Fake Shark is an eccentric indie garage rock band known for their eclectic sound. The group seamlessly blends classic punk and new wave, with chart topping indie pop and garage rock hits to create a unique and dynamic listening experience. Since their formation, Fake Shark has captivated audiences with their high-energy performances and inventive approach to songwriting.
Fake Shark | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | |
| Members | Kevvy Mental Louis Wu Alexander Glassford Jake Fox |
| Past members | Tony Dallas Dan Hughes Parker Bossley Malcolm Holt Nick Yacyshyn Jason Crockford |
The band consists of charismatic frontman Kevvy, whose bold vocal style and stage presence are matched by his talents as a producer and songwriter (with diverse writing and production collaborations with such artists as Carly Rae Jepsen and Dave Grohl). Joining him are the equally talented Louis Wu on guitar, Jake Fox on keys and guitar, and Alex Glassford on drums, each bringing their distinct musical influences and technical prowess to the mix.
Fake Shark has released several critically acclaimed albums and singles, earning them a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades within the music industry. They have toured extensively across Asia, Canada, and Europe, further solidifying their international appeal. The band boasts a top 10 hit song and two top 20 hit songs at rock radio, including several appearances on the North American billboard charts, showcasing their ability to resonate with a broad audience.
Their innovative music videos and visually stunning live shows involving theatrics, crowd work and elements of comedy have cemented their reputation as a must-see act. Additionally, their music has been featured in high-profile placements such as Apple commercials, the reality TV shows Love Island and Catfish, The NHL playoffs, NFL Monday Night Football and on Netflix and MTV, not to mention in publications such as Billboard Magazine and The Globe and Mail.
Always pushing the boundaries of their sound, Fake Shark continues to evolve and surprise listeners with each new release, making them one of the most exciting bands to watch in the modern music scene.
History
Fake Shark was conceived by Kevin "Kevvy Mental" Maher and Louis Wu in October 2005 as a way of combining the styles of the bands they liked in hopes to one day open for them. They met in high school and formed Fake Shark shortly after graduation. To complete the band, they recruited (via Craigslist) bassist Dan Hughes and The Heck's former drummer, Malcolm Holt. In 2007, Hughes left the band and was replaced by The Heck's and Hot Hot Heat's former bassist, Parker Bossley. The onslaught of MySpace buzz garnered the interest of Vinyl Junkie Records in Japan who released the band's debut album Zebra! Zebra! on April 25, 2007.
While life-sized cut-outs of the band's members at HMV stores in Japan[1] may indicate a popularity outside the arena of punk, the band still adheres to the punk lifestyle. It has been said that bouncers have had to "manually take down microphones and disassemble gear for the band to stop playing."[2]Henry Rollins has stated that they are one of his favorite new bands[3] and has played them several times on his radio show, Harmony in My Head.
Fake Shark have toured with artists such as Mindless Self Indulgence, Klaxons, Hot Hot Heat, Brokencyde, The Birthday Massacre, Marianas Trench (band), Jeffree Star and Test Icicles. They have also completed three tours of the United Kingdom and performed four sold out dates in Japan.[1] 2008 saw Fake Shark with a North American release of Zebra! Zebra! on March 11, 2008, and the release their new EP Style of Substance followed by additional tours of North America and the UK and festival appearances in Japan.
During summer 2008, the band went into the studio with music producer Dave "Rave" Ogilvie (known for his work with Skinny Puppy, Jakalope, Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails) to record their second album. The result was Meeting People Is Terrible, a sophomore attempt that seems just as eclectic as their first but with even more genres covered and mashed such as funk and industrial. The band had leaked two tracks ("Jewellery" and "Angel Lust") from the album and a bonus single, a cover of Portishead's "Sour Times", on their MySpace page. They released the album, August 26, 2009, in Japan and May 31, 2010, worldwide.
In 2009, Kevvy Mental scored the short film starring Canadian singer Sarah Slean entitled Last Flowers directed by CJ Wallis. The film was nominated for a pair of Leo Awards.
Fake Shark Real Zombie's 2013 album is called Liar. Producers and collaborators include Steve Bays, Greig Nori, Dave Ogilvie, Jimmy Urine, members of Die Mannequin, Japanese Voyeurs, and The Birthday Massacre.[4]
In 2015, the band released three new singles, "Can't See You" (featuring Renholder) for the Soska Twins' 2014 horror film See No Evil 2,[5] "Zodiac" for Vendetta starring Dean Cain and Big Show, and "Cheap Thrills", the first single under the band's rebranded name "Fake Shark".
On May 13, 2016, Fake Shark released the second single, "Something Special" off their upcoming album.[6]
On March 20, 2017, the band announced their album Faux Real and released the album's 3rd single, "Heart 2 Heart".[7] Faux Real was released May 26, 2017 via Light Organ Records.[8]
In 2021, the band was reported to be appearing on the podcast Storybound.[9]
On November 5, 2021, the band released their latest album Time For The Future.
In 2021, "Loser" charted at #3 on Breaking Alt (Alternative Specialty) and #9 on Alternative Radio in Canada.
In 2022, the band was nominated for ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Song of the Year’, ‘Rock/Alternative Group of the Year’ at the Indie Awards.
In 2023, their latest release "Save Me" peaked at #3 on Breaking Alt (Alternative Specialty), with radio spins by; The Verge SXM, Sonic Radio The Zone Victoria, X92.9 Calgary, X100.7 Red Deer.
Discography
As "Fake Shark"
Studio albums
- Faux Real (2017)
- Time For The Future (2021)
- Afterglow (2024)
EPs
- Walking Through A Fantasy (2018)
- House Of Mirrors (2020)
As "Fake Shark – Real Zombie!"
Studio albums
- Zebra! Zebra! (2007)
- Meeting People Is Terrible (2009)
- Liar (2013)
EPs
- Post Band-aid Nelly (2005)
- Cursing In Braille (2006)
- Style of Substance (2008)
- Angel Lust (2009)
Compilations
- Quadruple Dare: Vancouver Mutilation (2010)
- Don't Forget (2014)