Fat Freddy’s Drop at the Red Bull Music Academy, Tokyo

Fat Freddy’s Drop Took to the Stage at the Red Bull Music Academy, Tokyo

Has it really been thirteen years since I started watching Fat Freddy’s Drop (FFD) play shows around Wellington? I remember seeing them play at free outdoor garden festivals, small dingy music venues, and chic Cuba Street bars. At the time, their hi-tek pacific soul music sound, ten to fifteen minute long songs and sold out shows were the word on everyone’s lips in the capital. Vocalist Dallas Joe Dukie’s syrupy tones and optimistic lyrics quickly became emblematic of a sense of change in the air. Soon enough their reputation was ringing out further afield, from Wellington to the world.

At around 1am on Sunday the 9th of November, FFD took to the stage on the main level in Tokyo’s sprawling multi-level Unit venue. The room in front of them was rammed to capacity with a sea of fans from all walks of life. 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. With Cojie from Japanese reggae sound system Mighty Crown having already warmed the room with triumphant mix of rootical reggae and conscious dancehall raga, the stage was truly set.

After a moment of silence, the giant DJ Fitchie wandered onto the stage to huge applause, taking his place behind the MPC sampler and numerous other controllers and desks. Joe, Jetlag Johnson and Dobie Blaze followed him, and they quickly set about shaping a dreamy soundscape driven by synth warbles, flicking guitar and a heartbeat pulse. With the intensity building, it unfolded into a dubby funk version of their early anthem ‘Runnin’, Joe’s voice ringing out sonorous and rich. “Run to the place you know is home” he sang, and suddenly, the audience was home.

Soon enough they were joined by the brass and woodwind section of Chopper Reedz, Hohepa and Tony Chang, their resonant tones intertwining with Joe’s voice and the smouldering rhythm section bubbling below him. Host MC Slave rushed the stage as well, peppering the songs that followed with vintage raggas and funky eighties-era raps.

While they made nods towards dub and reggae throughout the nine songs they performed on the night, FFD also made huge gestures towards classic techno and house, turning minimalistic sections into pulsing dance grooves. As they worked through cuts including ‘Midnight Marauders’, ‘Slings And Arrows’, ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Roady’, Joe, Slave and Hohepa took turns as the frontman. While he might not provide vocals, Hohepa’s dance moves have long been a key weapon in the bands stage show. Bathed in red and blue lights, they drew a roar from the audience on every number, and sing-alongs were common.

Things reached a euphoric peak when they broke into ‘Shiverman’. Next thing you knew, Hohepa was dancing on the speakers in his boxer shorts. After one encore song, they were gone, leaving a sea of happy, sweaty punters in their wake. It was the strongest performance I’ve seen FFD make in years, and hopefully the first of many Japanese shows to come.

Visit www.redbullmusicacademy.com for all of the #RBMA Tokyo action.

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