Chet Faker: Real Name, Age, Music Facts
There’s something about a stage name that makes you pause, and Chet Faker’s is both a nod to jazz legend Chet Baker and a wink at his own identity. Nicholas James Murphy, born 23 June 1988 in Melbourne, built his early career on that deliberate anonymity.
Real name: Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia) ·
Born: 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia) ·
Genre: Electronic, soul, trip hop ·
Debut album: Built on Glass (2014) ·
Most streamed song: No Diggity (cover) ·
Origin: Melbourne, Australia
Quick snapshot
- Real name: Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia)
- Born 23 June 1988 in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia)
- Stage name derived from Chet Baker (Apple Music)
- Debut album Built on Glass (2014) reached #1 on ARIA Charts (Wikipedia)
- Current marital status – not publicly confirmed
- Exact current residence – likely Melbourne, but unofficial
- Sober status – no reliable public statements
- Political stance – not publicly stated
- Exact net worth – not disclosed
- Future projects under Chet Faker – no confirmed plans beyond 2026 tour
- Personal relationships – not part of public record
- 2011 – Debut EP Thinking in Textures (Wikipedia)
- 2012 – No Diggity cover released (Apple Music)
- 2014 – Built on Glass album (Wikipedia)
- 2019 – Announced future releases under Nick Murphy (Wikipedia)
- Touring as Chet Faker in 2026 (per Facebook events)
- Continues to release music under Nick Murphy
Eight key facts, one pattern: the artist’s identity is split between two names, each with its own story.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia) |
| Stage Name | Chet Faker |
| Birth Date | 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia) |
| Genres | Electronic, soul, trip hop (The Line of Best Fit) |
| Debut Album | Built on Glass (2014) (Wikipedia) |
| Most Popular Song | No Diggity (cover) (Apple Music) |
| Origin | Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia) |
| Label | Downtown Records (US) |
What is Chet Faker’s real name?
The transition from Chet Faker to Nick Murphy
- Real name: Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia)
- He has released music under both Chet Faker and his birth name Nick Murphy.
- In 2019, he announced that future releases would be under Nick Murphy (Wikipedia).
For years, fans knew him only as Chet Faker. The anonymity was intentional — a way to let the music speak without the weight of a personal identity. But after his debut album Built on Glass and a string of sold-out tours, Murphy began stepping out from behind the alias. In 2019, he told listeners that new music would come under his real name, ending the Chet Faker chapter in a way that felt more like evolution than farewell.
The stage name that gave Murphy freedom to experiment also became a brand he had to outgrow. Dropping it meant risking the recognition he built — but keeping it meant staying in a box.
The implication: the name change was a strategic evolution, not a rejection of the past.
Why the stage name was created
- The name is a portmanteau of Chet Baker and “faker” (Apple Music).
- He adopted the name to distinguish his electronic music from his given name.
Murphy has explained that the alias came from a period of heavy listening to Chet Baker. He felt he was imitating jazz, calling himself a “faker” in a self-deprecating nod to his own inexperience. The name stuck, and it gave him a persona that was both a tribute and a shield.
The implication: the name was a genuine artistic statement about authenticity and impersonation, not a marketing gimmick.
Why is he called Chet Faker?
Origin of the name
- The name references his admiration for jazz trumpeter Chet Baker and his own approach to “faking” jazz vocals (Apple Music).
- He adopted the name early in his career to distinguish his electronic music from his given name.
In a 2012 interview with Interview Magazine, Murphy said: “I was listening to a lot of Chet Baker and I thought, ‘I’m a faker.'” The honesty of that confession — a young musician admitting he was still learning his craft — resonated with listeners and gave the alias a humble charm.
The Chet Baker connection
- Chet Baker was a renowned jazz trumpeter and vocalist, known for his cool, understated style.
- Murphy’s music shares Baker’s minimalist approach but swaps jazz for electronic soul.
The connection is more than a name. Both artists built careers on a laid-back, intimate vocal delivery. Where Baker used a trumpet, Murphy uses synthesizers and beats — but the emotional core is similar.
The catch: the name also created expectations. Some listeners expected jazz, not downtempo electronics. It took the No Diggity cover to break through that mismatch.
What kind of music is Chet Faker?
Key genres and influences
- Electronic, soul, trip hop, downtempo (The Line of Best Fit).
- Known for warm vocals and minimalist production.
The sound sits at the intersection of bedroom electronica and classic soul. His tracks often feature sparse beats, floating synths, and Murphy’s breathy, emotive voice. The result is music that feels both intimate and expansive — perfect for late-night listening.
Debut album ‘Built on Glass’
- Released April 2014, debuted at #1 on ARIA Charts (Wikipedia).
- Features a mix of electronic and soul, with standout tracks like ‘Gold’ and ‘Talk Is Cheap’.
Built on Glass was the album that proved Chet Faker was more than a one-hit wonder. It earned a J Award nomination and solidified his place in the Australian electronic scene alongside artists like Peking Duk. The album’s success was built on the momentum of the No Diggity cover, but it showcased a range that went far beyond that single.
What are Chet Faker’s most popular songs?
Breakout cover: No Diggity
- Cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity, recorded in one session (KCRW).
- Released March 2012 on Thinking in Textures EP (Apple Music).
- Featured in a 2013 Super Bowl ad for Beck’s Sapphire (Wikipedia).
The No Diggity cover remains Chet Faker’s signature track. It strips the 1996 Blackstreet hit down to a haunting piano line and Murphy’s falsetto, turning a club anthem into a bedroom confessional. The song went viral before “viral” was a career path, and it still racks up millions of streams each month.
Original hits: Gold, Talk Is Cheap
- ‘Gold’ is a single from Built on Glass.
- ‘Talk Is Cheap’ also gained millions of streams.
These songs show the range of his original work. ‘Gold’ is a slow-burning, synth-driven track about finding value in simplicity. ‘Talk Is Cheap’ features a more upbeat tempo, but still carries that signature warm production.
Streams and chart performance
- No Diggity remains his most-streamed track on Spotify.
- Built on Glass reached #1 on ARIA Charts (Wikipedia).
On Spotify, No Diggity has over 200 million streams, dwarfing his other tracks. But ‘Gold’ and ‘Talk Is Cheap’ each have tens of millions, proving that the audience stuck around for the originals.
How old is Chet Faker?
Birth date and age
- Born 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia).
- As of 2025, he is 37 years old.
Murphy was born in the middle of the Australian winter, a detail that feels fitting for the cool, introspective mood of his music. He was 23 when his No Diggity cover started spreading online, and 26 when Built on Glass hit number one.
Early life in Melbourne
- Grew up in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia).
- Attended local schools and began making music in his teens.
Melbourne’s vibrant music scene shaped Murphy’s early sound. The city’s blend of indie rock, electronic, and jazz gave him a wide palette to draw from. He started sharing tracks on SoundCloud and Triple J Unearthed, building a following before any label deal.
Timeline signal
- – Born Nicholas James Murphy in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia)
- – Released debut EP Thinking in Textures (Wikipedia)
- – No Diggity cover released (Genius)
- – Released debut album Built on Glass (Wikipedia)
- – Collaborated with Marcus Marr on ‘The Birth’
- – Announced future releases under Nick Murphy (Wikipedia)
- – Continues to tour as Chet Faker
The pattern: from a young SoundCloud artist to a 37-year-old established musician, the timeline shows steady growth.
Confirmed facts
- Real name is Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia)
- Birth date is 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia)
- Stage name is derived from Chet Baker and ‘faker’ (Apple Music)
- Australian singer and songwriter (Wikipedia)
- Most popular songs include ‘No Diggity’, ‘Gold’, ‘Talk Is Cheap’
- Toured in 2026 (as per Facebook event)
What’s unclear
- Sober status – no reliable public statements
- Current marital status – no confirmed reports
- Exact current residence – likely Melbourne, but not official
“I was listening to a lot of Chet Baker and I thought, ‘I’m a faker.'”
Chet Faker, as told to Interview Magazine
“The No Diggity cover was recorded in one session one night.”
Chet Faker, as told to KCRW
Chet Faker is described as “an Australian electro-soul artist” by music critics.
For Australian listeners who followed his journey from SoundCloud to the ARIA charts, the Chet Faker era represents a moment when local electronic music broke into the mainstream. The name change does not erase that legacy — it just adds a new chapter.
For fans of electronic soul, the choice is clear: Chet Faker’s early catalogue remains the definitive entry point, while Nick Murphy’s later work offers a more intimate, evolved sound. The artist himself seems comfortable with both identities — and that dual legacy is what makes his story worth following.
musiclyrics.com, elle.com.au, famousbirthdays.com, fr.wikipedia.org, secondhandsongs.com
Frequently asked questions
Does Chet Faker still make music?
Yes. He continues to release music under his birth name Nick Murphy, and still performs as Chet Faker on tour.
What is Chet Faker’s most famous song?
His cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity, released in 2012, remains his most-streamed and most recognized track.
Has Chet Faker won any awards?
He was nominated for the J Award in 2014 for Built on Glass, but has not won a major international award.
Where can I buy Chet Faker concert tickets?
Concert tickets are available through platforms like Ticketmaster, as well as his official website and social media pages.
Is Chet Faker married?
His marital status has not been publicly confirmed. There are no reliable reports about a spouse or partner.
What is Chet Faker’s net worth?
Net worth figures are not publicly verified. Estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculation.
Did Chet Faker stop using the name?
He announced in 2019 that future releases would be under Nick Murphy, but he continues to tour as Chet Faker.
What are Chet Faker’s biggest influences?
He has cited Chet Baker, electronic producers like Flying Lotus, and soul artists such as D’Angelo as influences.
There’s something about a stage name that makes you pause, and Chet Faker’s is both a nod to jazz legend Chet Baker and a wink at his own identity. Nicholas James Murphy, born 23 June 1988 in Melbourne, built his early career on that deliberate anonymity.
Real name: Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia) ·
Born: 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia) ·
Genre: Electronic, soul, trip hop (The Line of Best Fit) ·
Debut album: Built on Glass (2014) ·
Most streamed song: No Diggity (cover) (Apple Music) ·
Origin: Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia)
Quick snapshot
- Real name: Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia)
- Born 23 June 1988 in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia)
- Stage name derived from Chet Baker (Apple Music)
- Debut album Built on Glass (2014) reached #1 on ARIA Charts (Wikipedia)
- Current marital status – not publicly confirmed
- Exact current residence – likely Melbourne, but unofficial
- Sober status – no reliable public statements
- Political stance – not publicly stated
- Exact net worth – not disclosed
- Future projects under Chet Faker – no confirmed plans beyond 2026 tour
- Personal relationships – not part of public record
- 2011 – Debut EP Thinking in Textures (Wikipedia)
- 2012 – No Diggity cover released (Apple Music)
- 2014 – Built on Glass album (Wikipedia)
- 2019 – Announced future releases under Nick Murphy (Wikipedia)
- Touring as Chet Faker in 2026 (per Facebook events)
- Continues to release music under Nick Murphy
Eight key facts, one pattern: the artist’s identity is split between two names, each with its own story.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia) |
| Stage Name | Chet Faker |
| Birth Date | 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia) |
| Genres | Electronic, soul, trip hop (The Line of Best Fit) |
| Debut Album | Built on Glass (2014) (Wikipedia) |
| Most Popular Song | No Diggity (cover) (Apple Music) |
| Origin | Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia) |
| Label | Downtown Records (US) |
What is Chet Faker’s real name?
The transition from Chet Faker to Nick Murphy
- Real name: Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia)
- He has released music under both Chet Faker and his birth name Nick Murphy.
- In 2019, he announced that future releases would be under Nick Murphy (Wikipedia).
For years, fans knew him only as Chet Faker. The anonymity was intentional — a way to let the music speak without the weight of a personal identity. But after his debut album Built on Glass and a string of sold-out tours, Murphy began stepping out from behind the alias. In 2019, he told listeners that new music would come under his real name, ending the Chet Faker chapter in a way that felt more like evolution than farewell.
The stage name that gave Murphy freedom to experiment also became a brand he had to outgrow. Dropping it meant risking the recognition he built — but keeping it meant staying in a box.
The implication: the name change was a strategic evolution, not a rejection of the past.
Why the stage name was created
- The name is a portmanteau of Chet Baker and “faker” (Apple Music).
- He adopted the name to distinguish his electronic music from his given name.
Murphy has explained that the alias came from a period of heavy listening to Chet Baker. He felt he was imitating jazz, calling himself a “faker” in a self-deprecating nod to his own inexperience. The name stuck, and it gave him a persona that was both a tribute and a shield.
The implication: the name was a genuine artistic statement about authenticity and impersonation, not a marketing gimmick.
Why is he called Chet Faker?
Origin of the name
- The name references his admiration for jazz trumpeter Chet Baker and his own approach to “faking” jazz vocals (Apple Music).
- He adopted the name early in his career to distinguish his electronic music from his given name.
In a 2012 interview with Interview Magazine, Murphy said: “I was listening to a lot of Chet Baker and I thought, ‘I’m a faker.'” The honesty of that confession — a young musician admitting he was still learning his craft — resonated with listeners and gave the alias a humble charm.
The Chet Baker connection
- Chet Baker was a renowned jazz trumpeter and vocalist, known for his cool, understated style.
- Murphy’s music shares Baker’s minimalist approach but swaps jazz for electronic soul.
The connection is more than a name. Both artists built careers on a laid-back, intimate vocal delivery. Where Baker used a trumpet, Murphy uses synthesizers and beats — but the emotional core is similar.
The catch: the name also created expectations. Some listeners expected jazz, not downtempo electronics. It took the No Diggity cover to break through that mismatch.
What kind of music is Chet Faker?
Key genres and influences
- Electronic, soul, trip hop, downtempo (The Line of Best Fit).
- Known for warm vocals and minimalist production.
The sound sits at the intersection of bedroom electronica and classic soul. His tracks often feature sparse beats, floating synths, and Murphy’s breathy, emotive voice. The result is music that feels both intimate and expansive — perfect for late-night listening.
Debut album ‘Built on Glass’
- Released April 2014, debuted at #1 on ARIA Charts (Wikipedia).
- Features a mix of electronic and soul, with standout tracks like ‘Gold’ and ‘Talk Is Cheap’.
Built on Glass was the album that proved Chet Faker was more than a one-hit wonder. It earned a J Award nomination and solidified his place in the Australian electronic scene alongside artists like Peking Duk. The album’s success was built on the momentum of the No Diggity cover, but it showcased a range that went far beyond that single.
What are Chet Faker’s most popular songs?
Breakout cover: No Diggity
- Cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity, recorded in one session (KCRW).
- Released March 2012 on Thinking in Textures EP (Apple Music).
- Featured in a 2013 Super Bowl ad for Beck’s Sapphire (Wikipedia).
The No Diggity cover remains Chet Faker’s signature track. It strips the 1996 Blackstreet hit down to a haunting piano line and Murphy’s falsetto, turning a club anthem into a bedroom confessional. The song went viral before “viral” was a career path, and it still racks up millions of streams each month.
Original hits: Gold, Talk Is Cheap
- ‘Gold’ is a single from Built on Glass.
- ‘Talk Is Cheap’ also gained millions of streams.
These songs show the range of his original work. ‘Gold’ is a slow-burning, synth-driven track about finding value in simplicity. ‘Talk Is Cheap’ features a more upbeat tempo, but still carries that signature warm production.
Streams and chart performance
- No Diggity remains his most-streamed track on Spotify.
- Built on Glass reached #1 on ARIA Charts (Wikipedia).
On Spotify, No Diggity has over 200 million streams, dwarfing his other tracks. But ‘Gold’ and ‘Talk Is Cheap’ each have tens of millions, proving that the audience stuck around for the originals.
How old is Chet Faker?
Birth date and age
- Born 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia).
- As of 2025, he is 37 years old.
Murphy was born in the middle of the Australian winter, a detail that feels fitting for the cool, introspective mood of his music. He was 23 when his No Diggity cover started spreading online, and 26 when Built on Glass hit number one.
Early life in Melbourne
- Grew up in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia).
- Attended local schools and began making music in his teens.
Melbourne’s vibrant music scene shaped Murphy’s early sound. The city’s blend of indie rock, electronic, and jazz gave him a wide palette to draw from. He started sharing tracks on SoundCloud and Triple J Unearthed, building a following before any label deal.
Timeline signal
- – Born Nicholas James Murphy in Melbourne, Australia (Wikipedia)
- – Released debut EP Thinking in Textures (Wikipedia)
- – No Diggity cover released (Genius)
- – Released debut album Built on Glass (Wikipedia)
- – Collaborated with Marcus Marr on ‘The Birth’
- – Announced future releases under Nick Murphy (Wikipedia)
- – Continues to tour as Chet Faker
The pattern: from a young SoundCloud artist to a 37-year-old established musician, the timeline shows steady growth.
Confirmed facts
- Real name is Nicholas James Murphy (Wikipedia)
- Birth date is 23 June 1988 (Wikipedia)
- Stage name is derived from Chet Baker and ‘faker’ (Apple Music)
- Australian singer and songwriter (Wikipedia)
- Most popular songs include ‘No Diggity’, ‘Gold’, ‘Talk Is Cheap’
- Toured in 2026 (as per Facebook event)
What’s unclear
- Sober status – no reliable public statements
- Current marital status – no confirmed reports
- Exact current residence – likely Melbourne, but not official
“I was listening to a lot of Chet Baker and I thought, ‘I’m a faker.'”
Chet Faker, as told to Interview Magazine
“The No Diggity cover was recorded in one session one night.”
Chet Faker, as told to KCRW
Chet Faker is described as “an Australian electro-soul artist” by music critics.
The Line of Best Fit
For Australian listeners who followed his journey from SoundCloud to the ARIA charts, the Chet Faker era represents a moment when local electronic music broke into the mainstream. The name change does not erase that legacy — it just adds a new chapter.
For fans of electronic soul, the choice is clear: Chet Faker’s early catalogue remains the definitive entry point, while Nick Murphy’s later work offers a more intimate, evolved sound. The artist himself seems comfortable with both identities — and that dual legacy is what makes his story worth following.
Frequently asked questions
Does Chet Faker still make music?
Yes. He continues to release music under his birth name Nick Murphy, and still performs as Chet Faker on tour.
What is Chet Faker’s most famous song?
His cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity, released in 2012, remains his most-streamed and most recognized track.
Has Chet Faker won any awards?
He was nominated for the J Award in 2014 for Built on Glass, but has not won a major international award.
Where can I buy Chet Faker concert tickets?
Concert tickets are available through platforms like Ticketmaster, as well as his official website and social media pages.
Is Chet Faker married?
His marital status has not been publicly confirmed. There are no reliable reports about a spouse or partner.
What is Chet Faker’s net worth?
Net worth figures are not publicly verified. Estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculation.
Did Chet Faker stop using the name?
He announced in 2019 that future releases would be under Nick Murphy, but he continues to tour as Chet Faker.
What are Chet Faker’s biggest influences?
He has cited Chet Baker, electronic producers like Flying Lotus, and soul artists such as D’Angelo as influences.
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