Throwback HIP Spotlight: Fake Problems

A celebration of two beloved programmers, Greg at Power Play and Tink at VidDream
October 23, 2020
music marketing and music video promotion
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October 26, 2020

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting up with some of our cherished clients to film a video interview that helps viewers get to know the artist as well as learn more about their new music video. Previously called “The HIP Clip”, these videos allow us to help connect artists with the world, as we give some insight and inside information into who they are and the music and videos they make.

From Naples, Florida, Fake Problems were the type of band with the raw force of any band in America – a roughneck mastery that some groups take decades to achieve, but they figured it out in just a few years. It’s Great To Be Alive was wildly catchy and instantly memorable – at times recalling Dylan; at others, The Gaslight Anthem or The Hold Steady. But Fake Problems were, first and foremost, formidable showmen, each performance exuberant and infectious.

We had the pleasure of working with Fake Problems on three separate videos: the first was “The Dream Team” in the spring of 2009. Here, they’re throwing a party just as wild, exciting, and dynamic as their music – and, for that matter, their live shows. It’s hard to tear your eyes away from the screen, but plenty of nonsense is breaking out off the stage: girls and boys are flirting and fighting; a jousting match on bicycles.

That summer, we met up with vocalist/guitarist Chris Farren and drummer Sean Stevenson for this HIP Clip video interview. Here – after explaining the origins of their band name – they told us all about working with director Isaiah Seret for a video that essentially recreated the house parties that their bassist Derek Perry would throw. Check it out!

 

 

And get ready to have a blast with the Fake Problems “The Dream Team” video:

 

 

Fake Problems broke up in 2014, but Farren has gone on to create music as a solo artist. Most recently, his second solo album Born Hot came out on October 11, 2019 via Polyvinyl. He also makes music with fellow HIP Alum Jeff Rosenstock as Antarctigo Vespucci.

Written by HIP Director of Marketing and Communications, Molly Hudelson.