Goldfish

“Break into the system, these walls between us are just way too high….” So go the soulful lyrics to Goldfish’s break-out track Fort Knox. Known to millions of American households as the soundtrack to the hugely popular KIA ‘hamster’ TV advert and a runaway Youtube success, these talented multi-instrumentalists really are breaking into the system, breaking records, and breaking stereotypes about how live Dance music should be performed and produced. It might be hard to imagine that one of the most exciting live electronica acts in the world right now originates from a small city on the southern-most tip of Africa, but the success story behind Cape Town’s electronica phenomenon Goldfish, has been nothing short of extraordinary. From their beginnings as Jazz students, recording their 1st track with little more than a sax, a double bass and a couple of synths - these two house-head-jazz-muso-multi-instrumentalist-funksters are seriously onto something. That ‘something’ includes a live mix of hypnotic vocals, screaming synths, and more saxophones, double bass and keyboards than a secondhand music shop. Their cult following the world over can be attributed to their unique live show – a brand of Live Jazzy Electronica that regularly turns a sedate dance floor into something closer resembling a football match. It’s no wonder then that club super-brand Pacha and Sony have snapped them up for their 2nd album Perceptions of Pacha released worldwide this summer. Dom and Dave, fondly known as ‘The Fishies’ to their hordes of loyal fans, have maintained a grueling touring schedule that has seen them collect passport ink in 22 countries, and perform over 190 shows last year alone - playing prestigious festivals including Glastonbury, Ultra Festival Miami, 46664, Earthdance, Get loaded in the Park as well as continuing their residency in 2009 at the legendary Pacha Ibiza, where the duo will be performing alongside the likes of Basement Jaxx, Will.I.Am, Erick Morillo, Faithless, Paul Oakenfold, and Fedde le Grande. This is Dominic Peters and David Poole, the unassuming surfer/jazz/electronic maniacs that are Goldfish. If you’ve seen them live, you will agree that ‘Re-invention of the DJ’ is about as close as you can get to describing what they do. Both trained Jazz musicians and competent in a vast array of instruments, the duo seamlessly merges live instruments including Double bass, Saxophone, Keyboards, Flute, and Vocals with Samplers, Effects, Synths and a healthy dollop of freeform improvisation, remixing their album tracks differently each show - Goldfish have hit a nerve on dance floors across the world. Back at home, the album has just hit Platinum status with their track This Is How It Goes holding the title for the most played song on National Radio, a record-breaking 8 South African Music Award nominations, numerous #1 and top 10 hits, Artist of the year by IOL, Best Live Act by 24.com and 2 SAMA’s for Best Dance Album and Best Producer in 2009. Along the way they've taken over the reigns of DJ-legend Pete Tong to mix the sixth installment of Pure Pacha, cracked the nod to remix Bob Marley's iconic I Shot the Sheriff, Nominated for best alternative act at the MTV Africa awards, and performed for Nelson Mandela as ambassadors of his 46664 campaign. With a fearsome reputation for a live show that confounds the senses, album tracks that are as comfortable on daytime radio as they are on the dancefloor, and an unstoppable work and touring ethic, this duo is building an untoppable following the world over – and it seems that whatever these fishes touch turns to gold. “One of the first acts to truly jump the great divide between dance and live excitement” - 24.com “Make no mistake, these boys are gonna to be BIG! The two multi-instrumentalists captivate the crowd, and have the UK contingent scratching their heads and saying to each other ‘we’ve got to get these boys over to Europe…’ Essential.” – Toolroom Records “…these two freeform improvisation geniuses from South Africa are a real find. Using classic instruments to bring dance music to life, Dominic Peters and David Poole really are the sh**t. It’s no wonder that Pacha have signed them up for a residency in Ibiza this summer. Check out their forth coming album Perceptions of Pacha and prepare to be amazed! We Love ‘em!” DJ Mag “It’s Goldfish who really bake the biscuits. 100 percent their own material, these South African Funksters really are as good as we’ve hyped them to be. Jazzy, groovy and loaded with live instrumentation, it’s one helluva party. Think Kraak & Smaak making sweet sonic love with Derrick Carter and you get the Picture.” - IDJ “GOLDFISH ... store that name in your memory for longer than 3 seconds, cause these guys are going places.” - Thunda.com “That was fantastic!” - Pete Tong From a technical point of view what Goldfish does is blinding…and the fact that they have combined this with catchy hooks and licks makes it doubly so. A brilliant night out! – www.thechiz.co.za Watching Goldfish perform reminds me of watching paintball – it’s an explosive mass of colour everywhere! And then of course there’s the sound. The amazing sound that duo, Dom and Dave have created. It’s electronic like you’ve never heard before. Now let me just clarify something: I’m not the biggest fan of heavy house music at all. But Goldfish. They’ve got a whole different kind of vibe about them. And I love, love, love. – Gawkyourheartout The duo are the closest thing celebrity-dry South African music culture has to offer the globe in terms of recognisable, press-heavy popular icons. No. The duo are full-blown popular icons, and whether you’re a sideline fan, appreciative musician or a crazed groupie, you’ll find a way to give the Fish props. Overtone.co.za “This album shows that heavy jazz cats can make music that is accessible and bursting with groove” - MIO.co.za “Did I mention there are only two of them? Go see a live set, and then buy the disc at the show along with the bonus DVD. You will thank me.” - Blunt magazine “We dig these guys!” FHM “With Goldfish, you can clearly see they are brilliant. There is nothing like playing a classic instrument to prove you’re a real artist, and people thrive off this element of their show. In fact, unless you are standing right up in the front row, you wouldn't be able to grasp the full complexity of what they are doing…Goldfish are breaking traditional mindsets about this music genre” - Durbanscouts.co.za “Imagine watching an electronic act performing live with jazz instruments like saxophone, bass guitar and electric double bass… Then add flute and keyboard to the mix. Sounds totally weird right? Believe me, it works. Goldfish have created such a unique infectious sound that before you know it, your head-bopping has turned into full on foot-tapping, knee-bouncing, body-swaying moves. Beneath their crazy beats and upbeat tunes, these two blond-haired musos are the kind of boys who love being outdoors surfing it up in their home town Cape Town. They’re salt of the earth guys at heart who love South Africa and all it’s cultures, which mash messily under Africa’s bright orange sun. They mix and match a bit of Afro culture here, Electro jazz and house there, and then throw in a few classical tunes that you recognize but can’t quite put a name too. The result? Goldfish has become the quintessential Rainbow nation band, cutting effortlessly across cultural divides and age groups.” - Saltwater Girl "GOLDFISH are without doubt the most exciting live band in the country at the moment. Their unique blend of deep house grooves, live instruments and hypnotic vocal samples have made them the must-see band of the year." - Anything Goes