Super Fake Nice

Last updated
Super Fake Nice
Self - Super Fake Nice EP cover.jpg
EP by
Self
ReleasedJuly 29, 2014
StudioFresh Imperial (Tennessee)
Genre
Length17:47
Label El Camino
Producer Matt Mahaffey
Self chronology
Porno, Mint & Grime
(2005)		Super Fake Nice
(2014)		 Ornament and Crime
(2017)
Singles from Super Fake Nice
  1. "Looks and Money"
    Released: November 28, 2011
  2. "Runaway"
    Released: July 11, 2014

Super Fake Nice is the second EP by American pop rock band Self, released through independent label El Camino on July 29, 2014. Originally announced as an album in 2007, it is the band's first studio release since Gizmodgery (2000), ending a 14-year break. The EP primarily utilizes a pop rock sound. The singles "Looks and Money" and "Runaway" supported it, with the latter achieving mainstream success alongside its music video.

Contents

Background

In 2007, Matt Mahaffey announced Super Fake Nice via Myspace as Self's fifth full-length album. Its title was derived from an overheard conversation at a movie theater. [2] In a 2009 interview, Mahaffey described its lyricism as "atypical to sElf" and stated disinterest in collaboration for it. [3] The first song written that would appear on the project was "Runaway", with a 2010 demo being the fifth version of a song Mahaffey had repeatedly attempted to create since 1990 around a sample of Parliament's song "Do That Stuff". [2] In January 2012, Mahaffey finished his home studio in Franklin, Tennessee, entitled Fresh Imperial and co-designed by Mark Wenner. Several writing and recording sessions took place in the same month. [4]

Later in 2012, independent record label El Camino was founded by Matt Messer. He was drawn to "Runaway", expressing interest in it as a radio single and inspiring Mahaffey to perform and record several more songs by himself for the project. [5] While preparing "Runaway" as a single, Mahaffey was unavailable to personally create a music video, so he hired a crew to create a video with cats. [6] It was filmed in New York City [7] and directed by Ballard C. Boyd. [8] An art contest was held by Mahaffey to determine the cover art of Super Fake Nice, which was won by Autumn and Brian Cutaia. [9] Following completion, Mahaffey self-described the project as a "ratatouille of stuff I had lying around", stating a general desire to release material as Self. [10]

Release

Self put out various songs before the release cycle of Super Fake Nice. [5] In 2009, two rough demos were made available online: "Orchird" and "Monogamy". [3] Following this, "Could You Love Me Now?" and "Looks and Money" were officially released as singles on May 10, 2010, and November 28, 2011, respectively. Though they wouldn't appear on the EP, "Monogamy" and "Could You Love Me Now?" were bundled together and released as a standalone single for Record Store Day 2015. [11]

"Runaway" was released as a single on July 11, 2014. A music video was published alongside this, featuring a band of cats pantomiming with instruments while several other cats move to the beat of the song. [12] Containing six songs, [13] Super Fake Nice became available for pre-order on July 17 and was released through El Camino on July 29, becoming the band's first studio release since their fourth album, Gizmodgery (2000). [14] On July 30, Self performed "Runaway" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! , marking the band's TV debut. [15] A music video was later released for "Looks and Money" in 2015, directed by Dave Foley and starring himself with Mary Lynn Rajskub. [16]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
The Fire NoteStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]

Super Fake Nice received favorable to mixed reviews. The Fire Note criticized the first two tracks for their "gloss ante" while praising the EP's other songs for reviving Self's older style. [13] NPR denounced the lyrics of "Runaway" as trivial but praised its instrumental, calling it an "infectious pop-rock track". [1] Lyndsey Parker of Rolling Stone described the song as a "catchy comeback track", likening its music video to Keyboard Cat and ranking it at number 10 on a list of the top 20 music videos of 2014. [17] "Runaway" was additionally featured as the iTunes Single of the Week on July 29, 2014. [9]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Matt Mahaffey.

Super Fake Nice track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Runaway"3:18
2."Subconscious Life"3:12
3."Gonna Rock"3:14
4."Hey, Hipster"2:41
5."Looks and Money"2:14
6."Splitting Atoms"3:04
Total length:17:47

Sample credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes. [18]

Release history

Release dates and formats for Super Fake Nice
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
VariousJuly 29, 2014El Camino [5]
September 30, 2014 CD [19]
October 2014 Vinyl LP [20]

Related Research Articles

William Patrick Niederst, better known as Liam Lynch, is an American filmmaker, singer, musician, songwriter, and puppeteer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Black Keys</span> American rock duo

The Black Keys are an American rock duo formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001. The group consists of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney (drums). The duo began as an independent act, recording music in basements and self-producing their records, before they eventually emerged as one of the most popular garage rock artists during a second wave of the genre's revival in the 2000s. The band's raw blues rock sound draws heavily from Auerbach's blues influences, including Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Mahaffey</span> Musical artist

Matt Mahaffey is an American multi-instrumentalist, record producer, composer, and recording engineer best known for his band Self and his composer collective Cake In Space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Self (band)</span> American band

Self is an American alternative pop rock band from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The band is led by Matt Mahaffey. The band currently consists of Chris James, Mac Burrus, and Jason Rawlings (drums). Past members include Matt's brother, Mike Mahaffey and Timm Nobles. Mahaffey cites Electric Light Orchestra, Prince, and Pixies as some of his biggest musical influences.

<i>Breakfast with Girls</i> 1999 studio album by Self

Breakfast with Girls is the third studio album by alternative band Self, released in 1999. The album was highly anticipated, being the first Self album released on a major label since their debut album, Subliminal Plastic Motives.

<i>Gizmodgery</i> 2000 studio album by Self

Gizmodgery is the fifth studio album by alternative pop/rock band Self. It released in 2000 by Spongebath Records. The LP was recorded entirely with children's toy instruments. It was released in the short-lived HDCD format.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morningwood</span> American alternative rock band

Morningwood was an alternative rock band from New York City. Founded in 2001, it primarily consisted of Pedro Yanowitz and Chantal Claret. Morningwood was signed to Capitol Records and released two albums. Claret went solo in 2012 and folded the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halestorm</span> American rock band

Halestorm is an American rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith. Siblings Lzzy and Arejay founded the band in 1997. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2009 through Atlantic Records.

"Do That Stuff" is a song by the funk band Parliament. It was the first single released from their 1976 album The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein. It peaked at number 22 on the U.S. R&B chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Features</span>

The Features is an American indie rock band from Sparta, Tennessee. The original lineup consisted of Matt Pelham, Roger Dabbs, and Don Sergio. The most recent iteration consists of Pelham, Dabbs, Rollum Haas, and Mark Bond. They have released five full-length albums and three EPs. The band has appeared twice as musical guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Cursive Memory</span> American rock band

A Cursive Memory was an American rock band, from Southern California who released an EP and two albums in the period 2006 to 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassadee Pope</span> American singer

Cassadee Blake Pope is an American pop and country singer. She was the lead vocalist and songwriter of the pop punk band Hey Monday, with whom she released one studio album and two EPs. Pope embarked on a solo career in early 2012 and released the EP Cassadee Pope in May 2012. She took part in the 3rd season of The Voice and became the first female winner in December 2012. Her debut solo country album, Frame by Frame, was released in 2013 to a top 10 Billboard 200 charting. It debuted at No. 1 on Top Country Albums, with 43,000 copies sold in its first week.

Canaan Lee Smith is an American country music singer and songwriter signed with Round Here Records, an independent label started by Florida Georgia Line. He has released two albums, Bronco in 2015 and High Country Sound in 2021. His second single, "Love You Like That", was a Number One hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He was also a reality television contestant on the 15th season of The Amazing Race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brooke Candy</span> American rapper and singer

Brooke Dyan Candy is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and tattoo artist. Raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, she rose to prominence after starring in Grimes' music video for "Genesis" (2012). Following its success, Candy's status in the underground scene rose as she began to release her own music, including the songs "Das Me" (2012), "Everybody Does" (2013), and "I Wanna Fuck Right Now" (2013). In 2014, she signed a recording contract with RCA and released her debut major label single, "Opulence", with an accompanying EP of the same name. Later, she joined Columbia's UK roster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Authors</span> American rock band

American Authors, formerly known as the Blue Pages, are an American rock band originally from Boston, based in New York City, that consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett, bassist Dave Rublin, and drummer Matt Sanchez. Guitarist and banjoist James Adam Shelley is a former member. They are best known for their hit singles "Believer" and "Best Day of My Life", from their debut album, Oh, What a Life, as well as their top 20 hit "Go Big or Go Home", from their second album, What We Live For. The band, previously signed to Island Records, now releases music independently.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smallpools</span> American indie pop band

Smallpools is an American indie pop band formed in 2013. The band consists of Sean Scanlon (vocals), Mike Kamerman (guitar), and Beau Kuther (drums).

<i>Make Up</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Hyomin

Make Up is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Hyomin. It was released on June 30, 2014, by Core Contents Media. "Nice Body" was released as the lead single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Galantis</span> Swedish electronic music act

Galantis is a Swedish electronic music act consisting of producer Christian "Bloodshy" Karlsson. Formerly, they were a duo, alongside rising musician Style of Eye, until he decided to part ways with the project shortly after their second album The Aviary in 2017. However, he made appearances in live performances and music videos as part of the project up until 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pvris</span> American pop rock act

Pvris is an American pop rock band formed in Lowell, Massachusetts in 2012. Following several lineup changes, the band is now composed of frontwoman Lynn Gunn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chloe x Halle</span> American music duo

Chloe x Halle is an American R&B and Alternative duo composed of sisters Chloe and Halle Bailey. At a young age, the sisters performed in minor acting roles before moving from their hometown of Mableton, Georgia to Los Angeles in 2012. The two began posting music covers to YouTube and were acknowledged by Beyoncé, who became their mentor and later signed them to her label, Parkwood Entertainment. They subsequently released the EP Sugar Symphony (2016) and the mixtape The Two of Us (2017).

References

  1. 1 2 All Songs Considered (August 5, 2014). "New Mix: Foxygen, Lily & Madeleine, Porter Robinson, More". NPR . Archived from the original on October 18, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Heisel, Scott (August 27, 2014). ""We never broke up, but we got burned out"—Matt Mahaffey on the return of Self". Alternative Press . Archived from the original on August 30, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  3. 1 2 Sharp, Brock (October 7, 2009). "Interview: Matt Mahaffey Of Self". Rock Sellout. Archived from the original on October 10, 2009. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  4. ↑ Freeman, Jon (January 23, 2012). "Matt Mahaffey Returns To Tennessee With New Studio". Music Row. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 Olmstead, Todd (July 24, 2014). "Self, a.k.a. the Dude Who Made the Expedia Dot Com Jingle, Is Back". Vice . Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  6. ↑ Raymer, Miles (July 21, 2014). "Video: Cats make synthesizer jams for Self's 'Runaway'". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  7. ↑ Parker, Lyndsey (August 15, 2014). "Self-Awareness! Rediscover Matt Mahaffey's Returning Cult Band Self". Yahoo! Music . Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  8. ↑ Rodgers, D. Patrick (July 22, 2014). "Self's 'Runaway' Features a Slew of Delightful Cats [Fresh Vid]". Nashville Scene . Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  9. 1 2 Peterson, Tyler (July 29, 2014). "sElf's Lead Single "Runaway" Featured as iTunes Single of the Week Today". BroadwayWorld . Archived from the original on December 29, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  10. ↑ Hubbard, Susan (December 4, 2014). "AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MATT MAHAFFEY of sElf". East of 8th. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  11. ↑ "Self Releases". Self. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  12. ↑ Parker, Lyndsey (July 21, 2014). "Is Self's 'Runaway' the Greatest Cat Video Ever?". Yahoo! Music . Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  13. 1 2 3 Anthony, Christopher (August 12, 2014). "sElf: Super Fake Nice [Album Review]". The Fire Note. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  14. ↑ Breihan, Tom (July 31, 2014). "Self Released A New EP And Played Kimmel Last Night". Stereogum . Archived from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  15. ↑ Rodgers, Patrick (July 31, 2014). "Watch Self Play 'Runaway' and 'Lucid Anne' on Jimmy Kimmel Live". Nashville Scene . Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  16. ↑ "sElf ' "Looks & Money" with Dave Foley and Mary Lynn Rajskub". Funny or Die . February 28, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  17. ↑ Parker, Lyndsey (December 22, 2014). "The 20 Most Awesome Music Videos of 2014". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  18. ↑ Super Fake Nice (Media notes). Self. El Camino. 2014.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ "sElf • SUPER FAKE NICE CD". El Camino Media. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  20. ↑ "sElf • SUPER FAKE NICE EP 10" CLEAR VINYL". El Camino Media. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.