Norman Cook, known to the world as the legendary music producer Fatboy Slim, is celebrating a significant milestone this year with the release of the 500th single on his Southern Fried Records label. The track, titled ‘Role Model,’ has been released on the 17th of May, and the brilliant official video just recently hit YouTube. The track features collaborations with Dan Diamond and Luca Guerrieri and is about as catchy as it comes, with the Bromley-born producer weaving punchy synth-pads, electro motifs and a thumping bassline into a quintessential Fatboy Slim floorfiller.
The milestone release sees the return of SFR’s legendary label head with his first original piece of music this year. The ‘Role Model’ single is available in digital and physical formats, with a special edition of 500 acid-print vinyls for collectors. Fatboy Slim is also heading on the road for his 2024 ‘Loves Summer‘ UK and Ireland tour, featuring shows in Dublin, Cornwall, Manchester, Scarborough, Bedfordshire, Glasgow and elsewhere with an electrifying set of performances from June to August.
Southern Fried Records, co-founded by Norman Cook and Garry Blackburn in 1994, has been a pivotal force in the electronic music scene worldwide. The label has been home to numerous hits, including Elton John’s ‘Are You Ready For Love’ remix and Armand Van Helden’s chart-toppers ‘My My My’ and ‘I Want Your Soul.’ The label kicked off a symbolic year in 2024 with an open table panel at this year’s IMS, where Cook reflected on the 30 year anniversary of the imprint. Along with a new logo and new merchandise on the way, SFR is hosting parties at some of the UKs biggest festivals this summer.
Despite being less prominent than some labels, Southern Fried Records boasts an impressive catalogue with works from Maribou State, Crookers, Eats Everything, and The Black Ghosts. A celebration event for its 500th release was held at Akasha and Las Dalias in Ibiza, featuring performances by Fatboy Slim, his Mighty Dub Katz alias, La La, Meg Ward, and others.
Earlier in the year, BIMM University in Brighton commended Cook with an honorary fellowship, aligning with his new scholarship program. Additionally, a 25th-anniversary reissue of his iconic 1998 album ‘You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby’ was released last year.
His musical journey spans several decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the electronic music scene. In the late 1980s, Cook gained fame as the bassist for the indie rock band The Housemartins. Their a cappella cover of ‘Caravan of Love’ even topped the UK charts. After The Housemartins disbanded, Cook shifted gears toward electronic dance music.
In Brighton, Cook formed Beats International, producing the chart-topping single ‘Dub Be Good to Me.’ His knack for blending genres and infectious beats caught the world’s attention. In 1996, Cook adopted the moniker Fatboy Slim and released his debut album, ‘Better Living Through Chemistry.’ The album received critical acclaim and set the stage for his big beat revolution.
Fatboy Slim’s subsequent albums, including ‘You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby,’ ‘Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars,’ and ‘Palookaville,’ produced hits like: ‘The Rockafeller Skank,’ ‘Praise You,’ ‘Right Here, Right Now,’ ‘Weapon of Choice,’ and ‘Wonderful Night’.
Cook’s remixes for artists like Cornershop, the Beastie Boys, and A Tribe Called Quest solidified his reputation as a remix wizard. He even held the Guinness World Record for most top-40 hits under different names.
In summary, Fatboy Slim isn’t just an artist; he’s a sonic architect, weaving beats that resonate across generations. So, turn up the volume, embrace the rhythm, and let Fatboy Slim be your role model!
