Head>>fake

Headfake, described by Doug Wimbish in a 2008 interview as “sovereign territory” for its members, the Living Colour rhythm section of bassist Doug Wimbish and drummer Will Calhoun, was created by the duo as a “resolution” to protect themselves in a turbulent music industry while allowing artistic freedom, creativity and adaptability.

Following the break up of SONY artist Living Colour in 1995, while Vernon Reid and Corey Glover remained signed to the label, the rhythm section of Will and Doug were released from the label. Subsequently, Calhoun traveled through the Australian Aboriginal Outback, participating in drum clinics and collecting inspiration for a solo record. Meanwhile, Wimbish returned to the UK, producing, writing, recording and performing with Skip McDonald, Adrian Sherwood and On-U Sound recording artists. When Doug and Will eventually returned to the US, they each brought with them a collection of songs that they contributed towards their drum and bass project, Headfake, the band name coined in Will’s basement while the duo watched basketball playoffs.

Headfake, before it became a band, actually started as a recording, Cycles, that Doug recorded and produced while in London with producer Professor Stretch for Adrian Sherwood and Pete Holdsworth’s Green Tea Records, a subsidiary of On-U Sound Records. Will and Doug used the song Cycles, and the name Headfake, as a kickstart for their live performances - initially at New York City clubs and music conventions, then later while on tour, inviting guest artists including Apocalyptica’s Max Lilja.

Billed as a Headfake live performance with the promise of a “special guest” at New York City’s famed CBGB’s on December 21, 2000, fans packed the club to capacity. After several songs performed by Headfake, joined by singer Corey Glover, Glover called off stage to guitarist Vernon Reid. Reid joined his bandmates on stage in front of the enthusiastic crowd - signaling a full-fledged Living Colour reunion and return.

Recording and performing to this day as members of Living Colour, Doug and Will also continue to perform as their project, Headfake. Recently, the duo, as Headfake, performed in Hollywood, CA, at WesFest 13, an annual concert celebrating the life of Wes Wehmiller—and the fundraiser for the Wes Wehmiller Scholarship at Berklee College of Music.

Headfake, the drum and bass, electronic and jazz infused duo, has released a DVD: Headfake: Live In The Area Of Prague; the single: Cycles; and a self released compilation: Play By Play.