Fake Heroes formed in February 2012 by the ideas of the guitarist and composer Gianni ‘Draft Djentleman‘ Vespasiani. The initial genre of the band was mainly heavy rock / nu metal, inspired by contemporary American bands. In April 2012 they released the EP “Beyond This Glass” and after that they started to play live and to participate to local and national festivals. The band is currently promoting their new release “Clouds”.
Can you give a little biographical and historical info; who is involved in the band, and how did you guys meet up?
Our band formed in February 2012 from the ideas of our guitarist and composer Draft Djentleman. We were born from the ashes of our previous post/grunge band called Too Late to Wake. When Draft felt the need to create different and modern music he involved the same band but a new singer. Recently we replace Francesco Cetrullo with a new bass player: Francesco Gentile. In the same time Francesco D’ Amario joins the band as third guitarist. So this is our new lineup: Manuel Gatta / vocals Gianni ‘Draft Djentleman’ Vespasiani / guitar Simone ‘Roll’ Del Libeccio / guitar Francesco D’Amario / guitar Francesco Gentile / bass Michele ‘Mike’ Santoleri / drums.
What your genre means to you, or why you chose this genre basically?
We can define it like alternative/progressive metal. We firmly believe that being able to combine different musical hemispheres creates what is sometimes called “personal sound.” We think we have done it in our own way: the wide variety of influences has led us to a true personal musical journey. This made it possible to combine the industrial metal with prog metal. And then, let’s face it, our choruses are POP.
Are you happy with your product? I mean, what aspect of it do you think you guys nailed, and what parts do you think you could improve upon?
We know we still have to grow a lot but “Clouds” for us is a real starting point, an authentic work.
How has the overall reception been?
We are very pleased with the feedback received from the public and critics. Unfortunately we are facing a difficult period in terms of live music but we are doing our best to promote “Clouds“.
What do you see for your future? How is it looking?
Our main objective is to export our music abroad. We would greatly help a label that we want to invest with us on “Clouds”.
Could you tell us about the lyrics / themes /concepts you focus on or plan to focus on? How did the ideas come about, and how do they influence the writing process?
There’re not main themes in our lyrics. We usually speak about abstract themes or deep feelings trying to explain what we live during personal interior sensations. In the past we have talked about our society and economy analyzing all the effects that they have on human beings.
Which is more exciting? Being on the road or studio?
Both situations have their charm but no doubt traveling and playing live is the best feeling possible.
Who is composing the songs? Writing the lyrics?
All ideas came from Draft (guitarist and composer).The songs was almost “ready” (in terms of instrumental). Later Draft and Manuel worked on vocals and lyrics. Finally each band member completed his part by inserting all the details.
So what bands do you guys draw your inspiration from?
We cannot deny that our main influences come precisely from the current prog scene worldwide: TesseracT, Skyharbor, Circles, Periphery, Textures…To all this we mixed other influences, other musical genres: alternative, grunge, pop, hard rock, nu metal, djent…Many say that the result is pleasing, original and authentic.
What’s more important to you? Catering to the audience or music for its own sake?
For us, music is a passion and we invest on it but everyone has a different job. This allows us to compose what we like without worrying about what the public expects of us. This does not mean that we do not care of it. Convey what it feels like to the public is the most important thing in music.
When you look back your music career, what do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
“Clouds”, no doubt. Personally “Clouds” is the culmination of a long journey, but not the end of the path. I see it as a milestone in my life, the soundtrack of the last three years I think it is the first work that our listener can appreciate deeply.
Follow Fake Heroes on their website, on Bandcamp, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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