NYC independent record label
It began in 1980 when Steve Nyhoff and Nels Johnson of The Delphobics realized no record companies were interested in their music, so they’d have to produce and distribute on their own.. The band’s name was conceived to express a fear of technology, using the greek geometry symbol for the root meaning. In a similar fashion, the name “Fake Doom Records” was poking a little fun at the then current “doom and gloom” musical genre so prevalent in New York City.
Their first release proved the record companies to be correct in their assessment of the Delphobics. The single, “ Darkest Hour” was not a big hit. The best review that Nels and Steve could remember was a quote from the Village Voice stating: …”nor does the psychedelic revival begin here”.
A second single, Emotional Cripple, did fare better and actually went in to a second pressing; that is, another 1000 records pressed. After playing in Manhattan clubs such as Max’s Kansas City, CBGBs, etc. for a few years, the Delphobics began to develop other interests. Nyhoff started a rockabilly band with fellow bandmembers Dennis Irvin and Steve Fonseca. Johnson took up bass guitar for the Cucumbers.
The Whyos were the first band other than the Delphobics to release on Fake Doom Records. “Full Arms and an Empty Heart” was the A side of the single, with “This or That” on the flip side. College radio responded favorably and Fake Doom had its first minor hit.
The Cucumbers were next to have a record released by Fake Doom Records. The first release was an eponymous EP that they had already recorded. It received a lot of college and independent radio play and provided a good start for touring.
The Cukes also released a full length album, “ Who Betrays Me”, and a 12 inch single of “ All Shook Up” by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley.
Joe Burdette and The New West were next to release an EP on Fake Doom, followed by
Or Roy Combo. Also joining with Fake Doom to release LPs were Who’s Your Daddy, Blue Palms and Life in a Blender.
Thanks for adding me as a friend. I got my copy of The Whyos' single at Alternative 53 on Main Ave., Passaic, waaaaayyyy back in the day. Still diggin' it.
