Musically multi-faceted, The Carbonfools have been making waves and filling dance floors country- (and festival) wide for ten years now. We caught up with founding member DJ Titusz and lead singer Balázs Fehér to find out what they’ve got planned for the next ten, and what we can expect from them at their upcoming gig at Gödör…
The Carbonfools are 10 years old this year. How did it all begin?
T2s: It begun in Africa, but later we took it to Budapest. I was a DJ and wanted my DJ-oriented house and break tracks to be played with a live band. It happened, and we named it the Carbonfools.
For those who aren’t familiar with it, how would you describe the band’s sound?
T2s: As a sort of electronic rock fusion with lots of influences.
Balázs: the sound of Titusz, Balazs, Kelo, Zsazsa, Zsüli and Steve!
Young, shooting star guitarist István Fekete joined you last year. What’s he added to the band?
T2s: Harmonies and disharmonies.
Balázs: He’s on the way to becoming a magician.
A British record label published three of your singles a few years ago. How have you been received over there?
T2s: These were maxi singles for DJs; we had great feedback, but it didn’t showcase the band much – they were all electronic tracks without live instruments.
You’re a regular act at festivals here in Hungary, and have been for years. Which is your favorite to be a part of, and why?
Balázs: The Sziget Festival, because it’s the biggest. And also Balaton Sound, due to the lake and all the summers I’ve spent there… amazing memories.
You’ve collaborated a lot with other artists (as a band and individually), and DJ Titusz, for example, is a member of two other bands. This seems to be particularly common within the music scene here – what do you think it is about Hungary that makes it so common?
T2s: For me, it’s due to my wide interest in the ways of music, and also the money. If you want to make a living from making music, you have to gig a lot.
Balázs: In the underground scene, the relationships between musicians are usually very good; the market is small, everyone knows everyone, so everybody plays with everyone!
Your first album, Poisoned Goulash, is a fusion of sounds, including blues, reggae, dub, darkwave, rock and disco. Your recent album, Carbonheart, is more electro, ska, pop and rock focussed. Where do you expect to head next, musically?
T2s: Dixie, we’ll go down the Dixie route.
Balázs: Musically, we’ve got a couple of ideas, but I think we’re just going copy Scatman John’s first album (smiling).
Where’s your favorite venue to play in Budapest, and why?
T2s: Gödör, because of the friendly doormen.
Balázs: Definitely Gödör, because it’s one of the biggest club in the city, and we’re in a really good relationship with their team.
And your favorite spot for a drink?
T2s: Backstage….
Balázs: Beside my friends’ flats, anywhere in the city where my friends are.
You’re playing at Gödör on Friday (January 29th). What can people expect from the show?
T2s: Surprises, new songs and a collaboration with Krisztian from HS7 (Heaven Street Seven).
Balázs: We might not show up?!
You began using lyrics more in 2006. They’re in English, and your sound seems like it would have wide appeal outside of Hungary. How have you been received abroad, and do you have plans to release and perform outside of the country in the future?
T2s: Well, we plan, managers rule.
Balázs: We’ve been planning a World Tour for the next 10 years. One day, you people reading this, we’re gonna be in your countries!
Which artists/acts are you most inspired by?
T2s: Lee Perry, J.J. Perry
Balázs: I don’t listen to anyone else, but me…
How would you describe the Hungarian music scene?
T2s: Funny.
Balázs: Well, the pop scene is a piece of sh*t, the alternative scene is a smaller piece of sh*t, and the underground scene is the tiniest piece of sh*t, but I love sh*t.
It’s your 10th birthday this year. What are your plans for the next ten?
T2s: Growing.
Catch The Carbonfools at Gödör on January 29th at 8 p.m. Check out their tracks and more info at www.carbonfools.hu and http://www.myspace.com/carbonfools.
January 28 at 8 p.m.
Gödör Klub
1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér
Tel.: +36.20.201.3868
The Carbonfools – Cash