Near the end of the 1990s, an exciting and vibrant music scene was flourishing in Wellington, New Zealand. During this dynamic period, several talented musicians from various bands, including well-known groups such as The Black Seeds, TrinityRoots, and Bongmaster, decided to come together for an informal jam session. This seaside gathering proved to be significant, as it ultimately brought forth the creation of Fat Freddy's Drop. Their distinctive musical style has been characterized by an eclectic blend of genres, encompassing elements of dub, reggae, soul, jazz, rhythm and blues, and techno. Band members have continued to engage with their other respective groups—and numerous collaborations—throughout their extensive 20-year career. Fat Freddy's Drop is particularly renowned for their captivating, improvised live performances, with the songs found on their studio albums representing refined versions that have evolved over many years of performing them live, both in New Zealand and on international tours.

The name Fat Freddy's Drop originates from a character featured in the underground comic series "The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers," which was created by artist Gilbert Shelton. This comic highlights a trio of stoner characters navigating their eccentric lives and adventures, and it prominently includes the amusing character of Fat Freddy's cat. The distinctive image of Fat Freddy’s cat was printed on a specific type of LSD known as "Fat Freddy's," and the term "drop" refers to the act of ingesting LSD, which ultimately makes the band name a clever reference to a particular blotter that was circulating throughout New Zealand during that time.

In the early 2000s, founding members Chris Faiumu, Dallas Tamaira, and Toby Laing were later joined by four new members in Fat Freddy's Drop: Warren Maxwell (saxophones), Tehimana Kerr (guitar), Iain Gordon (keyboards), and Joe Lindsay (trombone).They played club gigs and festivals in New Zealand and Australia. Flavourpitch fondly remembers early FFD and The Black Seeds gigs in Melbourne. FFD's first album, a live recording titled "Live at the Matterhorn," was released in 2001 on Faiumu's label The Drop, capturing their show at the Matterhorn club in Wellington.

In 2005, the band released their first full-length album, "Based On A True Story," which topped the charts in New Zealand and was well received internationally. They toured extensively throughout Europe. Maxwell left the band for personal reasons, and new saxophonist Scott Towers, also known as Chopper Reed, joined. The group continued to record and tour every year.

Fat Freddy's Drop have released several albums over the years, showcasing their unique blend of musical styles and creativity. Some of their notable works include “Dr. Boondigga & The Big BW” (2009), “Live at Roundhouse” (2010), and “Blackbird” (2013). These successful releases were followed by “BAYS” (2015) and later the “Special Edition Part 1” (2019). In 2020, they added to their impressive catalogue with “Lock-in”, and the following year saw the release of “Wairunga” (2021). They dropped the “Blackbird Returns” remix album in 2023.

In 2024, the band released their 11th album, “SLO MO”, which has delighted their loyal fans, and also embarked on a tour of the UK and Europe over the summer with new guitarist Conway Jeune (C-Way Green) in tow. They are now preparing for shows in Australia. We chatted with alt-saxophonist and FFD’s food enthusiast, Chopper Reed about his favourite restaurants and bars and of course, sandwich.

It’s funny how a simple jam session by seaside can evolve into an incredible 25-year journey. Throughout this time, FFD have had the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the world’s best DJs and producers, including the renowned DJ Vadim (check out his Sandwiches & Stories feature here), the legendary Nightmares on Wax, and Jazzanova.

Fat Freddy's Fish Sando

We're very lucky to have a few fishermen amongst the members of FFD - and we're happy to eat fresh fish in almost any way; raw with wasabi and soy, lightly cured in Peruvian-style ceviche, poached in milk with herbs, and sauteed in butter are just some of our favourites for lunch in the studio. We've given this one a slight South East Asian feel, but you can put your own spin on it easily enough.

Ingredients

Fresh fish fillets - Gurnard, Snapper or Tarakihi are what we'd use

Red onion

Rice wine vinegar

Iceberg lettuce

Kewpie mayo

Sriracha

Coriander

Fresh buns or bread

Eggs

Flour

Salt & pepper

Method

Quick-pickle some finely sliced onion - dissolve 4 tsp sugar & 1 tsp salt in a little warm water, then add vinegar (1/4 C) and cold water (3/4 C). It'll take 30-45 mins so start with this. Finely shred iceberg lettuce. Mix 1 C Kewpie mayo with a few squirts of sriracha. Dredge smallish fish fillets (trimmed to fit your bun) in seasoned flour, then well-beaten egg (dilute this with a little water if you like) and finally panko crumbs. Fry until golden on each side (3-4 mins should do it, until fish is just cooked through). Warm and butter your bun/bread of choice (don't toast it though, you want it chewy not crunchy). Then just layer it up - mayo, fish, lettuce, pickled onions, coriander leaves, more mayo.

Note: FP added some warm dill potatoes as a side.

What drink is best served with your sandwich?

Ice cold beer - a Kirin would be great. Or a Coke with ice and lemon.

Where do you like to eat and drink?

Cafe: Customs Cafe in Ghuznee St, Wellington. The coffee is on point, the interior is gorgeous simplicity and the staff are fantastic.

Pub/bar: Kemuri Hifi in Queen St, Auckland is a local version of Japan's famed Jazz Kisa bars - run by some good mates who care about good liquor and good music. The drinks are top notch - especially the mango margarita - and this little speak easy bar is an oasis of serenity in downtown Auckland. Brave Brewing Co in Queen St, Hastings is one of my locals - friendliest staff on earth and their Tiger Milk beer is my favourite ever.

Restaurant: In NZ it changes all the time, sadly because lots of good ones have closed since Covid. At the moment I really like Damascus in Tory St, Wellington. There's not many really good Middle Eastern restaurants in NZ but this one is fantastic - their Lamb Sajak is so tasty. We're lucky to travel internationally pretty regularly, and every time we return to Bologna I try to get to Osteria Dell'Orsa for superb local classics - it's my spiritual foodie home.

Fat Freddy’s Drop Flavourpitch playlist

Tunes to listen to while you make and eat Fat Freddy’s Fish Sando!

Fat Freddy’s Drop playlist on Radio 1FP