Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Dell.
Jack, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Fake Radio was first formed out of a misunderstanding and a sleeping desire. At the start of 2023, Jack Dell had been offered a spot opening for two great local bands, but had mistakenly believed the other bands believed him to posses more than an acoustic guitar and a big green kazoo to perform with. After taking a few weeks to mull over potential bandmates, the first lineup of Fake Radio quickly came together: Jack Dell, Luke Molinelli, Michael Richardson, and Roger Toussaint. Their first show was such a great success, both internally and externally, that the band immediately picked up three more shows to carry them through the summer. At this point, the band first formulated its identity, and the name Fake Radio was born, as well as the democratic approach to arranging, songwriting, and decision making that remains the foundation of Fake Radio to this day. After making a niche local name for themselves throughout 2023 and early 2024, steadily moving up from small bar shows to regularly playing 200 cap venues, the band amicably parted ways with original drummer Roger Toussaint as he moved to NYC. For a couple months, Fake Radio rehearsals took on double duty as drummer auditions. Just in time for an upcoming battle of the bands, Dan Chinitz entered the fold as Fake Radio’s new drummer extraordinaire. Blitzing though the second half of 2024 with battle of the bands gigs, the first annual Fake Radio / The Orange Slices / Sol Reactor Halloween show, a Trans Lifeline / Planned Parenthood benefit show, and the band’s Admo porchfest debut, Fake Radio was quietly searching for a good affordable local studio to record their debut album. They had done a totally DIY demo of one of their oldest songs, Mutiny, shortly before Roger’s departure, but the band knew they had some truly special songs and a dramatic production vision which needed a more professional hand. At last, in early 2025, the band received a tip from a friend to check out Weitman Studios in Falls Church, and after a brief introductory meeting, Fake Radio made plans to begin recording there with Mike Weitman and Pablo Cabrera. Still playing occasional shows throughout the year, most of Fake Radio’s 2025 was consumed in the studio, spending countless hours giving each song the care and attention to detail it deserved. In mid June, Fake Radio amicably parted ways with original guitarist Michael Richardson, who had was to begin studying songwriting and production at Berkeley NYC that fall. Throughout the rest of the year, Fake Radio worked hard at finishing the album, and auditioning new guitarists. After a few months with Dylan Slattery taking over on guitar, which included the band’s first Baltimore show and the second annual Halloween cover show, he and Fake Radio amicably parted ways at the start of 2026. In the past few months, Fake Radio has totally finished mixing and mastering their debut album, enlisting the incredible services of Kevin Slappey and Dan Millice, and at long last put out their debut single, Parking Garages. Shortly after this long anticipated release, Fake Radio welcomed new guitarist Alex Alavi into the band, with whom the band played its first sold out show at The Pocket just a few months prior. The full debut album, This Will Never Change, is scheduled for a July 17th release, followed by a not-to-be-missed double album release show at Pearl Street Warehouse on Sunday July 26th. This show also celebrates the release of The Orange Slices debut album, and the release of a new single by Alex Alavi and The Funky Breakfast.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Fake Radio has been blessed with a mostly smooth road thus far as a band. The biggest challenges the band has faced thus far have been in replacing original drummer Roger Toussaint in 2024 and replacing original guitarist Michael Richardson through 2025 and 2026. Now with a newly settled lineup, Fake Radio looks forward to facing new challenges, like booking its first tour, and writing and recording its second album. On an individual basis, each band member has faced some personal struggles over the course of the bands’ life, notably including 3/4 of the band ending their previous employment in the middle of 2025. But these personal struggles have been balanced by moments of triumph and celebration both within and outside of the band, and moreover, Fake Radio are friends first. Rehearsals have doubled as much needed hangs, writing sessions as sacred spaces to work through personal struggles, and shows especially as a collective catharsis, a brief but ecstatic expression of our deepest shame and our proudest joy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Fake Radio plays songs by and for music nerds. Genre omnivores who love to two-step in the mosh pit as much as geek out over an odd time signature. Their music embodies truth in expression, and narrates difficult journeys between who you once were and who you will become. The band is distinctly proud of its democratic structure, where every band member is an equal contributor to songwriting, and each shares an opportunity to take the lead on any given song or facet of band business.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Fake Radio loves working with other musicians to put on unforgettable shows. Any genre or personal background or identity is welcome on a Fake Radio bill. By the same token, the band welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds to come out and see their fantastic show, and always to come say hi before or after. The band loves to meet fans and new friends. They are also happy to work with other artists of any kind to create great merch, show posters, album art, band photos, or any other artistic medium needed to support the music. Fake Radio can be contacted on Instagram, and TikTok @fakeradioband, or you can always email them fakeradioband@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fakeradioband
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fakeradioband
- Other: https://fakeradio.bandcamp.com/track/parking-garages
