Fake Dad Embraces Chaos and Identity Exploration in “Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine”
Fueled by boundless energy, raw emotion, and a heavy dose of 90s alt-rock nostalgia, Fake Dad is finally releasing Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine, their latest EP. Across seven tracks, the duo formed by Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford delivers a collection that is as musically gripping as it is thematically bold. The EP pulls listeners into its chaotic, character-driven world while offering a deeper reflection on the struggles of self-expression in a culture that thrives on rigid labels.
Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine offers a series of musical stories, where the band introduces us to a cast of bizarre characters—angry clowns flipping burgers, star-crossed knights, and masked figures representing sleep paralysis. As they crafted these fictional worlds, Andrea and Josh came to realize that these personas were a way for them to explore and express deeper truths about their own lives, including their identities and sexuality as a couple navigating a straight-passing relationship.
Andrea and Josh first met at a college party in New York’s East Village in 2020. Despite their different musical backgrounds, their shared vision for music and art instantly bonded them. Since then, they’ve carved out a distinct sound, blending indie rock and dream pop with lush synths, grungy guitars, and infectious hooks. Fake Dad has quickly gained momentum, landing on multiple official Spotify playlists and selling out shows in New York and LA. Their performances at SXSW and Treefort Music Festival mark a turning point, cementing them as one of indie music’s most exciting new acts.
With Holly Wholesome and the Slut Machine, Fake Dad continues to evolve, pushing sonic and thematic boundaries while staying true to their artistic and personal identities. Check Fake Dad's tour dates to see if they're hitting your city!