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FAT FREDDYS DROP
"Fat Freddys Drop” is a New Zealand band established in 1999, the members included Dallas Tamaira (Joe Dukie), Chris Faiumu (DJ Fitchie), Toby Laing, Scott Towers (Chopper Reedz), Joe Lindsay (Hopepa), Iain Gordon (Dobie Blaze), Tehimana Kerr and (Jetlag Johnson). The group began from Faiumu’s exploration of incorporating live instruments and vocals into his DJ performances. Their music is described as "hi-tech soul," and a blend of natural instruments and electronic production. -
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In The Beginning... 2001-2005
2001: In 1999, a seven-member group called ‘Fat Freddy’s Drop’ was established in Wellington. ”Their sound pays homage to almost every part of the black music spectrum, from soul and dub to jazz and Detroit techno.”(Aotearoa Music Charts, 2024) -
2003
“The group put out a live album LIVE AT THE MATTERHORN – a four-track 70-minute session recorded in front of an audience at the Matterhorn restaurant in Wellington’s Cuba Mall.” (Rollingstone Australia, 2024). The release of their debut live album, Live at the Matterhorn, gained them some following in the underground scene. As they became more popular in New Zealand, they made almost 10,000 sales in the first few months. -
2005
Fat Freddys Drop was determined to use an internal and collaborative operational approach, where all seven members share songwriting credits and royalties equally. This was made evident by their 2005 album release, BASED ON A TRUE STORY. The band turned down all proposals from major record labels for the album's release, choosing instead to independently produce it through their own label, THE DROP without any paid advertising or promotional efforts. (Aotearoa Music Charts, 2024). -
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Fat Freddys Drop goes international 2006–2010
2006: “The album BASED ON A TRUE STORY debuted at #1 and went Gold on its first release day in New Zealand, and won the band a stash of NZ Music Awards and a legion of fans worldwide.” (BandCamp). -
2007
After winning the NZ Music Awards the band set off on their first European tour. They went on to sell out the Brixton Academy, won the only encore at Barcelona’s Scanner Festival and played triumphantly at festivals in Portugal, Berlin and Paris (BBC, 2014). -
2009
After touring Europe, they returned to New Zealand and finally released the long awaited debut ‘Dr Boondigga the Big BW’. After it was released, this record was the highest-selling album in New Zealand for that year, selling over 30,000 copies (The New Zealand Herald, 2009). -
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Continued Success for Fat Freddys Drop (2011–2015)
2013: Release of ‘Blackbird’ which showcases a more refined, electronic influence. The album was a critical and commercial success, ranking at number one on the New Zealand album chart for four weeks and gaining a platinum certification (Wikipedia, 2024). Even In 2023, when ‘Blackbird’ made a comeback, DJ MU said “we’re extremely proud of the ‘Blackbird’ album and it’s great to hear our mates’ re-rubs re-dubs of all these classic songs.” (Fat Freddys Drop, 2023). -
2014
Fat Freddys Drop Reached Asia! Doing a concert in Tokyo, Japan. Fat Freddys Drop took and sold out 57,000 tickets on the main stage in Tokyo’s multi-level Unit venue. “Rastas, record collectors, ex-pats, businessmen and women. Differences aside, they were all united by their excitement at seeing the big band make their Tokyo debut.” (Wellington Scoop, 2014). -
2015
“The album BASED ON A TRUE STORY debuted at #1 and went Gold on its first release day in New Zealand, and won the band a stash of NZ Music Awards and a legion of fans worldwide.” (BandCamp). -
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Recent Years & Legacy (2016–2021)
2018: Fat freddys Drop play in the homeland. Wellington concert at Western Springs that sells over 55,000 tickets. One fan posted an article after viewing the show saying “While watching and listening, I couldn't help but notice that the group becomes one unit that lives and breathe together.” (RUEGG, 2020). -
2020
Freddy’s Drop announced the release of their new album SPECIAL EDITION PART 1, featuring 'Trickle Down' and the brand new single 'Kamo Kamo'. Although the band was still touring, this was the band's first release in four years since Bays (Flying Out, 2025). -
2021
20-year celebration milestone interview with Remix Magazine and Toby Laing said they're preparing to release a new album WAIRUNGA. When asked “Do you think that your sound has evolved over time?” Laing said “Yeah definitely… If I ever do listen to our older stuff I'm always expecting to think it's gonna be some earlier incarnation, but it actually feels like something we would do now. So I think we've gone really deep into just really developing our sound.” (Scott, 2021).