Fakes – Volume Three Raises Funds for Refugee and Migrant Children Through Music Inspired by Pop Culture’s Most Memorable Imaginary Acts
Portland-based independent label Drunk Dial Records is set to release Fakes – Volume Three on June 23, 2026, continuing a unique compilation series that transforms fictional bands from film and television into real-world punk, garage rock and indie rock tributes while supporting a charitable cause.
Released digitally and on cassette, the 13-track compilation channels songs originally performed by fictional acts from popular culture, with all proceeds benefiting Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), an international nonprofit that provides legal and psychosocial support to unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children.
The latest installment in the Fakes series features contributions from bands across North America, reimagining tracks associated with fictional groups that have become enduring parts of music and pop culture lore. Among the source material are songs linked to acts such as The Archies, Robin Sparkles, Sex Bob-omb, Jesse and the Rippers and Spinal Tap.
A Compilation Built on Underground Music Culture
The release reflects the unconventional ethos that has defined Drunk Dial Records since its inception. According to the label, the concept began as a joke among friends gathered 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 humorous idea eventually evolved into a label identity centred on spontaneity, raw performances and creative experimentation. Drunk Dial became known for encouraging musicians to step outside their usual recording routines, embracing imperfections and unpredictability as part of the artistic process.
That same philosophy informs the Fakes series, which celebrates the emotional connections audiences develop with fictional bands. Rather than treating the source material as novelty, the compilations reframe familiar songs through the lens of underground punk and independent music communities.
Artists Reimagine Fictional Classics
Fakes – Volume Three covers a broad range of fictional musical history, drawing inspiration from television comedies, cult films and animated favourites.
Among the highlights, Vancouver punk outfit Night Court delivers a high-energy version of “Everybody Wants Something,” originally performed by The Zits in the Canadian television series Degrassi. Denver-based band SPELLS tackles “The Thermos Song” from The Jerk, while Keddies Resort brings a fuzz-heavy interpretation to Sex Bob-omb’s “Garbage Truck” from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Elsewhere on the compilation, TV Cop revisits “I Belong to You,” associated with Jesse and the Rippers from Full House, while The Chugs take on “Somebody Kill Me Please,” the memorable song from The Wedding Singer. Sex Mex contributes a rendition of Spinal Tap’s psychedelic parody track “Listen to the Flower People.”
The collection moves between bubblegum pop, punk rock, comedy and nostalgia, creating a release that feels less like a conventional tribute album and more like a celebration of shared cultural references.
Supporting a Charitable Mission
A distinguishing feature of the Fakes series is its charitable component. Each volume partners with a different nonprofit organization, allowing participating artists and listeners to support causes beyond the music community.
For Volume Three, proceeds will be directed to KIND, whose work focuses on providing legal representation and psychosocial services to vulnerable refugee and migrant children around the world.
The charitable aspect has become a defining element of the series, helping connect underground music culture with broader social impact initiatives.
Expanding a Growing Community
Previous editions of Fakes featured contributions from artists including Josh Berwanger, Andrew Bassett, Suzy True, Personality Cult, Heavy Lag and Ian MacDougall.
The latest release broadens that network, bringing together established punk veterans, indie musicians and garage rock artists united by an appreciation for the fictional bands that helped shape their musical imaginations.
In doing so, Fakes – Volume Three blurs the distinction between fiction and reality. The compilation serves as both a tribute to the imaginary acts that left a lasting impression on audiences and a celebration of the real-world music scenes that continue to keep those songs alive.
As Drunk Dial Records prepares for the June 23 release, the project stands as a reminder that some fictional bands can achieve a cultural legacy every bit as enduring as their real-world counterparts—especially when dedicated musicians bring their songs back to life for a good cause.