey from darkness to light, showcasing a band who have grown to new artistic heights lying on the other side of the horizon.
  • Members:
    Chris Farren - Vocals, Guitar
    Derek Perry - Bass Guitar
    Casey Lee - Guitar
  • Influences: Phil Specktor, Modest Mouse, The Hold Steady, T. Rex
  • Sounds Like: Surfer Blood, Vampire Weekend, Wavves, the Gaslight Anthem, Matt & Kim
  • Member Since: 2010-08-18