Jump to content

Phatfish: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
AnomieBOT (talk | contribs)
Bots
6,568,440 edits
m Dating maintenance tags: {{Citation needed}}
 
(25 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|British Christian rock band}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{COI|date=December 2014}}
{{COI|date=December 2014}}
{{POV|date=May 2016}}
{{Notability|1=Music|date=May 2023}}
{{Puffery|date=May 2016}}
{{Refimprove|date=October 2023}}}}
}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Phatfish
|name = Phatfish
Line 33: Line 33:
* Alan Rose
* Alan Rose
}}
}}
'''Phatfish''' (1994–2014) were a [[Christian rock]], [[contemporary Christian music|CCM]] and [[Worship music|worship]] band. They lived in [[Brighton]], England and spent twenty years writing and performing their own brand of worship-oriented rock, as well as leading worship both in the UK and across the world. They released a number of their own albums and played alongside many well-known worship leaders. They also appeared on many worship albums and on national television programmes such as BBC1's [[Songs of Praise]]. Their home church was Church of Christ The King, home of [[Stuart Townend (musician)|Stuart Townend]] and other prominent Christian figures.
'''Phatfish''' were a [[Christian rock]], [[contemporary Christian music|CCM]] and [[Worship music|worship]] band from [[Brighton]], England, active from 1994 to 2014. During that time they released nine studio albums and several live releases, as well as a compilation, ''15: The Anniversary Collection'', in 2008. The principal members of the band were [[Lou Fellingham]] (lead vocals), Nathan Fellingham (drums), Michael Sandeman (keyboards), and Luke Fellingham (bass).


Their worship songs such as "Holy, Holy", "There is a Day" and "Amazing God" are sung in churches globally and have been featured on many albums. On the release of their compilation ''[[15 (Phatfish album)|15: The Anniversary Collection]]'' in 2008, their record label described it as "highlighting the incredible contribution that the band have made to the UK Christian music scene".
Their worship songs "Holy, Holy", "There is a Day" and "Amazing God" have become part of the Christian music canon internationally.


==History==
Phatfish's song "Holy Holy" has been played over 124,000 times on YouTube and the track "In Christ Alone", with Phatfish playing and Lou Fellingham leading alongside Stuart Townend, has been played over 5.7 million times.
===Early years (1994–2000)===
The band was formed by Dave Fellingham in [[Brighton]] in January 1994, under the name 'Purple Phatfish'. The name was taken from a keyring belonging to one of the band members, of a small fat purple fish which blew air out when squeezed.<ref name=woint2007>{{cite web | title =Interview with Nathan Fellingham | publisher =Wesley Owen | year =2007 | url =http://www.wesleyowen.com/WesleyOwenSite/pages/cm/cm.asp?sCCPage=Music_Interviews_42 | accessdate = 6 April 2007 }}</ref>


The band started life as a [[jazz-funk]]/[[Hip hop music|rap]] group, and spent the first year performing their own songs in music clubs, mainly in the Brighton area. Most of their early songs were not overtly Christian in content. Rapper Rachel Head left the band at the end of 1994, and the band was renamed as 'Phatfish'.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}
==Band members==

In 1997, the band moved towards more explicitly worship-orientated songs, and released their first album, ''We Know the Story''.

In mid-1998, guitarist Mike Blow and percussionist Adrian Watts left Phatfish. Guitarist Alan Rose joined, and the band started writing again, moving away from [[jazz-funk]] towards rock. They made demos with producer Alan Shacklock, and subsequently signed with US label [[Pamplin Music|Pamplin]], recording their next album, ''Purple Through the Fishtank'', in Nashville in spring 1999. The album increased their profile, and they began touring in Canada, the US and Europe. In 2000, Phatfish released an album of their older music, entitled ''An Audience With God''.

=== 2000s ===
In 2001, they released the album ''Heavenbound'', touring the UK in Autumn 2001 in support of the album.

They recorded three unplugged gigs in the UK in January 2002 for the ''Hope'' album, with guests [[Stuart Townend (musician)|Stuart Townend]], [[Kate Simmonds]] and Brian Houston; the gigs and album raised money for Hope HIV, a charity supporting AIDS orphans in Africa.

''Nothing But the Truth'' was released in May 2003. Guitarist Alan Rose departed in August 2003, and the band went on hiatus for a year.

''Faithful – The Worship Songs'' featured studio arrangements of many of the band's more 'congregational' worship songs. "The Faithful Tour" took them across England and Scotland, supported by guitarist Dan Wheeler.


The album ''Trinity'' was released in 2006, a compilation of tracks from many artists including Phatfish.
'''[[Lou Fellingham]]''' (1994–2014) was the lead vocalist and occasional songwriter for the band. She is recognised for her distinctive and powerful voice that has been described as "wistful", "soaring" and "angelic". She has a solo career, and has continued to work with the other ex-members of Phatfish.


The band appeared several times on the BBC's ''Songs of Praise'' during 2006 and 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title =Songs of Praise, factsheet for Sunday 29 January 2006 | work =(Appearance by Lou Fellingham) | publisher=BBC Online |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/songsofpraise/factsheets/20060129.html | accessdate =6 April 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =Songs of Praise, factsheet for Sunday 5 November 2006 | work =(Phatfish were backing band for worship leader Stuart Townend) | publisher =BBC Online | url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/songsofpraise/factsheets/20061105.html | accessdate =6 April 2007 }}</ref> They also supported lead singer Lou Fellingham and [[Stuart Townend (musician)|Stuart Townend]] on the 'Stu + Lou tour' of the UK.
'''Nathan Fellingham (1994–2014)''', married to Lou, was the drummer and principal songwriter for the band. His worship songs ''Holy, Holy'', ''There Is A Day'', ''Amazing God'', ''O God of Love'' (written with Lou Fellingham) and ''Awake, Awake, O Zion'' are sung in congregations all over the world. He was usually heavily involved in producing the Phatfish albums, often alongside others such as [[Alan Shacklock]], Julian Kindred and Kevan Frost. He now manages his wife Lou Fellingham's solo career and plays keyboards in her live shows.


At the end of 2006, Phatfish released an instruction CD called ''Working as a band'', with advice for aspiring church worship musicians intending to start a band. ''There Is A Day – The Video Collection'' was also released at the end of 2006, incorporating music videos, an unplugged concert and interview footage.
'''Michael Sandeman (1994–2014)''' was the keyboardist for the band. He has written songs such as ''What Would I Do?'', and ''This Is What My God Is Like''. Michael oversaw the worship training areas of Phatfish, including material for their 2006 training release ''Working As A Band'' and heading up seminars. In 2013 he launched his own consultancy service for Church worship teams called Worship Band Advice. He now works as a music teacher and producer, most recently producing albums for Brighton-based artist Melissa Hubert, and operating his own studio called North Brighton Recording.


In July 2007 Phatfish released ''[[Guaranteed (Phatfish album)|Guaranteed]]'', their first studio album since 2003.<ref name=guaranteed>
'''Luke Fellingham (1994–2014)''' was the bassist for the band. He is known for his appearance in the way of a lengthy beard that has grown over the years. Luke set up a company with his brother Nathan entitled Luna Sound, which he oversees and operates out of his own studio in Brighton where he now works as a recording and mastering engineer.
{{cite web | title =Review of album Guaranteed | publisher =Eden.co.uk | year =2008 | url =http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/guaranteed-cd-1081661.html | accessdate =22 April 2008 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080415143038/http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/guaranteed-cd-1081661.html | archive-date =15 April 2008 | url-status =dead | df =dmy-all}}</ref>


In December 2008, the band released a double-CD greatest hits compilation, ''15'', to celebrate their 15-year anniversary.
'''Jos Wintermeyer''' (2009–2014) was part of the live crew for Phatfish for a few years but joined the band along with Ben Hall in early January 2009 as the rhythm guitarist. He previously worked with Phatfish as a guest musician; his first live appearance was in November 2007. He now runs the music team at Kings Church, Horsham.


In January 2009, guitarists Ben Hall and Jos Wintermeyer joined Phatfish, and the band returned to the studio to record their album ''In Jesus'', released that summer.
'''Ben Hall''' (2009–2014) was the lead guitarist for the band. He worked with Phatfish since early 2008 before becoming a full-time member in 2009. Ben contributed to the development of the bands continuing rock influence. He now lives in London and works as a teacher.

=== Final years ===
In December 2010, Phatfish released a new compilation album, ''Anthems for Worship'', a collection of their most popular worship songs for congregational use. The album featured remastered tracks and some new recordings.

Recorded in their own studio during summer 2011, ''Higher'' featured more pop-orientated songs and intimate tracks such as the hymn "[[And Can It Be]]". Phatfish toured the album around the UK through 2011 and 2012 and accompanied Lou Fellingham on her solo tour in Autumn 2012.

In January 2014, Phatfish announced two final farewell concerts after 20 years together.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phatfish announce final farewell concert|url=http://www.phatfish.net|accessdate=10 January 2014}}</ref> On 14 and 15 March, they played at Wessex Christian Centre. They were joined on stage for some songs by former guitarists Mike Blow and Alan Rose. The shows were recorded for their final double album ''Phatfish LIVE''.

==Band members==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="90%"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="90%"
Line 58: Line 83:
|-
|-
! align="center" width="10%" | ''1994''
! align="center" width="10%" | ''1994''
! align="center" width="10%" | ''1995 - 1997''
! align="center" width="10%" | ''1995–1997''
! align="center" width="25%" | ''1998 - 2003''
! align="center" width="25%" | ''1998–2003''
! align="center" width="20%" | ''2004 - 2008''
! align="center" width="20%" | ''2004–2008''
! align="center" width="15%" | ''2009 - 2014''
! align="center" width="15%" | ''2009–2014''
|-
|-
! Lead Vocals
! Lead Vocals
Line 95: Line 120:
|}
|}


==History==
==Legacy==


Mike Rimmer of [[Cross Rhythms]] wrote in his review of ''Faithful - The Worship Songs'' that the "influence of the Phatfish guys on the British worship scene should not be underestimated. Whether as songwriters or as part of the Stoneleigh worship band, they have played a major part in the last 10 years."<ref name=Phatfish-Influence>{{cite web | title =Faithful Review | work =Cross Rhythms review of Phatfish album Faithful - The Worship Songs | publisher =[[Cross Rhythms]] | date = | url =http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Phatfish/Faithful_The_Worship_Songs/12300/ | format = | accessdate =22 April 2008 }}</ref>
===Early years (1994–2000)===
The band was formed under the name 'Purple Phatfish' by [[Dave Fellingham]] in [[Brighton]] in January 1994. Dave had a vision for a Christian group that would be excellent musically and be respected by Christians and non-Christians alike.


Phatfish have contributed many worship songs to the modern church canon, both in Britain and internationally. In an interview with [[New Word Alive]], Nathan Fellingham described ''Holy Holy'' as being the band's most popular song that has "travelled furthest around the world". It also featured on [[Tim Hughes]]' ''When Silence Falls'' and The Livingstone Collective's ''Portrait of Worship''. The band's songs have been included on many compilation, live, studio and instrumental albums internationally, and several of their songs, such as ''There Is A Day'', ''Amazing God'', and ''Awake Awake O Zion'', have been covered by other artists.
Musically the band was initially a [[jazz-funk]]/[[Hip hop music|rap]] outfit at a time when [[Acid Jazz]] was very popular in England. Purple Phatfish spent much of the first year performing their own songs in [[secular]] music clubs, mainly in the Brighton area where they gained a considerable following on the local music scene. Most of the early songs were not blatantly Christian in content, but tackled contemporary issues with a Christian perspective. Rapper Rachel Head left the band at the end of 1994, and 'Purple Phatfish' became 'Phatfish'.

In the following few years, Phatfish gigged further afield, playing regularly in top London music clubs and in universities around the country. They were also in demand with churches all over the UK who would book them to play at youth events and outreaches. During this period they made a number of recordings which have recently been remastered and repackaged under the title ''An Audience with God''.

In 1997, the band worked on some more explicitly worship-orientated songs, and released their first full album ''We Know the Story''.

In mid-1998, guitarist Mike Blow and percussionist Adrian Watts left Phatfish. Guitarist Alan Rose joined, and the band started song writing again. Phatfish moved further away from the [[jazz-funk]] sound, and the new songs had a rockier edge. Demos were made with producer Alan Shacklock, and Phatfish subsequently signed with US label Pamplin and in spring 1999 ''Purple Through the Fishtank'' was recorded with them in Nashville. The album had a broad appeal and increased the profile of the band both in the UK and abroad; Phatfish started regularly travelling in Canada, the US and Europe. In 2000, Phatfish released an album containing some of their older music, titled ''An Audience With God''.

=== 2000s ===
Recorded in the UK, the ''Heavenbound'' album has a recurring theme of Heaven and man's future with God. ''Heavenbound'' has been a best seller and received rave reviews in the Christian press. In Autumn 2001, Phatfish toured with ''Heavenbound'' all over the UK, as well as at events in Canada.

Three unplugged gigs in different parts of the UK were recorded for the 'Hope' album in January 2002. The gigs and subsequent album raised money for AIDS orphans in Africa through the charity Hope HIV. Special guests [[Stuart Townend (musician)|Stuart Townend]], [[Kate Simmonds]] and [[Brian Houston (musician)|Brian Houston]] joined Phatfish at the gigs. The 2006 DVD release ''There is a Day'' includes the Brighton unplugged gig.

''Nothing But the Truth'' and was released in May 2003 following an extensive UK during which the songs had been honed. The band continued touring and playing at festivals through that summer and autumn, in the UK and Canada.

Guitarist Alan Rose departed in August 2003. The remaining four members took some time out and spent a year or so concentrating on other non-Phatfish projects. Nathan and Luke produced an album for Kingsway's Survivor label called ''Soul Sista''. The three guys also worked on music for a dance production based at their church in Brighton.

''Faithful – The Worship Songs'' featured fresh studio arrangements of many of their more 'congregational' worship songs. "The Faithful Tour" took them across England and Scotland, supported by guitarist Dan Wheeler.

Drummer Nathan Fellingham was the driving force behind the album ''Trinity'', released 2006. It is a compilation of tracks from many artists including Phatfish; the songs focusing on the [[Trinity|Trinitarian]] nature of God.

In 2006, band member Lou Fellingham released her debut solo album ''Treasure'', and has continued releasing acclaimed solo albums as well as continuing to work with Phatfish.

The band appeared several more times on the BBC's ''Songs of Praise''.<ref>{{cite web
| title =Songs of Praise, factsheet for Sunday 29 January 2006
| work =(Appearance by Lou Fellingham)
| publisher =BBC Online
| url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/songsofpraise/factsheets/20060129.html
| accessdate =6 April 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title =Songs of Praise, factsheet for Sunday 5 November 2006
| work =(Phatfish were backing band for worship leader Stuart Townend)
| publisher =BBC Online
| url =http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/songsofpraise/factsheets/20061105.html
| accessdate =6 April 2007 }}</ref> They also supported lead singer Lou and friend [[Stuart Townend (musician)|Stuart Townend]] on a Stu + Lou tour taking them to various locations around the UK.

At the end of 2006, a Phatfish resource CD called ''Working as a band'' was released. It gives practical teaching and advice for local church worship musicians, and explains some of the basics of making a cohesive band sound that will work in a church setting.

''There Is A Day – The Video Collection'' was also released at the end of 2006, incorporating music videos, an unplugged concert and interview footage.

In July 2007 Phatfish released ''[[Guaranteed (Phatfish album)|Guaranteed]]'', the first to contain all-new material since 2003. Receiving positive reviews and high sales at Christian events, the album contains ten songs described as having "intricate but driving, compulsive rhythms".<ref name=guaranteed>{{cite web
| title =Review of album Guaranteed
| publisher =Eden.co.uk
| year =2008
| url =http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/guaranteed-cd-1081661.html
| accessdate = 22 April 2008 }}</ref>

Lead singer [[Lou Fellingham]] released her second solo album, ''Promised Land'' in May 2008. Keyboardist Michael Sandeman, also released his instrumental album ''Worship Reflections'' in May.

In December 2008, A ''Best of Phatfish'' compilation was released called ''15'' to celebrate their fifteen-year anniversary. The double CD features the best of their performance and congregational songs, and was described by Christian music journalist Tony Cummings as "a piece of British Christian music history".

In January 2009, Ben Hall and Jos Wintermeyer, guitarists, both officially joined Phatfish and the band immediately went into the studio to record the ''[[In Jesus]]'' album which was released that summer.

=== Final years ===
In December 2010 Phatfish released a new compilation album titled ''[[Anthems for Worship]]'', which is a collection of their most popular worship songs that are suitable for congregational use. The album featured remastered tracks and a couple for new recordings.

Recorded in their newly built studio during summer 2011, ''Higher'' featured more pop-orientated songs as well as more intimate tracks such as their new setting for the classic Hymn ''[[And Can It Be]]''.

Phatfish toured the Higher album around UK venues through 2011 and 2012 and accompanied Lou on her solo tour in Autumn 2012.

In January 2014, Phatfish announced they would be performing two final farewell concerts, 20 years after their first tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Phatfish announce final farewell concert|url=http://www.phatfish.net|accessdate=10 January 2014}}</ref> On 14 and 15 March, they played to emotional crowds at Wessex Christian Centre, and bowed out. They were joined on stage for some of the old songs by early guitarists Mike Blow and Alan Rose; the first time they'd played together in many years. The shows were recorded for their final (double) album 'Phatfish LIVE'.

==Musical style==

Phatfish's musical style generally consisted of a rock/pop sound, utilising the keyboards and guitars and upfront vocals of lead singer [[Lou Fellingham]]. The band always strived for musical creativity and played tight in a live setting. Phatfish used programming in both worship, concert and studio settings. The early songs had a much more jazz-funk feel, giving way over time to a rockier more mainstream sound. Lyrically they sought to unpack biblical truths in an accessible way, without resorting to shallow clichés.

==Songwriting==

Mike Rimmer of [[Cross Rhythms]] noted in his review of ''Faithful - The Worship Songs'' that the "influence of the Phatfish guys on the British worship scene should not be underestimated. Whether as songwriters or as part of the Stoneleigh worship band, they have played a major part in the last 10 years."<ref name=Phatfish-Influence>{{cite web
| title =Faithful Review
| work =Cross Rhythms review of Phatfish album Faithful - The Worship Songs
| publisher =[[Cross Rhythms]]
| date =
| url =http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Phatfish/Faithful_The_Worship_Songs/12300/
| format =
| accessdate =22 April 2008 }}</ref> Phatfish have contributed many worship songs into the modern Church, nationally in Britain and internationally around the world.

Nathan Fellingham was the principal worship songwriter of the band, his works including ''Holy Holy'', ''There Is A Day'' and ''Amazing God''

Nathan Fellingham's ''Holy Holy'' is described by himself in an audio interview at [[New Word Alive]] as being their most popular tune that has "travelled furthest around the world". It also featured on [[Tim Hughes]]' ''When Silence Falls'' and The Livingstone Collective's ''Portrait of Worship''. The band's songs feature on many compilation, live, studio and instrumental albums that are available internationally, with non-Phatfish versions of songs such as ''There Is A Day'', ''Amazing God'', and ''Awake Awake O Zion'' being available on [[iTunes]].

The band's most critically acclaimed song is ''There Is A Day''. Featuring on dozens of live worship albums, and three Phatfish releases, the song talks about the day of "Jesus' return", and its potent theological content is a talking point for many Christian musical lovers and reviewers.

==Worship leading==

Since their formation, Phatfish were called upon as a worship band to lead and assist others at conferences and their local church CCK. The band often led worship alongside high-profile worship leaders like [[Matt Redman]], Kate Simmonds and [[Stuart Townend (musician)|Stuart Townend]] at Christian conferences around the UK and abroad. [[Lou Fellingham]] either led herself or was a backing vocalist to the worship leader. In addition, they offered practical advice about Christian music and leading worship on their ''Working As A Band'' double-disc CD and have often taught this material at worship seminars and one-day events.

The band featured on three albums which have won the coveted CBC Praise & Worship Album of the year award; two Stoneleigh albums ''Ruach'' and ''Beautiful Saviour'', and Stuart Townend's ''Best of Stuart Townend Live''.

They were regularly invited to come and help local church worship teams around the country and offer advice and ideas for how they can improve what they're doing. Keyboard player Mike Sandeman has set up Worship Band Advice which is a booking service for local churches who would like to benefit from his experience.

Phatfish appeared leading worship or performing at numerous conferences and festivals such as Stoneleigh Bible Week, Newday, Soul Survivor, New Word Alive, Mission:Worship, Big Church Day Out, Forum UCCF Conference, Salt and Light Conference, re.vive, YC Newfoundland, Worship:Together, Spring Harvest, Greenbelt, Souled Out, Radiant, Together On A Mission, Mobilise, Soul By The Sea, Bible By The Beach, Keswick Convention, Bognor Regis Bible Week, Women Walking With God, Mandate, Cheltenham Bible Week, Festival Manchester and Together at Westpoint.

==Origin of band name==
The band was originally called "Purple Phatfish", a name that came from a small purple keyring featuring a little fat fish that blew air out of its mouth when you squeezed it. The keyring was given as a present by a friend and she suggested that Purple Fat Fish would be a good name for a band. A picture of the fish may be seen on the 'What's in a name?' page on the band's website.<ref name=woint2007>{{cite web
| title =Interview with Nathan Fellingham
| publisher =Wesley Owen
| year =2007
| url =http://www.wesleyowen.com/WesleyOwenSite/pages/cm/cm.asp?sCCPage=Music_Interviews_42
| accessdate = 6 April 2007 }}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
Note: This is a list of actual Phatfish recordings and does not include the numerous other worship albums on which they have played.
This list includes only Phatfish releases, and does not include other recordings on which the band featured.


*1994 ''Purple Phatfish'' (three song demo, cassette only)
*1994 ''Purple Phatfish'' (three song demo, cassette only)
Line 217: Line 143:
*2006 ''There Is A Day – The Video Collection'' (DVD)
*2006 ''There Is A Day – The Video Collection'' (DVD)
*2007 ''[[Guaranteed (Phatfish album)|Guaranteed]]''
*2007 ''[[Guaranteed (Phatfish album)|Guaranteed]]''
*2008 ''[[15 (Phatfish album)|15 – The Anniversary Collection]]''
*2008 ''15 – The Anniversary Collection''
*2009 ''[[In Jesus]]''
*2009 ''In Jesus''
*2010 ''[[Anthems For Worship]]''
*2010 ''[[Anthems For Worship]]''
*2011 ''Higher''
*2011 ''Higher''
*2014 ''PHATFISH LIVE''
*2014 ''PHATFISH LIVE''

===Other albums/discography Phatfish have featured in===
{{BLP unsourced section|date=November 2018}}
Note: This is a list of recordings in which the band have appeared in. These are not actual Phatfish releases. It is not a comprehensive list.

*1994 ''Ruach'' - Stoneleigh album
*1995 ''Day Of Favour'' - "
*1996 ''My First Love'' - "
*1997 ''Loves Compelling Power''
*1998 ''Beautiful Saviour'' - "
*1999 ''Covenant Of Grace'' - "
*2000 ''Chosen From The Nations''
*2000 ''Praise Mix 2000'' - Recorded at Christian event Spring Harvest
*2000 ''Revive '00 - Dare To Believe'' - Stoneleigh youth event
*2001 ''The Fathers Embrace''
*2001 ''Revive - Joy'' - Stoneleigh youth events
*2001 ''In Christ Alone'' - Recorded at CCK, Brighton
*2001 ''Revive '01 - Dreams and Visions'' - Stoneleigh youth event
*2002 ''Newfrontiers - Live 2002'' - Recorded at CCK, Brighton
*2002 ''Soul Survivor Live 2002 - Glimpses Of Glory''
*2003 ''Does The Future Have A Church'' - A compilation of worship songs from previous albums *
*2004 ''Newday 2004'' - Recorded at Newfrontiers youth event
*2004 ''The Passion Of God's Son'' - Recorded at Newfrontiers event 'Leadership '04
*2005 ''Newday - You Reign'' - Recorded at Newfrontiers youth event '05 (backing for Matt Redman)
*2005 ''The Power Of The Cross'' - Recorded at Newfrontiers event 'Leadership '05
*2006 ''Treasure'' - Lou Fellingham's debut album
*2006 ''Praise Is Rising'' - Recorded at Newfrontiers event 'Leadership '06
*2006 ''Newday - Shout From The Roof'' - Recorded at Newfrontiers youth event '06 (backing band for Siyoli Lusaseni)

''See [[Lou Fellingham]] article for more Phatfish contributions''

== Music videos ==
{{BLP unsourced section|date=November 2018}}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Song
! Album
! Director(s)
|-
| 2008
| {{n/a}}
| ''[[15 (Phatfish album)|15 – The Anniversary Collection]]'
|John Lumgair, Quirky Motion<ref>{{cite web | title =Phatfish: 15 years and still going strong
| work =Review
| publisher =Cross Rhythms
| url =http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Phatfish_15_years_and_still_going_strong/35279/p1/
| accessdate =6 March 2009 }}</ref>
|-
| 2006
| "There is a Day"
| ''Heavenbound''
| Simeon Lumgair, Quirky Motion <ref>{{cite web | title =There is a Day DVD 11 November 2006
| work =Review
| publisher =Cross Rhythms
| url =http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Phatfish/There_Is_A_Day_The_Video_Collection/20125/
| accessdate =11 November 2006 }}</ref>
|-
| 2005
| "Annoy"
| ''Nothing But The Truth''
| Simeon Lumgair, Quirky Motion
|-
| 2004
| "Faithful Tour"
| ''Nothing But The Truth''
| Simeon Lumgair, John Lumgair, Quirky Motion
|-
| 2003
| "Truth Tour"
| ''Nothing But The Truth''
| Simeon Lumgair, John Lumgair, Quirky Motion<ref>{{cite web | title =Truth Tour
| work =Review
| publisher =Cross Rhythms
| url =http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Phatfish_Nothing_but_the_truth/7538/p1/
| accessdate =30 April 2003 }}</ref>
|-
|}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
*[http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/Phatfish/7077/ Phatfish &ndash; artist profile at Cross Rhythms]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070216111631/http://www.word-on-the-web.co.uk/interviews/phatfish.htm Word on the Web (Church Army) &ndash; Interview with Nathan Fellingham (Dec 2004)]
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|1=http://www.phatfish.net}}
*{{Official website|1=http://www.phatfish.net}}
*[http://www.loufellingham.com Lou Fellingham Official website]
*[http://www.premier.tv/?void=97344 Interview with Phatfish at Premier.tv]
*[http://www.premier.tv/?void=97344 Interview with Phatfish at Premier.tv]
*[http://www.streetbrand.com/2007102898/interviews/faith-music-and-the-future.html STREETBRAND Magazine Interview]
*[http://www.streetbrand.com/2007102898/interviews/faith-music-and-the-future.html STREETBRAND Magazine Interview]
*[http://www.worshipbandadvice.co.uk Worship Band Advice website]
*[http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/Phatfish/7077/ Phatfish &ndash; artist profile at Cross Rhythms]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070216111631/http://www.word-on-the-web.co.uk/interviews/phatfish.htm Word on the Web (Church Army) &ndash; Interview with Nathan Fellingham (Dec 2004)]
*[http://www.melissamusic.co.uk Melissa Hubert website]
*[http://www.lunasound.co.uk Luna Sound website]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*[http://www.northbrightonrecording.co.uk NBR website]


{{Phatfish}}
{{Phatfish}}
Line 323: Line 163:
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Phatfish}}
[[Category:English Christian musical groups]]
[[Category:English Christian musical groups]]
[[Category:English rock music groups]]
[[Category:English rock music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1994]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1994]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2014]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from Brighton and Hove]]

Latest revision as of 10:49, 5 December 2024

Phatfish
Also known asPurple Phatfish
OriginBrighton, England
GenresWorship, Christian rock, CCM
Years active1994–2014
LabelsKingsway, Authentic
Past members
  • Lou Fellingham
  • Nathan Fellingham
  • Luke Fellingham
  • Mike Sandeman
  • Jos Wintermeyer
  • Ben Hall
  • Rachel Head
  • Mike Blow
  • Adrian Watts
  • Alan Rose
Websitephatfish.net

Phatfish were a Christian rock, CCM and worship band from Brighton, England, active from 1994 to 2014. During that time they released nine studio albums and several live releases, as well as a compilation, 15: The Anniversary Collection, in 2008. The principal members of the band were Lou Fellingham (lead vocals), Nathan Fellingham (drums), Michael Sandeman (keyboards), and Luke Fellingham (bass).

Their worship songs "Holy, Holy", "There is a Day" and "Amazing God" have become part of the Christian music canon internationally.

History

[edit]

Early years (1994–2000)

[edit]

The band was formed by Dave Fellingham in Brighton in January 1994, under the name 'Purple Phatfish'. The name was taken from a keyring belonging to one of the band members, of a small fat purple fish which blew air out when squeezed.[1]

The band started life as a jazz-funk/rap group, and spent the first year performing their own songs in music clubs, mainly in the Brighton area. Most of their early songs were not overtly Christian in content. Rapper Rachel Head left the band at the end of 1994, and the band was renamed as 'Phatfish'.[citation needed]

In 1997, the band moved towards more explicitly worship-orientated songs, and released their first album, We Know the Story.

In mid-1998, guitarist Mike Blow and percussionist Adrian Watts left Phatfish. Guitarist Alan Rose joined, and the band started writing again, moving away from jazz-funk towards rock. They made demos with producer Alan Shacklock, and subsequently signed with US label Pamplin, recording their next album, Purple Through the Fishtank, in Nashville in spring 1999. The album increased their profile, and they began touring in Canada, the US and Europe. In 2000, Phatfish released an album of their older music, entitled An Audience With God.

2000s

[edit]

In 2001, they released the album Heavenbound, touring the UK in Autumn 2001 in support of the album.

They recorded three unplugged gigs in the UK in January 2002 for the Hope album, with guests Stuart Townend, Kate Simmonds and Brian Houston; the gigs and album raised money for Hope HIV, a charity supporting AIDS orphans in Africa.

Nothing But the Truth was released in May 2003. Guitarist Alan Rose departed in August 2003, and the band went on hiatus for a year.

Faithful – The Worship Songs featured studio arrangements of many of the band's more 'congregational' worship songs. "The Faithful Tour" took them across England and Scotland, supported by guitarist Dan Wheeler.

The album Trinity was released in 2006, a compilation of tracks from many artists including Phatfish.

The band appeared several times on the BBC's Songs of Praise during 2006 and 2007.[2][3] They also supported lead singer Lou Fellingham and Stuart Townend on the 'Stu + Lou tour' of the UK.

At the end of 2006, Phatfish released an instruction CD called Working as a band, with advice for aspiring church worship musicians intending to start a band. There Is A Day – The Video Collection was also released at the end of 2006, incorporating music videos, an unplugged concert and interview footage.

In July 2007 Phatfish released Guaranteed, their first studio album since 2003.[4]

In December 2008, the band released a double-CD greatest hits compilation, 15, to celebrate their 15-year anniversary.

In January 2009, guitarists Ben Hall and Jos Wintermeyer joined Phatfish, and the band returned to the studio to record their album In Jesus, released that summer.

Final years

[edit]

In December 2010, Phatfish released a new compilation album, Anthems for Worship, a collection of their most popular worship songs for congregational use. The album featured remastered tracks and some new recordings.

Recorded in their own studio during summer 2011, Higher featured more pop-orientated songs and intimate tracks such as the hymn "And Can It Be". Phatfish toured the album around the UK through 2011 and 2012 and accompanied Lou Fellingham on her solo tour in Autumn 2012.

In January 2014, Phatfish announced two final farewell concerts after 20 years together.[5] On 14 and 15 March, they played at Wessex Christian Centre. They were joined on stage for some songs by former guitarists Mike Blow and Alan Rose. The shows were recorded for their final double album Phatfish LIVE.

Band members

[edit]
Band Role Year
1994 1995–1997 1998–2003 2004–2008 2009–2014
Lead Vocals Lou Fellingham
Guitar   Jos Wintermeyer
Lead Guitar Mike Blow Alan Rose   Ben Hall
Bass Luke Fellingham
Drums Nathan Fellingham
Percussion Adrian Watts  
Keyboards Michael Sandeman
Rapping Rachel Head  

Legacy

[edit]

Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms wrote in his review of Faithful - The Worship Songs that the "influence of the Phatfish guys on the British worship scene should not be underestimated. Whether as songwriters or as part of the Stoneleigh worship band, they have played a major part in the last 10 years."[6]

Phatfish have contributed many worship songs to the modern church canon, both in Britain and internationally. In an interview with New Word Alive, Nathan Fellingham described Holy Holy as being the band's most popular song that has "travelled furthest around the world". It also featured on Tim Hughes' When Silence Falls and The Livingstone Collective's Portrait of Worship. The band's songs have been included on many compilation, live, studio and instrumental albums internationally, and several of their songs, such as There Is A Day, Amazing God, and Awake Awake O Zion, have been covered by other artists.

Discography

[edit]

This list includes only Phatfish releases, and does not include other recordings on which the band featured.

  • 1994 Purple Phatfish (three song demo, cassette only)
  • 1995 River of Life (cassette only)
  • 1996 Neworldisorder (six song EP)
  • 1997 We Know the Story
  • 1999 Purple Through the Fishtank
  • 2000 An Audience with God (compilation with some re-recorded material)
  • 2001 Heavenbound
  • 2002 Hope – Unplugged Live
  • 2003 Nothing But The Truth
  • 2004 Faithful: The Worship Songs
  • 2006 Trinity (compilation with other artists)
  • 2006 Working As A Band (Music resource for Church musicians)
  • 2006 There Is A Day – The Video Collection (DVD)
  • 2007 Guaranteed
  • 2008 15 – The Anniversary Collection
  • 2009 In Jesus
  • 2010 Anthems For Worship
  • 2011 Higher
  • 2014 PHATFISH LIVE

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Interview with Nathan Fellingham". Wesley Owen. 2007. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  2. ^ "Songs of Praise, factsheet for Sunday 29 January 2006". (Appearance by Lou Fellingham). BBC Online. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  3. ^ "Songs of Praise, factsheet for Sunday 5 November 2006". (Phatfish were backing band for worship leader Stuart Townend). BBC Online. Retrieved 6 April 2007.
  4. ^ "Review of album Guaranteed". Eden.co.uk. 2008. Archived from the original on 15 April 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
  5. ^ "Phatfish announce final farewell concert". Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  6. ^ "Faithful Review". Cross Rhythms review of Phatfish album Faithful - The Worship Songs. Cross Rhythms. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Phatfish&oldid=1261301878"