Nashville Six-Piece’s Sophomore EP Delivers a Masterful Blend of Styles, with Compelling Songwriting and Breathtaking Harmonies
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville six-piece Fame & Fiction has released its highly-anticipated sophomore EP, “Hello, Old Friends,” a five-song collection brimming with elements of rock, pop, jazz and blues and laced with poignant, unabashed social commentary from the all-queer ensemble.
Produced by Trenton Wheeler, “Hello, Old Friends” masterfully captures what has endeared Fame & Fiction to so many throughout Middle Tennessee’s queer community and beyond, with songwriting contributions from all six members and an array of jaw-dropping vocal harmonies throughout. It includes both of the band’s most recent singles – the jazzy, ‘80s throwback track “Not The One For You” (featuring guest saxophonist Amber Woodhouse) and the lively, upbeat anthem “Famous” – each of which has racked up thousands of streams and landed on numerous playlists over the past several months.
Fame & Fiction was originally formed in 2017 by Connecticut natives Leah Shipchack and Lauren Horbal and released its debut EP, “Headspace,” in early 2018. In the years since, Fame & Fiction’s lineup has expanded to its current six members and the group has built a loyal and fervent following thanks to its infectious songs, memorable live performances and fearless, unapologetic approach.
“This EP is so special for the band because there were so many moments, both good and bad, that went into creating it and brought the six of us closer together,” said Horbal. “We’ve truly become a family over the past few years and it’s undeniable that we’ve found our voice as a band on ‘Hello, Old Friends.’”
“In some ways, it’s the story of Fame & Fiction itself,” added Shipchack, about the new EP. “I think there’s something on it for everyone who has been a part of our journey, from back in Connecticut to moving to Nashville to the band’s evolution here ever since.”
The official release show for “Hello, Old Friends” will take place at 8 p.m. on Monday, February 26 at The East Room in Nashville. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
“Hello, Old Friends” Track Listing
- “Hello Old Friend”
- “Assembly Line Boys”
- “Not The One For You”
- “Famous”
- “Knuckles”
About Fame & Fiction
Fame & Fiction is a powerhouse, all-queer sextet from Nashville featuring Leah Shipchack (vocals), Lauren Horbal (drums), Owen (bass), Kels Cordare (guitars, strings), Cara McCarthy (guitars) and Mary Jennings (keys). As a collective, Fame & Fiction taps into each member’s prodigious artistry, gifted songwriting and diverse musical backgrounds to deliver a rich, dynamic sound blending elements of rock, pop, jazz and blues, one that strikes an almost-defiant tone and demands to be heard.
The band was originally formed by Shipchack and Horbal in 2017 and a year later released its debut EP, “Headspace,” which includes the infectious tracks “Mountain” and “Enough” that are now staples of its live sets. The current six-piece iteration of Fame & Fiction gradually came together over the next few years and gelled during the COVID pandemic before making its live debut with a scintillating performance for a capacity crowd at Nashville’s legendary Exit/In in the summer of 2021.
Undeterred by the mounting social and political assaults being waged on queer communities in their adopted home state and beyond, the band emerged from the studio in early 2023 with its sophomore EP, “Hello Old Friends,” which is available everywhere now. Stay up to date on news, shows and more by visiting www.fameandfiction.com.
