Some of the best partnerships in music are based on tension and polarisation. Fission, fusion and intensity spurring the creativity beyond anything two like minds could possibly conjure, there’s something about stark contrasts that accelerate the studio activity… For good or bad.
Such is the case with Dodge & Fuski. An ambitious EDM bass mogul and progressive organic farmer, they rarely ever see eye to eye. Working together was never going to be easy for them…. But it does work. Dodge’s ruthless eye for exposure and commercial synergy balanced with Fuski’s ability to grow the sickest spuds in the UK south west creates a strange harmony that bursts from the seams of every production they’ve done together since Fuski left his fields in farrow for a year and returned to the studio. This harmony has increased even more with the release of their highly anticipated debut LP: The Greatest Album Of All Time, an album that features their widest sonic range to date and some hair raising collabos including PhaseOne, Dubloads, Ivory, Oolacile, Infekt and Protothype.
Here’s a little background on it, if you’re not already to speed…
Intrigued by the bafflingly brazen game of ethical loggerheads the pair seem to be stuck in, and hooked on their riddim-riddled album, we sent them a few questions. Read on and learn more about the album and some seriously fascinating facts about potatoes….
It sounds like you’re hard at work promoting the album right now. What have we interrupted with these questions?
Dodge: I was just busy wiring over that money as agreed for all the positive publicity. Can you tell Steve to check the Swiss account it should be in there any minute now.
All the best partnerships are a 50/50 split where both members really complement each other with their unique skills. Can you explain what each other bring to the Dodge & Fuski table?
Dodge: Well, since Fuski has wasted the last five years fucking around on a farm, I’ve had to do all the important work. I’ve collected almost every Cymatics pack in existence, and built a corporate sponsorship contact list as long as my arm, meanwhile all Fuski has to show for it is some dirty vegetables and a few guitar loops he made on a Dell PC in 2013.
Fuski: Dodge I’m not quite sure that’s what they were getting at…
It seems like you’ve got some big commercial backing behind the campaign. Do you ever worry this might affect the integrity of the music? And are there any brands you wouldn’t work with due to them not fitting with the Dodge & Fuski ethos?
Dodge: Sorry, I don’t follow the question.
Fuski: Well, this is a tricky one for me as I’m a vegan, a member of Greenpeace and an animal rights campaigner. To be honest with you, being part of this scene is a constant constitutional maze for me on a daily basis. I have no idea how I ended up in a group with Dodge but it’s something I just have to live with.
Fuski. It seems like LA made a strong impression on you. Have you recovered and gone back ‘the usual’?
Fuski: LA seems to have a habit of rubbing off on people. I was only there for 72 hours… I think it’s probably best if I avoid saying anything further on this subject in present company.
What’s the most impressive fruit or veg you’ve grown so far?
Fuski: I’m so glad you asked! I absolutely adore potatoes for many reasons! Here are a few key points:
1.Potatoes are stuffed with phytonutrients, which are organic components of plants that are thought to promote health, according to the USDA. Phytonutrients in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonoids and caffeic acid.
2.The vitamin C in potatoes acts as an antioxidant. These substances may prevent or delay some types of cell damage, according to the National Institutes of Health. They may also help with digestion, heart health, blood pressure and even cancer prevention.
3.Blood pressure. Potatoes may help lower blood pressure for several reasons. Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist with the Fitness Institute of Texas at The University of Texas at Austin, said that the fiber found in potatoes can help lower cholesterol by binding with cholesterol in the blood. “After it binds, we excrete it,” she said.
4.Potatoes are also a good source of potassium. “All potatoes are potassium rich,” Jarzabkowski said. “They have even more potassium than a banana, and a lot of it is found in the [potato’s] skin.” She noted that the outer potato peel also contains a good deal of fiber. Potassium is a mineral that helps lower blood pressure, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
5.Potassium, too, can help lower blood pressure through its actions as a vasodilator (blood vessel widener). Scientists at the Institute for Food Research have discovered that potatoes contain chemicals called kukoamines, which are associated with lowering blood pressure.
6.Brain functioning and nervous system health. The B6 vitamins in potatoes are critical to maintaining neurological health. Vitamin B6 helps create useful brain chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This means that eating potatoes may help with depression, stress and even perhaps attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Potatoes’ high level of carbohydrates may have some advantages, including helping maintain good levels of glucose in the blood, which is necessary to proper brain functioning. A 1995 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that modest increases in glucose could help enhance learning and memory. Potassium, which encourages the widening of blood vessels, also helps ensure your brain gets enough blood.
7.Immunity. Vitamin C can help prevent everything from scurvy to the common cold, and potatoes are full of this nutrient, with about 45 percent of the daily recommended intake per medium baked potato, according to the Washington State Potato Commission.
8.Inflammation. Some people think potatoes and other members of the nightshade family — such as eggplants, tomatoes and peppers — trigger arthritis flares. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this hypothesis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The organization suggests that people with arthritis try cutting nightshade vegetables from their diets for two weeks to see if symptoms improve.
Some studies suggest these vegetables may actually help reduce arthritis symptoms, the foundation said. For example, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that potatoes may reduce inflammation.
9.Digestion. The largest health benefit offered by potatoes is how they can help with digestion due to their high fiber content, Jarzabkowski said. Potatoes’ high level of carbohydrates makes them easy to digest, while their fiber-filled skin can help keep you regular.
10.Heart health. Potatoes give your heart plenty of reasons to swoon, due to the fiber content. Jarzabkowski said fiber is associated with clearing cholesterol from blood vessels; vitamins C and B6 help reduce free radicals; and carotenoids help maintain proper heart functioning.
Additionally, B6 plays a crucial role in the methylation process, which, among other things, changes the potentially dangerous molecule homocysteine into methionine, a component in new proteins, according to Harvard. Too much homocysteine can damage blood vessel walls, and high levels of it are associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
11.Athletic performance. Jarzabkowski described how potatoes can be a win for athletes. “Potatoes can help restore electrolyte balance,” she said. “Sodium and potassium, which are found in potato peels, are two important electrolytes, and athletes lose them in sweat.” Electrolytes are necessary for optimum body function, and having too few can cause cramps, as many athletes know.
12.Skin care. According to Organic Facts, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorous can all help keep skin as smooth and creamy as, well, mashed potatoes. These nutrients are all present in potatoes.
Anyway, that’s just me. I also love carrots. I could talk all day about carrots!
Dodge: Er, no thanks Chris. I think that’s enough for now.
What happens next and how is it going to happen?
Dodge: After we pick up the best album Grammy this year which our agent Leo thinks should be a done deal, I was thinking about using the prize money for the greater good. What do you think about starting a music school? We could teach people how to make sample packs or optimize instagram bots and stuff like that. I think social responsibility is important in music.
Fuski: Not going to lie, I’m regretting agreeing to this interview now.
Dodge & Fuski: The Greatest Album Of All Time is out now
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