DALLAS RILEY Brian Falduto
Brian Falduto is credited with delivering the memorable line, “You’re tough and I hate you,” as Billy in 2003. School of Rock. Twenty years later, he’s rocking in real life as a country singer.
On Friday, the 30-year-old actor released a new single titled “Big Boys Club” about searching for true love as a gay man in an environment that can often seem filled with passion and frustration.
“‘Big Boys Club’ came out of me being tired of dating. I mean, dating – especially in a foreign culture – can be boring. It’s a series of first and second dates, waiting for answers, bad contacts, disappointments, swimming in nothing, being ignored, feeling being unfit, having bad sex with strangers and spirits,” Falduto told PEOPLE in his own words. “The list goes on because the efforts are endless.”
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She continues, “I wanted to write a song that celebrates those of us who are walking away from dangerous relationships and making the effort to be intentional, vulnerable and satisfying.”
The song follows his recent releases, “Hottest Guy Here” and the viral “Same Old Country Love Song,” as the third single from his upcoming EP, Gay country.
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After “Old Song” dropped last year, the song gained millions of streams through TikTok, where it was featured in Falduto’s videos. School of Rock Jack Black and founder Tate Hoskins.
“It’s been amazing, to say the least,” says the singer of success. “As an independent artist, I use a lot of mental energy and convince myself of my efforts because if all your work is governed by external standards of success, you quickly run out of breath. The messages of encouragement and motivation that I have been receiving have been so meaningful.”
Santiago Felipe/Getty Images; Large Pictures Brian Falduto
Related: ‘School of Rock’ Actor Brian Falduto Was Too Selfish After Playing ‘Gay Kid’
In 2021, Falduto spoke to PEOPLE about playing a “gay kid” in the School of Rock it made it difficult for him to come to terms with his sexuality growing up.
“I was in denial before I had any idea what it was [being gay] was,” she said at the time. “So by the time I realized that I could be a man or a woman, I had already started hating myself and my husband.
DALLAS RILEY Brian Falduto
Today, she is not only self-reliant, but also helping others on the same journey. “This morning, someone logged into my DM to tell me that they and their friend are in love [‘Same Old Country Love Song’] so it will be the first song they dance to at their wedding,” says Falduto.
He added: “I’m very grateful, and I’m just trying to put everything in order not to miss this moment, and it’s also a proof that many customers have been feeling that they’re leaving country music for a long time. I hope this song will continue to find those who need it most.
“Big Boys Club” is now available for download and purchase.
