Mr. Scruff’s one of the UK’s quirkiest DJs, dishing up a happy platter of jazz, disco, soul, funk, hip hop, breaks, reggae, Latin, African, ska, house, soundtracks and more alongside a large dollop of cheeky British humor and potato-themed cartoons.
You trained as an artist, so how did DJing all begin for you?
I started DJing in 1984, after hearing an electro mix album at a friend’s house. I spent the next few years making mix tapes on domestic hi-fi equipment, and then when I got up to a reasonable standard, they started getting played on local pirate radio and being sold in local record shops. Around 1994, I started DJing in bars, and soon afterwards I had three or four gigs a week in Manchester.
You’re obviously influenced by a huge range of artists and genres, but can you pick out any favorites?
Sun Ra, Roy Ayers, Leroy Burgess, Pharaoh Sanders, Lee Perry, Main Source, Pete Rock, Fearless 4, Quantic, Larry Heard, Juan Atkins, Daweh Congo, Mark Pritchard, Floating Points, Roots Manuva, Sonny Terry, Prince Buster, McCoy Tyner…
Your studio tracks include all sorts of sampled sounds. What’s the oddest so far?
Probably a Ribena flexidisc.
How did the whole tea thing come about, and for anyone not familiar with them, what part do your signature tea stands play at gigs?
The tea shop first came into being in 2000, when my Manchester residency ‘Keep it Unreal’ moved to the Music Box. Its foyer entrance, often used to house a second room of music, seemed perfect for hosting a tea shop. The feedback was very positive, and it seems that I am not the only one who enjoys drinking tea in nightclubs! We decided to give all the money raised each month to charity. We now take the tea shop on tour whenever I play a ‘Keep it Unreal’ date in the UK, as well as hosting a teepee at the 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 & 2009 Big Chill, and 2007 Womad festivals.
You deliver notoriously long, marathon-like live sets. What’s behind the decision to play for so long?
I play a very wide range of music, and in order to be able to go musically in-depth without rushing, I need to play for a long time. I started DJing in the early 1980s when it was normal to play many different styles all night.
You design all your “potato style” visuals yourself. What’s lined up for Merlin?
We have been doing a lot of work on the visuals recently. They’re very simple, fun, and help to create a friendly, happy atmosphere.
And sound-wise, what’s in-store?
The sound quality of most DJ gears is pretty average, so I bring a lot of my own custom made DJ equipment. It will be a treat for your ears!
Get a Move On’s probably the most well-known of your tracks, but which is your favorite?
I can never choose favorites, as each track suits a different mood. The tracks that I play a lot are Chicken In A Box, Ug, Give Up To Get and Music Takes Me Up.
What’s the general vibe you hope to foster during live sets?
A good, open minded, intense, fun party atmosphere where people are really into the music.
What does the future hold – is there another album or a new single in the pipeline?
I’ve just had a track released on the Prime Numbers label, and I’m currently working on my next album for Ninja Tune.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Green Door by Shakin’ Stevens.
And your most recent purchase?
Joy Orbison, The Shrew Would Have Cushioned The Blow.
Favorite track for a boogie?
Fela Kuti, Genteleman
Mr. Scruff, Late Night Tea-Time
March 26, 9 PM at COMING
Tickets: limited number in advance, 2,500 HUF; afterwards and on the door, 3,000 HUF
www.merlinbudapest.org