FAKE A SMILE (Rock 'n' Roll Band): From the Rafters to centre stage

Success on the South Coast is all about showcasing interesting people doing amazing things in the local community.

Bournemouth Band FAKE A SMILE are enjoying a main character moment.

Fresh from releasing their second E.P. ‘From the Rafters’, I sat down with the band to discuss how they got together, recording in L.A. with Mercury Prize-winning producer Gianluca Buccellati and what success means to the band at this stage of their career.

- - - KEY TOPICS OF THE CONVERSATION - - -

In this episode we discuss:

• How the band got together
• The South Coast music scene & moving to London
• Recording in LA with Mercury Prize-winning producer Gianluca Buccellati
• The highlights of their journey so far…
• What ‘Success ‘ means to the band at this stage of their career

- - - CHAPTERS - - -

0:00:00 - Intro ("A sunny new podcast...")
0:00:26 - Guest Intro
00:01:41 - Welcome…
00:02:19 - Band member introductions…
00:02:41 - How the band got together
00:04:26 - First Recordings (‘Over & Over’)
00:05:06 - Initial inspirations (“crazy aussies”)
00:05:31 - Matt joining & becoming a 4-piece
00:07:56 - The turning point
00:08:41 - Sliding Doors moment (meeting producer Gianluca Buccellati)
00:11:11 - Take your shot!
00:11:47 - Luca’s initial move to London…
00:12:36 - Importance of the band-producer relationship
00:13:56 - The ‘what if?’ - making your own luck
00:15:31 - Move to London makes it feel real
00:16:36 - The Band Name
00:17:26 - Recording with producer Gianluca Buccellati
00:18:06 - Gianluca’s influence on the FAKE A SMILE sound 
00:19:43 - Ryan the one-take wonder!
00:20:46 - Recording ‘Shoot Me to the Moon’ E.P.  in L.A.
00:22:41 - Dealing with imposter syndrome…
00:23:11 - ‘Shoot Me to the Moon’ title track & Led Zeppelin influence
00:25:19 - Luca’s love of the ‘Art of Songwriting’
00:26:26 - Working on new material…
00:27:31 - The band’s recording process
00:29:16 - The band recommends a track for new listeners!
00:31:41 - Establishing a signature sound & musical development
00:33:36 - FAKE A SMILE describe their sound (“A garage band floating in space.”)
00:34:21 - The melting pot of influences…
00:35:06 - Recommending GEESE, the New York rockers
00:36:21 - Ryan’s background in Gospel and R&B drumming
00:37:31 - Inspiration for the lyrics & the band’s favourite lyrics
00:43:31 - Who is SNOW WHITE!?
00:45:16 - The Record Deal with TEMPLE & Mike Clemenza (B3SCI RECORDS)
00:46:31 - Love of albums & album plans
00:48:06 - Cover art & the artist (Serena Giame from Italy)
00:50:44 - The Live Show
00:56:52 - The local Bournemouth music scene… and video shoots
00:59:50 - Move to London
01:00:50 - Not all sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll… juggling the band with work & relationships
01:05:00 - Importance of support from friends & family
01:07:02 - Band of Brothers… individual roles & band mission
01:08:42 - HIghlights of the journey so far…
01:13:45 - What is success?
01:19:05 - Life by Misadventure - importance of following your dreams & dealing with rejection
01:23:34 - Thank you, guest links & wrap-up

GUEST Links:
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/FakeASmile
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fakeasmileband
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3sHwzQ71N1kblQD9D2WxDm?si=Cyap1el1RWG-VxdcI5j4eA

The ‘Shoot MeTo the Moon’ E.P. artwork was produced by Serena Giamè (https://www.instagram.com/s.giame).

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