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Unveiling Quint: Fake Suede’s Unique Mascot Journey

  • Writer: Dylanna Fisher
    Dylanna Fisher
  • Feb 25
  • 4 min read

“If you enjoy animation, the FAKE SUEDE pseudo-mascot is Quint (Quintessence). He’s an anthropomorphic heart illustrated in a 1920s rubber hose cartoon style (think of the original Mickey Mouse). He appears in all my song visuals, and he may be my favourite non-musical creation. His story evolves with each new song,” he explains in an interview with Switching Styles.

Introducing Quint

One of the most intriguing aspects of Fake Suede is Quint, the heart-shaped character who plays a central role in the project’s storytelling. Inspired by 1920s rubber hose animation, Quint is more than just a mascot—he embodies the emotional essence of Fake Suede’s music.

Quint’s name is derived from “Quintessence,” which means the purest form of something. This aligns perfectly with Fake Suede’s mission: to distill music into its rawest and most emotionally resonant form. As James states, “Quint chose his own name once I realized he was meant to be heart-shaped.”

With each release, Quint’s journey unfolds alongside the music, offering fans a unique and evolving narrative. His aesthetic—both nostalgic and slightly eerie—adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Fake Suede experience. Fans can expect Quint to continue growing and transforming as more music and visuals are released, making him an integral part of the Fake Suede universe.

The Storytelling Element: Quint

A unique aspect of Fake Suede is the introduction of Quint, an animated heart-shaped character who serves as a visual and thematic guide through the project’s evolving narrative. Inspired by vintage rubber hose animation from the 1920s, Quint adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the music, embodying the themes of love, self-discovery, and nostalgia that run through the Fake Suede discography.

According to James, Quint was a natural evolution of the project, allowing him to expand the world of Fake Suede beyond just sound. “Quint chose his own name once I realized he was meant to be heart-shaped,” James explains. “In the same way that I think all art is already floating in the ether, waiting for us to find it, Quint was already existing—waiting for Fake Suede to bring him into the world.”

With his heart-shaped face, rubber hose limbs, and vintage animation charm, Quint is more than just a mascot—he’s the visual embodiment of everything Fake Suede represents. Nostalgia meets innovation, the past collides with the future, and suddenly, music isn’t just something you hear; it’s something you experience.

A Character with Character

Born from the creative mind of Jeffrey James, Quint isn’t just a quirky cartoon; he’s the soul of Fake Suede’s aesthetic. Inspired by the bouncy, expressive animation styles of the 1920s and 30s, Quint brings a surreal, dreamlike quality to the project. He’s part Max Fleischer-era animation, part neon-drenched fever dream—a character that looks like he stepped out of an old-school cartoon and landed straight into a synth-driven disco revival.

Quint’s presence is more than just a visual gimmick. He’s an integral piece of the Fake Suede narrative, appearing across cover art, music videos, and promotional materials. Whether he’s gliding through a cosmic dance floor or slipping into an existential crisis, Quint captures the highs and lows of the Fake Suede journey in a way that words alone can’t.

A Story Told in Music and Motion

Fake Suede isn’t just about the music—it’s about the experience. And what better way to pull listeners into a new world than through a character like Quint? He serves as a bridge between sound and storytelling, embodying the emotion, nostalgia, and futuristic edge of Jeffrey James’ latest project.

From the celebratory energy of “Celebrate (Night with Me)” to the bittersweet longing in “Love Don’t Come Easy,” Quint moves through these songs like a guide through a time-warped dreamscape. With each new release, he brings a fresh perspective, ensuring that Fake Suede is as much a visual journey as it is an auditory one.

The Future of Quint

With Fake Suede continuing to evolve, one thing is certain—Quint is here to stay. Whether he’s starring in animated music videos, making cameo appearances in live performances, or even leading his own adventures, his presence cements Fake Suede as a project that transcends traditional music releases.

So, the next time you hit play on a Fake Suede track, watch for Quint. He’s the heart-shaped wanderer navigating this realm of retro synths, disco grooves, and indie soul. He embodies reinvention, much like Fake Suede itself. And one thing’s for sure—he’s just getting started.

The Beat Goes On

Quint isn’t just a character; he’s a symbol of everything Fake Suede represents: reinvention, nostalgia, and the fearless pursuit of creativity. As Jeffrey James continues to expand the world of Fake Suede, Quint will be right there, dancing through the neon-lit dreamscape and leading listeners on an adventure that’s as visually compelling as it is sonically rich.

“Quint’s journey keeps evolving with every new song and step of this project. The possibilities are absolutely endless. All that to say, he will grow and change with the music and with the fans who want to interact with him.” He explains.

With each new track, Fake Suede proves that music can be more than just sound—it can be a full-fledged experience. And as long as the beat keeps playing, Quint will be there, heart-shaped and full of life, guiding fans deeper into the vibrant, retro-futuristic universe of Fake Suede.

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Switching Styles is based in central Alberta, on the enduring homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Beaver, Big Stone Cree, Cree, Dënéndeh, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lheidli T’enneh, Michif Piyii (Métis), Mountain Métis, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsuut’ina, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Woodland Cree, and many others. As a Canadian music platform, we recognize that the arts exist within broader systems shaped by colonial history. Colonial policies and practices deliberately sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, traditions, and songs. We acknowledge this history and its ongoing impacts of colonialism. We are grateful for the opportunity to share music and culture on these lands, and we commit to ongoing learning, accountability, respect, and meaningful action.
 

We commit to supporting Indigenous voices and ensuring that Indigenous music, stories, and cultures are protected, amplified, and never erased.

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