Queer sextet rock band, Fame & Fiction, have finally found the perfect recipe for their lineup and music with their newly released EP, Hello, Old Friends. A very inclusive house party is the instant vibe I felt listening to their music with rock, pop, dance and throwback feels. The band themselves spans different generations from ages 30’s to 40’s and their music reflects all six of their different styles. Musical influences such as Paramore, 3rd Eye Blind, Maroon 5, 1975, Blink 182, and Haim have shaped much of their style. Fans will even pick up on some 80’s saxophone Kenny G moments in some Fame & Fiction songs heavy with nostalgia vibes. The EP bridges the gap between their release in 2017 by showing fans that they’re here, they’re back, checkout what they’ve got and lets all have a party.

Co-founders and best friends Lauren and Leah have been playing music together since 2015, but it wasn’t until their move to Nashville from their hometown of Connecticut and the formation of the current band lineup that they felt the music for Fame & Fiction is finally there. They have the perfect people and instrumentation creating music that they themselves all want to listen to. With their music, Fame & Fiction hopes to show fans that everyone deserves a seat at the table in Nashville and everywhere.

Everyone is awesome is their own right and deserves the chance to be themselves.

Fame & Fiction members can all recall growing up with music that was gender specific and less relatable; and so they strive to create music that is more gender ambiguous and not representing only one gender. Especially in today’s climate, Fame & Fiction tries not to be political but have queer representation and inspire young people today that its ok to be your authentic self and not hide. We can all relate to each other having a great time listening and dancing to good music together.

Whether we know you or not, if you come to one of our shows….you’re a friend. All are welcome.

 

Speaking of upcoming shows, Fame & Fiction has their upcoming EP release party for Hello, Old Friends on February 26th at The East Room with details in the flier below. This guarantees to be one fantastic house party starting at 7 pm with special guests 76th Street and Suzie Chism.

Linktree for Fame & Fiction 

 

 

When it comes to food, Fame & Fiction loves doing impromptu food gatherings with Greek bowls or quinoa bowls and all the fixings. They love putting out different fixings and toppings so all six of them can make their own custom bowl. Vegetarian chili, plain Lays potato chips, grapes, cheese and tacos are also among the favorite foods for the band. They also have a running inside joke where the band says “Cilantro!” instead of saying “Cheers!” when cheering one another.

 

 

Playing off Fame & Fiction’s love of cheese, cilantro and vegetarian chili, I decided to make vegetarian chili nachos that can be shared by everyone to accompany a fun house party. Nachos are easy to make and shareable among friends. I went with a simple vegetarian chili, queso fresco, vegan queso drizzle and plenty of cilantro to encompass all of Fame & Fiction’s favorites. Check out the recipe below!

 

 

Vegetarian Chili Nachos

Ingredients for Vegetarian Chili

  • ½ tablespoon EVOO
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 (4 ounce) can mild green chiles
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons mild chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (28 ounce) can Fire- roasted tomatoes, diced or crushed
  • 3/4 cup vegetarian broth 
  • 2 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen, fresh or canned sweet corn (whichever you prefer, if canned drain)

Ingredients for Nachos 

  • 1 cup Queso Fresco, authentic Mexican crumbling cheese, already crumbled
  • 2 cups vegetarian chili
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Vegan Queso (I used the recipe from 40 Aprons Best Vegan Queso Ever)
  • 1 cup Pico de Gallo (I used the recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen Pico de Gallo )
  • 4 to 5 cups of restaurant style tortilla chips

 

Directions for Vegetarian Chili 

  1. Place EVOO in a large pot over medium high heat. Add in garlic, onion and green chiles and saute for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Then add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper, broth, tomatoes, beans and corn.
  3.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until chili has thickened.

Directions for Nachos

  1. Place the tortilla chips on your serving plate of choice.
  2. Top with vegetarian chili, pico de gallo, crumbling fresco queso, cilantro and drizzle with vegan queso to your liking.
  3. Serve and enjoy with friends!