Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you’ve worked on a project, despite all the effort you may have put into it, in the back of your mind there’s always a little voice doubting your skill? Even if it’s evident that you are successful, you feel like you’re behind when it comes to your peers, constantly living in fear that you may be “exposed” or you just “got lucky” with your achievements? These subjects are flawlessly unpacked in Nashville indie-pop duo Chapel’s newest single “Faker.”
Over the last decade, Chapel have encapsulated audiences worldwide with their upbeat alternative pop sound and high energy live shows. Ever since the release of their 2017 debut LP Sunday Brunch, Chapel have been putting in the work non stop. They’ve created a name for themselves by touring throughout the U.S. and internationally supporting some of the biggest bands in the scene like Waterparks, Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens and more just on their debut run.
Unfortunately after many touring years, a successful EP, and an album that was complete and ready for release, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the band hard. The album ultimately was scrapped and touring was placed on a halt. Luckily, in January 2021, they switched courses, releasing a third EP, Room Service, to which the lead single “pillowtalk” landed them a spot on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation.
In 2025, the band took time to reassess, joining forces with Nashville producer Michael Guillot and releasing their full length LP Modern Nature. Following the release, they took the stage once again in the summer, with their sold out headliner return in Nashville.
“Faker” is the third single released by Chapel this year, closely following the May single ‘Crashing Out.” Upon listening, a similarity is evident between this track and the most recent release. “Faker” begins with a strong statement lyrically: “Every waking moment there’s a thought that’s on my mind/ I don’t wanna fuck this up/ But I don’t think I know enough.” Lead singer Carter Hardin expresses his personal repetitive thoughts that throughout the creative endeavors he is pursuing, he may not be good enough in the long run. The main chorus’ synth-pop energy helps carry the message that Hardin is nervous to even admit these feelings to himself or others, repetitively calling himself a “faker.”
“I don’t wanna talk about it too much too much / I’m such a faker”
The second verse cuts deeper as we have Hardin’s velvet vocals confessing that he feels the people close to him are lying to him about his talents and/or successes; as if they know how it feels to think the way he does. We hear him slowly get consumed by the imposter syndrome and become defensive over people telling him they understand where he’s coming from. These declarations are backed up by drummer Kortney Grinwis, building energy around the vocals as we hear Hardin’s frustration grow, really inserting the listener into his mind.
The vibe switches through the bridge when a cheer-type chant is echoed, mimicking Hardin’s own thoughts, saying he’s “always on the run like a certified faker.” He then participates in the chant himself, once again expressing how his mind makes him feel behind as a creative, even when his success and talent is unmistakable.
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