(Photo’s by Gary O’Reilly)
It’s a real pleasure to talk to Fish Go Deep, the much-respected Cork based, DJ and production duo. Staying to true to their roots and their vision to make music to touch the soul, stir passions and emotions. They are about to drop another spine-tingling, full-length player entitled ‘What I Mean By Beautiful’ and we talk to one half of these studio wizards, Greg Dowling. Who takes us through his thoughts on what it takes to be an artist today, why he loves his hometown Cork, and walking in nature with Sammy the dog.
What are you up to today, Greg?
I’m in our studio listening to some tracks for our radio show. It’s a lovely bright and cold November day.
Are you both still based in Cork?
Yes, we are both still here.
Have either of you lived anywhere else or wanted to over the years?
I’ve lived all over Ireland, and in Amsterdam.
What do you love about your city, what makes you stay to this day?
It’s just the perfect size. It’s full of warm, friendly people. It’s close to the ocean and to nature. We have a really great food scene in Cork surrounded by great producers, plus Cork people are very passionate about music. It’s in their bones. We have a deep deep connection to music in Ireland!
Fish Go Deep have been making music for a quite a few years. Do you feel like you are still learning?
Oh totally. You never stop learning! I feel I know so little sometimes. You hear a new track or an album, and you think – fuck that’s so good how the hell did they do that?
I’ve been listening to the new Sampha record, it’s so good. So many great ideas. That’s the kind of thing that pushes you on to make better music.
What inspires you to make music today. Is it the same today as it was 20 years ago?
Pretty much the same. We have always wanted to make great music that touches peoples’ soul, and provokes an emotional response. That will never change.
Are you obsessed with new kit or are you creatures of studio habit?
Always picking up something new, be it a new synth, a guitar pedal, or a really interesting plugin. Just got myself a ukulele and I love it! Been playing it into the Chase Bliss Mood 2 pedal, a really inspirational piece of kit. We often find a new bit of gear can take you places you never been.
What it takes to be a successful artist today, how much has it changed over the last 20 years? Dramatically, or do you feel the fundamentals remain the same?
It’s so different now, so hard for new producers. It seems your numbers on instagram or Tik Toc are more important than the music you make.
A quote from Herbie Hancock “People don’t care about the music itself anymore, but about who makes the music. The public is more interested in celebrities and how a certain artist is more famous than music. It changed the way the audience relates to music. He no longer has a transcendental connection to music and its quality. Just wants the glamour”.
I think he’s spot on. It’s just much harder now to keep people’s attention.
You had a monumental success with a certain track back in the day. 18 million listens on it on Youtube on a remix of the Cure & the Cause with Tracey K. Did you ever make a record again as big as this one again and are you still trying to?
No, we never tried. Big mistake doing that. You can’t contrive music and that song came from Tracey’s heart. It’s pure emotion impossible to replicate.
You pretty much are responsible for a whole scene in Cork. Remind us a bit of your night Sweat?
Eh that’s a bit strong! We were definitely at the fore front of it.
The night was in Sir Henrys, an old rock club with a great sound system and a very loose feeling in the building. Anything was possible. Plus, peoples’ minds were very open to new music coming from America. Looking back, it was very special very little distractions back then. There’s very few photos – let alone videos – of our 13 years residency.
One of us was there every Saturday night. We had lots of guests – too many to mention – but the night was really about the residents and the special relationship we built up with the crowd. What an amazing time. The focus was on the music not the DJ!
Are you still running parties? What’s on the horizon?
Shane’s still going strong playing all around Ireland and beyond.
Do you play out much these days or is all about the studio?
I don’t really. It’s all about the studio for me.
How much time do you both spend together in the studio each week?
It varies widely. Sometimes it would two or three days a week , just depends on what we are doing really. We hav just started working on a ‘Square’s album down in Gubbeen with Andrew Phillpott.
What I Mean By Beautiful – feels incredibly introspective. Talk us through your thoughts and intentions with this release?
This record is all about tone and sound we are obsessed with getting that right. We wanted to make an organic sounding LP that wraps itself around your ears and reveals more to you every time you listen to it. I feel we have done that. A record that stands the test of time hopefully.
Is the album a reflection on where you are today musically?
Yes, it sure is.
What is the secret to your long-lasting friendship?
Respect, and giving one another space when needed, and having fun when together, and staying true to our musical vision.
Has Fish Go Deep got a live set?
We have toyed with it but we are not sure. It’s possible though… maybe!
Who do you think is making good music at the minute?
Jesus too many mention the worlds full of great music at the moment.
When you’re not in the studio making beats what might we find you up to?
You will find Shane on a bike as he’s big into cycling. I love baking bread and long walks with Sammy the dog …
buy Fish Go Deep – What I Mean By Beautiful – Go Deep Recordings https://fishgodeep.bandcamp.com/album/what-i-mean-by-beautiful
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