Fake Dad, the indie rock and dream pop duo of Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford, are back with their new EP Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine. The seven-track release finds the Los Angeles-based, NYC-bred musicians exploring identity, reinvention, and the way storytelling can reveal deeper truths. Through a mix of sharp lyrics and immersive soundscapes, Fake Dad has built a fictional world filled with burger-flipping clowns, star-crossed knights, and masked sleep paralysis demons—characters that allow them to reflect on their own experiences, including their relationship and identities.
Formed in 2020, Fake Dad has steadily gained recognition for their distinctive blend of catchy melodies, gritty 90s-inspired guitars, buoyant synths, and groove-heavy bass lines. Their production style balances dreamy textures with a raw, DIY energy, making their music both immediate and transportive. Their ability to craft songs that feel personal yet universal has earned them placements on over a dozen official Spotify playlists, as well as praise from outlets like FADER, LADYGUNN, DIY, and Live Nation Ones to Watch.
The duo's fascination with personas and performance is central to Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine. They’ve drawn inspiration from artists like PJ Harvey, Stevie Nicks, and David Bowie—musicians who embraced alter egos to push creative boundaries. Fake Dad sees rock music as a space where self-invention and authenticity aren’t opposites but deeply connected. By writing through different characters, they’ve unlocked new sonic possibilities and a deeper understanding of themselves.
The EP’s final single, "Machinery," arrives March 7, alongside tracks like "So Simple!" and "ON/OFF." Fake Dad will take their new music on the road for their first full-band U.S. tour, sharing stages with Pom Poko and making festival appearances at SXSW, Treefort, and more.
With Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine, Fake Dad solidifies their place in the indie rock landscape, proving that reinvention can be both an artistic tool and a personal journey. Their ability to balance playfulness with emotional depth makes their music stand out, and this latest release showcases their continued growth. Their take on rock and dream pop is refreshing, blending nostalgia with a forward-thinking approach that keeps them exciting to watch.
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Tour Dates:
March 10 - 15 SXSW - Austin, TX
March 25 - Hi-Dive - Denver, CO
March 26 - Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT
March 27 - Treefort - Boise, ID
March 29 - Mississippi Studios - Portland, OR
March 30 - Sunset Tavern - Seattle, WA
March 31 - The Pearl - Vancouver, BC
April 2 - Brick and Mortar - San Francisco, CA
April 3 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA