Unfinished business for Fetish

Fetish was last heard on the airwaves in the late 90s. Why the reformation of the band after such a long time?
We felt that there was plenty of unfinished business with the band, and great music that we had yet to make. We were invited by the studio to come and do a few tracks, and one thing led to another, so here we are, back again with some of the best material we've ever had.

What were the reasons for the break up in 2004?

It's hard to explain unless you've been in a band and on the road with the same people for so many years. Sometimes, everyone just needs to get away, be their own people for a while and not be defined by the people and the things that you've come to be known for.

How has the recording process been for the new album so far?

The recording process was magical. We all fell straight back into our roles, everyone knew what was required of them. It was fun, very productive and very healing for each and every person involved. We can't wait for you to hear the results.

When will it be released?

The best estimate at the moment is July /August. Doing the artwork, final mixing, mastering, setting up deals etc. We plan to showcase the new album at Oppikoppi, so definitely before then.

Can we expect a similar sound to previous Fetish albums?

A similar sound-probably a bit rockier, a bit less angstified, less of the 90s' electronic sound. This time it's just the band, stripped down to our essence.

Are you easily fitting back into the recording/touring process?

Well, we only did two shows to reintroduce ourselves to the fans and start to win a new, younger SA audience who don't really know Fetish at all, but we slotted very easily back into studio life. You develop a shorthand, a way of communicating, a lot of cabin fever but everyone knows their roles. Digital Forest studio in Constantia is very beautiful, we had good catering, so it was all good.

A lot has changed in the South African musical landscape since 2002. What are some of the challenges and advantages of being in a South African band in 2012?

Don't really know. Two of our members live in London, one in Amsterdam. We just try to do our own thing and not worry too much about the SA music scene.

You did some impressive touring with some big names back in the day. What have been some of your highlights?

Phew. Lenny Kravitz stadium tour was a highlight. Playing with Skunk Anansie night after night was a highlight. Some of the best shows we ever did, though, were to 100 people in a shitty little room. But there are moments, musical and otherwise that you never forget.

Having Fetish as a band name makes it very difficult to Google search you. Why the name?

The name came before the Internet was big. This was 1996 and a friend of ours had a shoe shop in Long Street called Phetish. We liked that, shifted it a bit and that was that. It's also an appropriate name for obsessive, intense kinda music that we make.

If you could characterise Fetish as an animal, what would it be and why?

Ha! It would be a push me-pull you from Dr. Seuss. Because nothing we do is easy or straightforward. We like to make life difficult for ourselves.

Do you have more plans for touring other than the scheduled CT and Joburg gigs, and plans for recording more albums other than the one currently being recorded?

We've signed a deal for another album after this one and we'd love to tour it around the country and around Europe. Everyone is open to the idea - it all depends on what offers come in and on how the album in received.

Will there be future plans for Fetish?

We're not going to go all Jay-Z if that's what you mean: full clothing line, branded sunglasses, a complete range of Fetish anti-depressants and Never Enough Perfume. No, I don't think so. Let's just hope that the songs take to the airwaves and the people like the songs.

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