They have two mildly brilliant singles under their belt, an album due, and a calendar packed with festival dates. So we spoke to singer Ben about the general wonderfulness of the band. Points of interest include the band's connection to Dolly Parton, the GCSE text books he used, and what they've stolen from Groove Armada's wardrobe...
Hello Ben. Do you think bands choose mysterious European sounding names to grant them some instant cool?
It grants them a bit of struggle to get it pronounced properly on Radio. Once over that hill though it's a massive advantage.
But does everyone always just ask you what Fenech-Soler means?
I think the name becomes unimportant as soon as you know the band. Royksopp or Depeche Mode are great names and suit the music but what do they mean? Fenech-Soler suits us just right. Plus most people think we are French. Which is not always a bad thing.
Did you learn French from 'Tricolore' books when you were in school?
Yes! God, haven't thought about those in a while. If I'm honest I'm rubbish... Really bad.
Are your parents disappointed that neither you nor Ross went off to become doctors?
No, they are very supportive. Our dad was a country bluegrass musician and toured around the world with people like Charlie Pride, Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton. So he's kind of been there and done it. We’re very lucky to have that guidance.
You once said that your music was influenced by Michael Jackson. Did you cry when you found out he was dead?
Haha, no crying, but I was shocked. Very surreal moment. We were actually playing and then the news filtered around the club. I think that was the first day of Glastonbury as well so I can imagine that would have been the 'Glastonbury rumour'... I wouldn't have believed it.
You're playing every bloody UK festival this year including Secret Garden Party which is our favourite...
I would go as far as to say that it's my favourite UK festival too. We played it a couple of years ago. It was incredible. The location is stunning. I think we are DJing on the Pagoda too...
Lots of people dress up there, and Fenech-Soler seem fond of a sequin or two. Do you endorse more men wearing glittery clothes?
I endorse it fully. It's something that people have started to associate with us, which we love. It's kinda filtered its way in to what we wear when we play shows but to be honest we just pick up things when we travel about. Groove Armada's stylist made my last top.
Do you think people are still a bit confused about 'bands' who make dance music with guitars and drums?
Not so much these days. Electronic music is all over the place and genres, especially in the last year or so, have merged so things like garage, R&B and hip-hop all seem to have a strong electronic backbone.
But do you worry that being pitched between indie and dance will mean that you end up appealing to neither crowd?
I suppose there is always that risk but at the end of the day it's about having good songs and offering more than just the music. We enjoy the fact that we can play late on at somewhere like fabric and fit in but at the same time go and support someone like Marina and The Diamonds and make that work too. All angles are covered.
Last year The Guardian tipped you as their band of the year, and it didn’t quite happen, but in 2010 you have RobotPigeon behind you. Does that make you more confident?
Without a shadow of a doubt. We are very happy to be RobotPigeon's band of the year. I think with you behind us we are ready to take on the world!
Finally, tell us something interesting (and PR appeasing that will validate us being granted this interview) about the progress of your album.
It’s finished.
And so is the interview. Thanks Ben off of Fenech-Soler.
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