ABOUT THE FISH

Japanese Fighting Fish

Where it all began

3 fisherman sold their trawler bought new gear and made a band. After a ten year spell in the wilderness we all crossed paths one scorching day outside Joseph's well. Karlost was auditioning for another band. Paul and Steve left the meeting wondering whether he would pull through… Living in Hyde Park a little too long had taken its toll, days were nights and nights day. At first practice (in the old chapel) Paul and Ste had an instant connection, filling out tracks that had only ever been played on an acoustic. It was agreed, there was something there…we need a name???????? Darren from the chapel walks in ….’you should be called Japanese Fighting Fish’….and so it began.

3 months past, the writing project seemed to happen quickly using a lot of songs that had been written in the ‘Hyde’ years’ adding Paulito and Stevo’s magic to the songs made them come alive, they just knew what was needed and where. Once we had ten we were happy with we played our first gig supporting The Outcry Collective at the very place we first met.

For more vids and music check out the media page.

All the ingredients for a fine mix of Quirky alternative music,,,, 'RED WHITe AND BLACK all over.... Amyl magnetism... ''WHAT DO YOU KNOW?'' ...with serious Soul Injection'… Designed to confuse and lose yourself in.

Since THE FISH have headlined events @ The Brudenell, Trash, Joseph's Well, Subculture, The Pack Horse, Rio’s, Elbow Rooms, LSU and Bar: Mine.

Supported bands such as Kid ID, Outcry Collective, Ging from the Wild Hearts, Failsafe, Aces and Eights, Jon Jones and the Beatniks, The Uncomfortables, The Yalla Yalla’s, Watch this Fire Spread, to name but a few.

Japanese Fighting Fish have been positively received on the local Leeds Music scene, with a number of comments being made about their live performances from promoters bands and music lovers alike, they have also been quoted as one of W.Jackson’s highlights of the past five years in Vibrations Magazine.

JFF’s future plans are falling into place with a single due out early 2010 on Sound People Records, a music video in the making with Donny Boocock, who has worked with Universal, Third eye Blind, RPM, The Coral, I Am Kloot. JFF have a national tour in the planning to support the single release and European dates being considered also.. Thanks for everyone’s continued support. The Fish Needs You!

JFF have worked closely with:
Sound People Records more specifically Jack Simpson, Mel/Kath Thompson
JFF have also worked with:
Will Jackson@Soundworks (producer for the music, pigeon detectives, the cribs),
Rob Chapman (Loqui, Vibrations, Tea Time Shuffle Hi-Fi),
Andy Hawkins (Pravda, pigeon detectives),
Mat White RMA records,
Moog promotions, Paul@Raw Nerve. Drew @Trash, Doc@The Primrose, Craig@Deadyoungrecords and many more.

Karlost

Weapon of choice: GibsonLPStandard/Fender Showman stack

Influences: Faith No More, Q.O.T.S.A, Nick Drake, Frank Zappa, System of the Down, John Barry, The Birthday Party, Tom Waites, BiffY ClyRO, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Deftones, Jeff Buckley, Kyuss, Muse, Placebo, Sound Garden, Captain BeefHeart, Led Zepplin, The Wild Hearts, Sabbath

Fav Bands: Zappa, FNM, Nirvana, Biffy Clyro ...as above...

Memorable Gig: Last Elbow rooms with the Mighty Yalla Yalla's, Hurracaine sunday and The Uncomfortables. Just a spot on Mix of music.

Fav Live Gig: Biffy's set at Leeds Fest 07, Muse at The Refectory 02, Deftones at the Apollo

Most Embarrassing Moment: Head butting Ste's bass head key at the Duchess when i was 14, blood everywhere the band played on.

Fav food & drink: Damn Snake bite and Black has had its days and weeks. Food..Bacon, A Good Steak, Oranges, Cheese and Bread.

Fav Film: White Men Cant Jump, Richard Prior Stand Up.

 

Stevo

Weapon of choice: Musicman Bass & Power amp Ashdown

Influences: Muse, Incubus and myself really i have my own style and attack playing bass.

Fav Bands: Incubus, Deftones, Muse, Silver Chair & Kings of Leon.

Memorable Gig: Brudenell open slot, I was so nervous but then when we started playing everybody was watching they was no talk just watching. It was great.

Fav Live Gig: Rock Am Ring 2006, there was a few bands I loved, Metallica were amazing, Tool were really good too, but I really did love pharrel, it’s a random choice but he was great and Pearl Jam at Leeds fest were awesome too.

Most Embarrassing Moment: Playing a gig and being sick because of the heat into the singers mums hands.

Fav Food & Drink: I Love Pizza & Chinese food, Drink has to be Rose Wine.

 

Paulito

Weapon of choice: Ziljian Cymbals,Pearl Masterworks rosewood snare, Vic Firth metal sticks.

Influences: Dom Howard (MUSE).

Memorable Gig: Primrose when we packed it out

Fav Live Gig: Foo Fighters 2002 at MEN

Most Embarrassing Moment: When I attempted to jump over my drum kit at the end of a gig, getting my foot caught and smashing my face on the floor!!

Fav Drink: John Smiths or Bells

Fav Films: Saw and Starwars