The Terranova story begins in Germany in the mid-eighties, when a young Berliner named Fetisch caught a dose of the American hip-hop bug sweeping its way across Europe. He embarked on a journey of discovery to New York City - which would lay the foundations for the production outfit, Terranova. Fetisch spent the next few years making his name as a DJ in the Big Apple, playing in such seminal clubs as Tunnel, Danceteria and Palladium and producing some of the early Gee Street releases. A network of like-minded producers soon sprouted up around Fetisch and subsequent trips to London led to the beginning of long-lasting friendships with the likes of the Stereo MC's. He hooked up the band with vocalist, Cath Coffey, and then produced 'Axis' and 'Motherman' for the MC's. This spirit of collaboration was to become a characteristic feature of Terranova's work in the forthcoming years.
Fetisch eventually returned to Berlin at the end of the eighties - where he soon linked up with fellow Berliner, Marco Meister. He had trained as a classical pianist at the Academy of Arts. The pair began work on film soundtracks. Shortly afterwards, they made the acquaintance of DJ and graffiti artist, Kaos.
From this moment on, the trio then started up the production team known as Turntable Terranova. First releases appeared on Munich's Compost and All Good Vinyl whilst their third 12", 'Tokyo Tower', - in collaboration with Manuel 'E2-E4' Gottsching demonstrated even further skill, thus bringing them resounding international success. This then catapulted Fetisch, Meister and Kaos, now under the guise of Terranova, straight into the British press - exposing a a unique sound creation with their fresh blend of hip hop beats and the well-renowned European tradition of electronic music.
At the turn of 1998, Terranova released their highly-reverred 'DJ Kicks...' compilation album - which gained them further recognition and is still regarded as one of the best and most loved in the highly-respected series. Remixes for Fanatik and Jungle Brothers followed among many others and their subsequent releases that would arrive later on in 1999 for Copasetik, such as 'Turn Around (feat. Cath Coffey)' and, more recently, 'Just Enough' (which would see the Stereo MC's linked for some remix action, alongside world-renowned photographer Juergen Teller making his first foray into film direction for the band's accompanying video) have since ensured that Terranova excursions on vinyl have found their way deep into the record boxes of many a self-respecting DJ.
Alongside the previously mentioned work and commissions - so far propelling the guys into some of the most in-demand status around, Terranova now have their debut LP for Copasetik, 'Close The Door', unleashed on a global scale.
Asides from representing a full culinary experience for those listening to it, the album stands as a testimony to the whole collaborationist ethic via appearances by the Stereo MC's very own Cath Coffey ('Turn Around', 'Midnight Melodic' and 'Sweet Bitter Love'), label mate - Rasco ('X-Files' and 'Midnight Melodic'), Tricky ('Bombing Bastards'), Coco Crebitz (a regular in the collective these days) and Alexander Hacke - from Einsturzende Neubaten.
To summarise matters, the musical spectrum encompassed by Terranova, especially throughout their debut long-player, truly defies any definition. But, it certainly can be said that no German act, bar say Kraftwerk, has made it's mark internationally in quite such a manner. Therefore 'Close The Door' is surely destined to open yet further doors still for this Berliner in question...