Interview: The Boys of Fenech-Soler Have Fun Under Pressure

For a two-year-old band about to play the Fillmore, U.K’s Fenech-Soler appeared almost too relaxed. I talked with the quartet backstage before they opened for popular dance group Groove Armada. More than just some new band to draw younger people to the shows, Fenech-Soler collaborated on the “Paper Romance” track from Groove Armada’s album Black Light. They’re also making friends on the dance scene like Alan Braxe. For now, they view these events as simply a means to get more gigs. They may not remain unknown for long. As I mentioned in my concert review, they’ve converted many audiences into fans.

Since their early teens, they’ve made music on home computers in the village of Kings Cliffe, north of London. They formed Fenech-Soler in 2008. It features singer Ben Duffy and guitarist Ross Duffy, both brothers, and friends bassist/keyboardist Daniel Soler and drummer Andrew Lindsay. Despite the indie rock instruments, they sound more electronic. Listening to their three minute dance bursts reminded me a little of Daft Punk. However, the song “Battlefields” incorporates a modern R&B edge. The members of Fenech-Soler are friendly guys and, if you’re in Europe, don’t miss their impressive live sets. They’re on tour now and their newest single, “Stop and Stare,” drops on April 19th.

What is the meaning of your group’s name?

Daniel: It’s my full last name. It’s Maltese.

Ben: We wanted to avoid being a “The” band. We specifically wanted to choose a name that doesn’t categorize the band.

How would you describe the way your music sounds?

Ben: You could say we’re electro-synth and pop with a modern NERD/ Neptunes feel. We have a clubby edge, but make songs that sound good on radio.

Was it difficult going from jamming at home to playing gigs?

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Article Author: Kevin Gustafson

Kevin Gustafson earned his B.A in Film and Digital Media from the University of California Santa Cruz. Not surrendering his t-shirt and jeans just yet, he looks forward to hunting down bad movies and music and accidentally cutting down a few wrongly …

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  • 1 - lollie

    Feb 27, 2011 at 3:48 am

    incredible music, one of the best bands ever. Also they are soooo hot :P xx

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