Q&A: Fat Freddy’s Drop

Founded in the club scene in Wellington in 1999, absolute kiwi legends Fat Freddy’s Drop are internationally regarded as one of the world’s finest live draws and the 7-piece have delivered over 1000 shows in their career! Most recently, the VNZMA International Achievement Award winners have just dropped their latest album and concert film “WAIRUNGA” - recorded live in Wairunga (deep in Ngāti Kahungunu country) & exposed to the unpredictability of the outdoor elements.

"A boil up of cosmic vibes, Afro-acid beats, hot buttered soul, righteous reggae, subterranean bass, and twisted up melodies, a fitting tribute to a magical moment in time at the mercy of the elements” - Fat Freddy’s Drop.

Wairunga is a place etched into the DNA of Fat Freddy’s who’ve roamed there for over 20 years; to party, relax between tours, and even to get married. We chat to renowned band member and sax maestro Scott Towers aka Chopper Reeds about the making of the album, the band’s favourite tour memories, the importance of mental health & more.

A HUGE congrats on the drop of your incredible your bush-alchemy album “WAIRUNGA”. What made you decide to do a live album?

We’ve come to really appreciate a “live” recording over the years - our first (longer) release was “Live At Matterhorn” - a legendary Wellington bar from years gone by - and we released a live recording from The Roundhouse in London too. Live records uniquely capture the feeling and mood of the band in that particular instant … on THAT day we really felt a deep connection to the place; we felt we could let the music develop really organically and without the time pressures that concerts sometimes present. 

We’re absolutely loving the lead single & afro-acid trip “Shady”! Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind this track?

We’ve had a long-term love affairs with both the music of the African continent and club music. We were lucky enough to tour to South Africa and played a festival in J’burg. The crowd was so incredibly hip and the music super fresh - it was really inspiring. I guess this is track has been a brewing away in our collective music brain for a few years and it felt pretty natural to play and produce - it draws together some spare afro-tinged beats and “township” horns before morphing into a blues stomp.

What were your main highlights working on this project?

Well we love Wairunga itself - that property has been farmed by our friends the Parkers and their ancestors for over 100 years. We’ve spent so much time there and have always talked of doing a gig up there - so this felt like a real treat.

Who have been your biggest inspirations in music?

I studied jazz at Massey University - so to start with it was all the jazz heavy weights; Nina Simone, Miles Davis, John Coltrane etc. Then the tutors there - who I was lucky enough to play with. Through them I met drummer Julien Dyne (his dad Paul is an amazing bass player), the AK cats Cam Allen, Chip Mathews and Ladi & Parks etc. That said, I get really inspired playing with the Freddy’s crew - we’ve been at it for a long time now and with that comes an intuitive understanding - but also the confidence to challenge each other.

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love or connect with?

Avantdale Bowling Club always blow me away. As do Troy Kingi, Team Dynamite, Reb Fountain, Tami Neilson, Lord Echo, Cory Champion, Cave Circles, Benny Salvador. Actually my son has just started making beats and writing raps - to be honest it’s not entirely my thing, but I am so proud of him for getting stuck in and giving it his all.

You guys have toured absolutely EVERYWHERE! What have been your most beloved or memorable experiences on the road?

The gigs are - of course - amazing! It’s an honour to get to do what we do all over the world. But some of the best experiences are when we have a few days down time - and get to explore a new city together. We had a great time in Valencia a few years ago … it was our first time there and it was a great place to hang out.

If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?

I’d love to see venues get some institutional support - in the way you see in Europe … a society with a rich cultural offering can only be healthier.

During these times of uncertainty, mental health has been an especially significant topic. How have you best looked after your own mental health and wellbeing, and what suggestions do you have for others?

I’ve ebbed and flowed from complete positivity to despair quite regularly over the last 18 months … but I’ve never regretted getting out into nature during this time. And music … I’ve listened to a tonne of music, and tried to keep playing by myself - just to try and keep some fun in my life. I also just started doing some “practical philosophy” classes - which is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s early days but I already feel that what I am learning there is incredibly useful.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career and what advice do you have for other artists?

I’ve come to realise that I can actually be a very pragmatic person … and that that’s something that can be harnessed quite effectively to SERVE music performance and creation - it has helped me stay in music for most of my adult life. I think focussing on making and presenting good music first and foremost - regardless of the circumstance should always be the goal. Success and happiness and opportunities all flow on from that.

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

Throw away those hand guns. Swim in the sea more.

Thanks so much! Make sure you check out Fat Freddy’s Drop on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify & Apple Music.