The 5-minute Interview: Mr Scruff, DJ and producer

The Stockport-born DJ Andy Carthy, 36, aka Mr Scruff, is known for his eclectic musical tastes – and tea (he sells his own brand of tea bags at live shows). He will appear at the Big Chill Festival from 1-3 August

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

On my way to the studio. I've been recording a new album for about three years – just slowly getting my arse in gear.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Morning" in a West Country accent – at any time of day.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The way British lifestyle and culture affects other people's lives. By-products of our comfort cause poverty overseas.

The most surprising thing to happen to me was...

Getting asked to make a record for the first time in 1994, after a mate sent a demo to a label. I was 22, working in Kwik-Save, spending my £30 a week on records and making mix tapes.

A common misperception of me is...

Everybody thinks I'm really scruffy – that was how I got the name – but in the past 15 years I've learnt to iron and got married.

I am not a politician but...

I can waffle for hours and never get to the point.

I'm good at...

Making records and making good tea. I introduced a tea tent at my gigs because I thought "If I'm that obsessed about it, then maybe other people are too". It's gone down really well. If you're at a club and not drinking alcohol, the alternatives are pretty disgusting. I've got my own tea company. It's one of those odd things that just happened. It's brilliant because now I get loads of free tea.

I'm very bad at...

Tidying up after making a brew. I'm 36 but I have the tidying-up sensibilities of a 14-year-old.

The ideal night out is...

Good company, good food in a relaxed environment then off to the pub for some good ale.

In weak moments I...

Get the kettle on. It's my reaction to everything.

You know me as a DJ but in truer life I'd have been...

In another human existence I would have definitely been a tea-taster.

The best age to be is...

Whatever age you are, make the most of it. Relish the moment.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is...

Believe in yourself and be nice to other people. Just keep it simple, really.

Ben Naylor

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