Cape Town Band Takes the World By Storm

Goldfish, Cape Towns' electronica phenomenon hailed as the Re-invention of the DJ

It’s hard to imagine that one of the most exciting live electronica acts in the world right now comes from a small city on the southern-most tip of Africa. But the success story behind Cape Towns’ electronica phenomenon Goldfish has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Judging from Goldfish’s cult-like following in their home country of South Africa, it wasn’t long before the rest of the electronica world started to pay attention to the Jazzy duo. Dominic Peters and David Poole started jamming together while studying music at the University of Cape Town and very soon after they were putting together their first album.

With little more than a double bass, saxophone and a couple of synthesizers, Goldfish recorded and produced the album themselves. The self-released ‘underground’ debut album, Caught in the loop, went on to propel them into the stratosphere, with numerous number one hits in South Africa and the SAMA title of Best Live Act in South Africa.

The duo took their multiple-instrument live act across the globe and played sold-out shows in Ibiza, Tokyo, Dubai and Cannes. Goldfish also opened for electronica giants like Fatboy Slim, Paul van Dyk and Stereo MC’s. The Capetonian band’s astronomical success led them to be hailed as the re-invention of the DJ, and rightly so.

Combining live instruments like Double bass, Saxophones, Keyboards, Flute, and Vocals with Samplers, Effects, Synths and a healthy dollop of freeform improvisation, Goldfish have hit a nerve on dance floors across the world.

The band, affectionately known to their legions of fans as the ‘Fishies’, have found themselves on the brink of a rollercoaster ride that will no doubt launch them into the international spot light.

Goldfish have signed to Pacha, one of the worlds’ biggest club and lifestyle brands, for their sophomore album release and with the electro giant behind them they will no doubt be ready to blow the world away with their sound.

Those who love them will tell you straight, there’s nothing compared to seeing these guys live. Watching the duo play on stage is an experience unto itself.

There is just something about the excitement they create on stage and the amazing amount of skill required to do what they do. Dom and Dave mix loops and live instruments flawlessly, playing the flute, double bass, keyboards and saxophone over beats that are the equivalent of any top shelf producer out there.

In October 2009 the boys will once again be performing at the popular Rocking the Daisies Music festival in Darling, Western Cape. Their performance at the festival in 2008 went down as the biggest performance of the weekend and had festival goers partying till late, late, late. Read more about Rocking the Daises in our Rocking the Daises Event.

When it comes to Goldfish the best and only thing to do is go to a live performance and buy the album at the show along with the bonus DVD, you won’t regret it.

For more updates on up-and-coming South African bands and for happenings in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor’s Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.