TrendTalk: Fake Babies, the leader’s of Dirty Soul
With every waking moment the world of music is changing all around us. Seemingly, gone are the days of originality and creative bravery, and in comes the carbon copies we call today’s modern day artist. Well, all isn’t lost in the world of music, if you search deep and beyond the noise box we call the radio. So enter New Haven, CT’s Fake Babies. The group created its own unique sound which caused them to coin their own genre called ‘Dirty Soul.’ Dirty Soul is a poisonous cocktail of alternative, pop, psychedelic, soul, and electronic. Over the weekend, we sat down for a Q&A with the music enigma. We discussed creativity, the state of music today, and the journey ahead.
So, how in the hell did you guys end up with the name ‘Fake Babies’? Was it something off the top of the head, does it have a story behind it?
–When the group was just Bob and myself (Justin), we couldn’t come up with a name at all that we liked. Then one day I had read an article online about “fake babies” in Great Britain. I passed the article over to Bob, we were both intrigued and confused. We looked at each other and agreed that Fake Babies would be it.
Name some of the groups or musicians who’ve inspired you to become the artists you all are today? Are those groups or musicians the divine guidance behind the birth of your own genre, Dirty Soul?
–Too many artists to name. Not sure if they are the divine guidance, but they have def influenced us in getting where we are at. The Dirty Soul thing just makes sense to us.
Before you guys joined forces, were there other aspirations you as individuals considered doing?
–I think we all just wanted to make money doing what we love to do.
Well, back on the topic of genres, or music in general. How do you feel about the state of music today? What’s changed, and what should be done (if anything) to make it better?
–A whole lot of music today is crap. But at the same time, there’s a lot going on that is dope. Just wish there was more coming out of CT. And the fact that BIG is gone. You cant change that. A lot of bands and artists are doing interesting things still.
Your debut album was released February 2011, and its titled: We Started Blues. You have songs like, “Sophisticated Thighs,” “Kill for Me,” and “Blow Your Head Off.” These kinds of titles suggest that you guys aren’t afraid to push the envelope expressing yourselves artistically. What is the thought process behind this? Do you care what people think?
–I don’t think there is a huge thought process with naming songs. If it fits and is genuine enough, it works. I think we care what people think to a certain extent. Not enough though to change titles of songs if they offend someone.
Music aside, what are some other loves of Fake Babies?
–Steaks, Cocktails, Macbooks, Real books, Horror Movies, Tobacco, $$$$, and watching people get down.
What are some of your dream artist, artists, or groups you’d like to collaborate with? Don’t worry, you can choose musicians in the past or present.
–Kanye, The Mars Volta, Sinatra, David Ruffin, Diplo, Panda Bear, Earth, Wind, and Fire.
What do you hope to accomplish every time you record a track or perform live?
–The recording process is tricky with us, as it changes every time. It depends on who writes the song, but we are definitely trying to make each track better than the previous. As for performing, all we want is for the crowd to move with us — please dont stand there and bob your head up and down — dance, or find someone and dance with them. We just want everyone to have fun.
Is the ultimate goal of the group to sign with a major record label or to stay relatively independent?
–We don’t wanna have to work at our day jobs anymore.
Your music is definitely unique. What can your fans and our readers expect from you next?
–Very, very, sexxxxy songs on our new EP.
*** Fake Babies will be performing live this Friday the 18, at downtown Hartford’s Mad Dawg’s Saloon. The resident dj’s on the 1 and 2′s will be Pk Ripper and Dirty D from the Hartford Party Starters Union.
