STAFFORD BROTHERS
Some may say that Matt and Chris Stafford are The Veronicas of the DJ world, or maybe even Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - but in male form. They are known for their good looks, crazy shows and pumping remixes (who could forget the club anthem 'More Than a Feeling'?). Vivienne Hill caught up with Matt from the duo and discovered it isn't just the ladies who are after the Stafford Brothers - everyone in town wants a piece of the action.
Ever since the Stafford Brothers made their musical debut in 1999, they have become a household name for any fan of Australian dance music. Matt says it all started when he was growing up. "Our whole family is quite musical. My dad plays guitar, all my grandparents, all our family; everyone is still playing instruments. It was bred into me as a kid," says Matt. There is no question the brothers from the Gold Coast are talented in more ways than one. Both boys would be professional footballers if they weren't gallivanting around the countryside playing at the hottest nightclubs and festivals. "I used to play for the Queensland Reds and the Gold Coast Breakers. I played number eight and Chris played centre position," reveals Matt. In addition to their short football careers, the Stafford Brothers have also branched out into the world of fashion, designing clothing for 5:am Clothing.
Matt and Chris have just returned from a highly successful tour of Canada and USA. "We were very well received over there and have six dates booked to go back in August," says Matt. The trip also provided the brothers with a good opportunity to hit the slopes. "I was born in New Zealand and have snowboarded since I was a kid. I always fall off trying new tricks but the snow over there was amazing, and it was just a great time." The Stafford Brothers have also been very busy recording new tracks, set for release later this year. "We just did six new tunes while we were working overseas and some of those came together in a day," says Matt. During the writing process, Matt likes to let his brother take the reigns. "Chris does more than me. He is definitely the engineer. It's probably about 60/40," reveals Matt.
A Stafford Brothers gig would be incomplete without their good friend Timmy Trumpet, who performs with the boys regularly. "We met him at a gig in Sydney. He was booked to play at the same time. Our first big show together was Summafieldayze," explains Matt. The Gold Coast dance festival was the Stafford Brothers' first big break. "Now we play on the main stage, which is really cool," says Matt. Before the DJs jet off to Ibiza, Canada and London once more, they are promoting their latest Ministry of Sound compilation with a tour across the country. Matt describes their show as a great live party. "Everyone can prepare by not wearing clothes," he says. 'Even the men?', I ask. "The men can wear dick togs," elaborates Matt.
The Met, Brisbane on May 4 and June 27, plus the Malibu Sunset Social, Boardwalk Tavern, Gold Coast on May 11. |
