Stupid Fresh came to be when Tod Hodge and Chris Elliot met in Leeds in the winter of 2005, and combined their powers for the good of dance music. Alreacy making big inroads, they’ve been taking over the digital download domain with their singles Stretch the Canvas and Get The Fuck Up, the latest released on our own Vacation Records. And a whole bunch of other music from the pair is being caned around the world: considering the fact that most of it hasn’t even been released yet, who’s to blame? Other than illegal downloading, of course.

Well, you can point the finger at Australia’s own Hook n Sling. After he stumbled across their Ho track when he was trolling across the world wide web, he decided to include it on his Chew The Fat! compilation mix. Enough to launch them into the dance music zeitgeist, the pair are currently working with Micky Slim on the launch of his Bomb Squad Record label, and they’re now on their way over for their first tour of Australia. ITM talks to Stupid Fresh.

You have played alongside a fair few big names in the music industry so far. What’s next on the agenda?

I want to have a 4-way knob twiddle with The Aston Shuffle, and maybe do something musical as well. DJ wise I’m not bothered who or what we play with, as long as they’re up for some fun and nonsense in the booth, and don’t try and steal our CDs when we’re wasted. Production-wise we are having fun working on new material with the ridiculously talented Stellar MC, doing an official remix of a dance classic and working on more original material for the soon-to-be-massive Bombsquad Records with Micky Slim.

What inspired you to become a DJ?

I love dance music and performing, so I thought why not perform dance music? I got my first belt-drive decks about 9 years ago. They were ropey enough to almost put me off for good, but then after one sweet mix with Beachball and Meet Her at the Love Parade I realised I was a turntabling rudeboy.

What are your thoughts on the impact on music sales due to illegal mp3 sites and music downloads?

It sucks the big one when I get a teeny royalty payment, and think what could have been… Though it can be helpful when you’re starting out and want to get your name about. It’s up to the individual to choose whether they want to spend £1 on a legitimate track, or to stop me feeding my family. It’s that serious.

Your MySpace describes you as Japanese/Korean Pop Music – please explain?

I think you’ll find it says Plop Music. We make Japanese/Korean Plop Music. Check your facts yeah, before accusing us of Pop when it’s Plop. Snap crackle and Plop.

How did it feel having your latest release Get the Fuck Up sitting nice and tight in the number one spot on djdownload.com and having Stretch the Canvas at number two?

I’ll admit it gave me a stiffy. I felt amazing, it’s not something you expect and we were both really proud of it. Sick tracks though to be fair.

Where did the name Stupid Fresh come from?

We invented the expression. Ask anyone. I think it’s a good description of our sound. I have stuck some words up on the wall of our studio for inspiration when we’re stuck, as well as ‘stupid’ and ‘fresh’ we often refer to ‘flapjack’, ‘tugboat’, and ‘the sexual peanut’ to help us find that perfect ‘plop’ sound.

Compare your life and circumstances now to your life and circumstances prior to becoming Stupid Fresh.

Honestly they are pretty much the same except the clubbing is free and my phone rings more often. I have also met far more cool people than a social retard like me deserves to.

Are there any behind the scenes politics that affect you?

Yes there are. I am in fact Tod’s biological father, but he must never know. Seriously there are, but we do our best to kick the politics in the sack. If anyone said to me, “Oi Fresh, come and snort some politics,” I’d say, “No way sailor, that stuff makes me loco.”

Complete this sentence: if people were more like music, the world would be…

Fucking noisy.

I was amazed to hear about the level of success you have had considering a majority of your music is unavailable for purchase. Has this been a gratifying experience for you?

Thanks to our old friend, ‘Father Fileshare’. Yeah it has been, and it’s funny to read peoples comments regarding us on forums etc. I recently discovered through Google that we have an unreleased remix on Electro Sessions 2. I’m not sure that’s relevant. Stop thinking out loud.

If you could perform anywhere in the world – where would it be and why?

It would be in my grandparent’s garden, because they have a lush pond and a fantastic lawn. Maybe in my street just to piss the cunting neighbours off.

Catch Stupid Fresh at the following shows…

31 May – Ping Pong @ Yu, Sydney
01 June – Stupid Sundays @ Ambar, Perth
07 June – Lot 33, Canberra
08 June – Sounds on Sunday, Sydney