The Fontanas

The Fontanas

The Fontanas is a group from Ireland. The name is used for more than one act, including an instrumental band project founded in 2009 by Keith Scott, Mickey Curry and Mark Holden of the Canadian band Boulevard. It also refers to a production vehicle for Sam Sutton, who wins the IVCA award for Best Music on TV in 2006 and the PRS Best New Bands award in 2007.

Production vehicle for Sam Sutton

In this form, The Fontanas develop through a monthly residency at Ginglik in West London. The debut album, Introducing The Fontanas, presents a range of styles from Brazilian-influenced grooves to funk-led tracks. The project draws on influences from Brazil and Jamaica while being rooted in West London.

Collaborators and recordings

Co-writers on the debut album include Andy Hughes, an original member of the Orb, and the album is mixed in Brixton at Atlantic Jaxx studios, which Hughes shares. The album also features vocalist Heidi Levo, who performs with the Cinematic Orchestra, Isaac Hayes and the Brand New Heavies and releases material on Hed kandi, Defected Records, Africanism and Eclectic Breaks. Other contributors include DJ Gizroc, a Technics-DMC UK finalist and founder member of the Mixologists, and Simon Ashton of Big Bossa, who co-produces the tracks “Mother’s Love”, “Sunshine” and “Angel Maria”.

Stylistic range

The Fontanas’ recorded work includes “Ska’d for Life”, which features cuts from DJ Gizroc, and a sound that combines Brazilian and contemporary elements with funk and urban influences. The project is associated with guitar-based, classic rock and funk elements as well as broader global rhythms.