Fake Problems: cool band name, good people.

I dig the moniker because it seems like a reminder that everyone has problems to deal with, and generally they aren’t nearly as terrible as they seem. Our issues, problems and messed up situations could usually be worse. I have terrible allergy problems, for example - but at least I don’t live in Rwanda.

The guys in Fake Problems make my good people list because they gave me free beer during the video shoot for their new album’s lead single, “The Dream Team.” Free beer makes for an automatic winner in my book. Unfortunately, because of said video shoot, I cannot stand that song anymore. I still think it is a cool track, but I had to listen to it on repeat for about four hours straight. Here are a couple pictures from the video shoot:

Fake Problems hail from Naples, Florida, but they tour constantly so it’s tough to find them playing any local shows. Thankfully, the record release party for their debut on Side One Dummy Records is Friday, January 30. The new album is titled It's Great to be Alive, and I couldn't be more excited to hear what these guys have come up with.

The show is at Street One skate shop in Naples. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the skate shop. Anyone buying a ticket also gets a complimentary copy of the album the night of the concert. Fake Problems are actually playing two shows that night: once at 6:30 pm (all ages), and then again at 10 pm (21+). Street One’s address is 997 3rd Ave N, Naples, FL.

In order to appreciate where a band like Fake Problems are going with their musical direction it is very important to understand where they’ve been. The same key elements fuel each of their albums, but each release still sounds refreshing rather than stale. Fake Problems keep finding ways to break new ground with the same shovels. They play a style of music that I think most people would consider indiepunkfolkrock…with a little old school country twang…and the occasional horn section. Or something like that.

Expect a review of It’s Great to be Alive…as soon as I pick up a copy.