Brian Falduto on Moving Beyond 'School of Rock' Fame to 'Gay Country' Music
Brian Falduto had the memorable role of aspiring stylist Billy, a.k.a. "Fancy Pants," in the 2003 comedy "School of Rock." Now he is all grown up and making deliciously gay country music.
As reported by People, the 30-year-old said he didn't share his "School of Rock" character's Liza Minnelli obsession because he just didn't know who she was.
"The costume designer was like, 'OK, well that can't happen.' He was this gay man, and he pulled me aside and was like, 'Here are some articles to read before we shoot today,'" he recalled about the role.
As Falduto remembers it, he was much more interested Faith Hill at the time. Now he has entered the country genre as a musician and dropped his debut album on Friday.
Growing up in New Jersey, Falduto says he was an unexpected talent who sang in church and for his family during dinner. "He took a liking to country music from a very young age, with Hill introducing him to the genre and Carrie Underwood's American Idol stint solidifying it," People reports.
Taking vocal lessons was Falduto's big break, and his mom felt he was "clearly a star."
"I walked into the room and sang a boy soprano rendition of 'Send in the Clowns.' So, I'm pretty sure that's the reason I was cast," says Falduto about his "School of Rock" role. His character reportedly didn't exist before that audition.
For his music career now, Falduto describes that he wanted to emulate the gay version of artists such as Rascal Flatts and the Zac Brown Band.
"I was like, 'I want to hear the gay version of the stuff that I listened to when I was a kid,'" he said.
And now it's here.
Listen to Falduto's "Same Old Country Love Song" below.