PORTLAND — Independent music label Drunk Dial Records is set to release Fakes – Volume Three on 23 June, continuing its unique compilation series dedicated to fictional bands from film and television while raising funds for a charitable cause.
The latest edition of the series will be available digitally and on cassette, with all proceeds benefiting Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an international nonprofit organisation that provides legal and psychosocial support to unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children.
Featuring 13 tracks, Fakes – Volume Three brings together punk, garage rock and indie artists from across North America to reinterpret songs originally performed by fictional acts that have become cult favourites among music and entertainment fans. The compilation draws inspiration from well-known fictional bands including The Archies, Robin Sparkles, Sex Bob-omb, Jesse and the Rippers and Spinal Tap.
The release represents the latest chapter in Drunk Dial Records’ unconventional approach to music production and community-building. Founded in Portland, the label emerged from an idea that initially began as a joke among friends before evolving into a distinctive creative philosophy.
According to the label’s origin story, the concept was sparked by a simple question posed around a bar table: “What if there was a record label that convinced bands to get super drunk and then make a record?”
What began as a light-hearted concept developed into a mission centred on spontaneity, raw performances and embracing imperfections. Over the years, Drunk Dial has built a reputation in underground music circles by encouraging artists to step outside traditional recording methods and focus on capturing authentic moments rather than polished perfection.
That spirit continues throughout the Fakes series, which taps into the nostalgia and emotional connection many listeners have with fictional bands that exist within popular culture. By bringing contemporary musicians together to reinterpret these songs, the label has created a project that celebrates both music fandom and community collaboration.
The latest compilation showcases a diverse lineup of performers and interpretations. Vancouver punk band Night Court delivers a high-energy version of Degrassi anthem “Everybody Wants Something” by The Zits, while Denver-based outfit SPELLS takes on “The Thermos Song” from the comedy classic The Jerk.
Other contributors include Keddies Resort, which reimagines Sex Bob-omb’s “Garbage Truck” from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and TV Cop, which revisits Jesse and the Rippers from Full House with a rendition of “I Belong to You”.
The compilation also features performances from The Chugs and Sex Mex, who tackle songs associated with The Wedding Singer and This Is Spinal Tap respectively. Together, the tracks move across a wide range of influences, blending punk intensity, garage rock energy and pop-culture nostalgia.
Among the key tracks highlighted from the release are “Teacher’s Pet”, “Sugar and Spice” and “I’ve Got Something To Shout About”. The collection contains no explicit language and aims to appeal to listeners drawn to independent music, cult films and television soundtracks.
Previous entries in the Fakes series featured contributions from notable names within the independent music scene, including Josh Berwanger of The Anniversary, Andrew Bassett of Mean Jeans, Suzy True, Personality Cult, Heavy Lag and Ian MacDougall of Riverboat Gamblers.
With Volume Three, Drunk Dial has expanded the project further by bringing together established musicians, underground artists and garage rock enthusiasts who share an appreciation for the role fictional bands play in shaping music culture.
Beyond its musical appeal, the compilation serves a philanthropic purpose. By directing proceeds to KIND, the release supports programmes designed to assist vulnerable refugee and migrant children while offering fans an opportunity to contribute through music purchases.
As independent labels continue to explore creative ways of engaging audiences, Fakes – Volume Three highlights how niche music projects can combine entertainment, nostalgia and charitable giving. For Drunk Dial Records, the latest release reinforces its commitment to celebrating the blurred boundary between fiction and reality while supporting a meaningful cause.
Scheduled for release on 23 June, Fakes – Volume Three continues the label’s tradition of transforming unconventional ideas into community-driven projects, offering a tribute to fictional bands that have left a lasting mark on popular culture.
