Winners of "Best World Music Act" at the 2005 South Australian Music Industry Awards
Underscored by the unique vocals and soulful to humorous lyrics of John Roast, you can hear the Reggae, Dub, Dancehall, D&B, Ska, Funk and Rock influences, but the band has created a distinctly original sound. After three years of solid gigging and many studio hours, the Frauds have shown themselves to be as dynamic and explosive in the studio, as on Stage.
The band’s beginnings are with Tom Victory and John Roast - the two Original members of the ‘Seeds of Babylon’. After the Seeds of Babylon went their separate ways, Tom Victory and John Roast went on to form the ‘Fraud Millionaires’. Seeking a new fresh guitarist, they had to look no further than Leigh Vergou (Ill tempered & Superbee).
Leigh’s song-writing and exceptional guitar skills led the way for the Frauds to create their distinctively unique sound from day one. They gained George Moschou (the George Special & New White Sneakers) on the Bass, and Craig ‘CHICKEN’ Hudd (Fallout) on Percussion and Samples, both proving to be very valuable assets to the Frauds new sound. The Fraud Millionaires were formed.
After a year of gigging and many shenanigans, the band took their stance with their first single ‘LAS VEGAS’. Releasing the punchy track with strong lyrics and heavy groove from their debut EP in early 2006 proved to be a success to the bands musicianship and producing skills.
The band backed up their first EP release with a tough ‘Self titled’ debut album, independently released and produced in Jan 2007. The album has received much praise with ‘Backyard’, the first single off the album hitting hard and ‘All Night Rockers’ getting plenty of airplay.
It was after the Launch of the Frauds Debut album, that they lost Bass Guitarist George Moschou. Looking to keep the Fraud Dream alive, they assigned Dylan Ferguson (Poetikool Justice) their new Bass Guitarist. This was a short innings though, as Dylan soon left to seek work elsewhere.
It was a blessing for the Frauds, as original Bass Guitarist from ‘Seeds of Babylon’ & ‘A Tribe is Forming’ Mike Feetham became free. Mikey having played with band before gelled straight in, with solid bass lines, solid song writing and also strong vocal skills, adding an extra dimension to the Frauds Songs and sound.
The Frauds sound has a lot to do with them producing everything themselves. They are currently recording their new album in their studio ‘Spare Time Studio’, due to be released late 2007.
Their success has a lot to do with Tom Victory being the Mastermind behind all recordings. Having a very tight schedule between producing the Frauds, he has also producing local and interstate bands such as – ‘Poetikool Justice’, ‘Andrew Higgs and the Sandcastle Harem’, ‘A Tribe is Forming’ and ‘DJ NIXON’.
The Frauds sound, attitude and live raw energy, has come from years of playing on the local and interstate music scene, developing a sound and vibe that capture listeners minds and hearts.
Having already played such events as ‘Robefest’ & ‘Shutzenfest’ and along bands such as Diafrix, Blacksorrows, 28 Days, the Living End, Poetikool Justice, Sounds like Chicken, Nervous Jerbal, TORT, A Tribe is Forming, Style High Club, Moore Black & the Organic Roots, Jhoe, Morals of a Minor, Son of Dad, Tony Font Show and San Salvador, the Frauds are set to be the next big thing.
Having now generated local and interstate interest, they are set to take their sound abroad. Harder hitting lyrics and solid grooves, socially aware and active, and even more humorous than before, the ‘Fraud Millionaires’ are about to explode, as they are a band that walks their talk.
