Make Me Famous (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Denis Shaforostov, Jimmy X Rose |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Ukraine |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Make Me Famous was a Ukrainian metalcore group established by lead guitarist and co-vocalist Denis Shaforostov, who initially built his reputation through his YouTube channel "above92," alongside songwriter and guitarist Jimmy X Rose. The band issued one promotional EP and a full-length album, It's Now or Never, under the Sumerian Records label.
Formation and Keep This in Your Music Player (2010–2011)
The band came together in 2010 following Shaforostov’s online music exposure on YouTube. The original lineup featured bassist Sergei Hohlov and guitarist/songwriter Igor "Jimmy X Rose" Yastrebov, who brought material from earlier collaborations. Shortly thereafter, vocalist Serj Kravchenko, previously with Pictures Inside Me, and drummer Jace Thomas joined the ensemble.
In early 2011, they released the EP Keep This in Your Music Player, which included tracks like "Make It Precious" and "I Am A Traitor. No One Does Care." Aside from a Bruno Mars cover, most of these songs were carried over to their debut album without undergoing re-recording.
Drummer Jace Thomas was dismissed during 2011 following accusations of leaking instrumental tracks. He was succeeded by American drummer Dusty Boles, formerly associated with the deathcore band Rose Funeral.
It's Now or Never (2011–2012)
On September 30, 2011, Make Me Famous secured a contract with Sumerian Records. Their debut studio album, It's Now or Never, was launched on March 27, 2012. The record attained notable commercial milestones, reaching number 151 on the Billboard 200, number 13 on the Hard Rock Albums chart, number 5 on the Heatseekers Chart, number 26 on the Top Independent Albums, and number 37 on the Top Rock Albums chart.
Unreleased single and reorganization (2012–2013)
During 2012, the band introduced a new track titled "Locked & Loaded" in live performances; however, this song was never officially recorded or released.
In November 2012, founding member and frontman Denis Shaforostov was removed from the group by his bandmates. This internal dispute led to their separation from Sumerian Records, with the label commenting that it was unfortunate when members could not maintain harmony. The band proceeded to complete a final tour without Shaforostov before officially disbanding in December of that year.
Afterward, the remaining members established a new project named Oceans Red.
Style and influences
Allmusic characterized the group as a "five-piece from Ukraine with a polished take on metalcore and emo." Their sound incorporated typical breakdowns alongside significant electronic elements. Vocals were delivered through a combination of Denis Shaforostov’s screamed and clean singing styles paired with Serj Kravchenko’s low growling. Their influences spanned artists such as Bruno Mars, Def Leppard, and Asking Alexandria, while Kravchenko specifically acknowledged Whitechapel’s Phil Bozeman as an inspiration for his growled vocal technique.
Final line-up
- Sergei Hohlov – bass guitar (2009–2012)
- Jimmy X Rose – lead guitar (2009–2012)
- Serj Kravchenko – growled vocals (2010–2012)
- Dusten "Dusty" Boles – drums (2011–2012)
Previous members
- Jace Thomas – drums (2010–2011)
- Denis Shaforostov – guitar, clean & screamed vocals (2009–2012)
Albums
- It's Now or Never (2012)
EPs
- "Keep This in Your Music Player" (2011)
Singles
- "Make It Precious" – January 20, 2011
- "I Am A Traitor. No One Does Care" – February 22, 2011
- "Once You Killed A Cow - You Gotta Make A Burger" – April 6, 2011
- "We Know It's Real" – October 4, 2011
- "Blind Date 101" – April 5, 2012
Music videos
- "Make It Precious" (2011)
- "Make It Precious (Acoustic)" (2011)
- "Blind Date 101" (2012)