DJ and producer Mr Scruff is making his annual trip to Bristol this weekend. He spoke to SAM RKAINA about his love for Bristol's music scene, turning 40 and why he's just so obsessed with Britain's national beverage.

Tea, fish and cartoons don't sound like the ideal ingredients for the perfect night out. Yet Mr Scruff has been pursuing these little obsessions with great success for more than 20 years now.

In an industry full of massive egos, Scruff – real name Andy Carthy – is one of the genuinely nice guys.

He's carved out a nice little niche, releasing his own innovative music alongside marathon DJ sets up to six hours long.

Even if you don't recognise the name – and half a million album sales suggests you should – the chances are you've heard some of his tracks on television.

Among many other appearances, Blackpool Roll and Chipmunk were used in the classic Simon Pegg comedy Spaced, while Spandex Man featured in the Rolando mobile phone game and Top Gear.

Describing his music to someone who's never heard it isn't the easiest thing the world. There's a bit of jazz, a bit of hip hop, some reggae, some house – basically a little bit of everything.

All that and no doubt more will be on offer at the Academy this Saturday night, when Scruff returns to Bristol.

It turns out the music capital of the south west has a special place in his heart.

"Bristol has got a long and rich musical history," Andy says. "It's been very influential to me; Smith and Mighty especially was very much a front runner to drum and bass.

"The first time I played Bristol was at Blue Mountain back in 1996. I must have been doing the Academy for eight or 10 years now.

"I've always had a good connection with Bristol. There was a big influx of creative people from Bristol who came to Manchester in the late 1980s. One of them was instrumental in getting me my first record deal."

As anyone who's been to a Scruff night will know, Andy likes to do things a little differently.

He'll play from around 10pm until the early hours of the morning, a perfectly paced show that blends his own tunes with a wide selection of classics.

The bass-heavy music comes pounding out of an impressive sound system, while his simple but eye-catching cartoons appear on large video screens.E

ven in a world of iPod playlists, some might wonder at how someone chooses six hours of music to keep a crowd of several thousand happy.

"Wherever you play twice in the same venue – anywhere in the world – it can be completely different," Andy said.

"I don't think you can second guess the audience. It's about relaxing, playing music you're passionate about. I don't say 'Bristol crowds would like this, Manchester crowds would like that'.

"While certainly a prolific performer, there tends to be long breaks between album releases.This year marks the tenth anniversary of Scruff's classic Trouser Jazz LP but there's only been one album proper since then – Ninja Tuna in 2008.

Last year saw two new singles – Wobble Control and Feel It. Anyone who turns up on Saturday night can expect to hear a few more unfamiliar tracks.

"One of the great things about being a producer and a DJ is trying out new material," Andy said. "You can test stuff out and see if it works well or needs more. I always seem to have large gaps – I enjoy gigging too much. I'm hoping later this year to put a few more songs out. But I'm not really in any rush."

You wouldn't think to look at him, but next month marks Andy's 40th birthday. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the big 4-0 doesn't phase him.

He said: "I don't feel 40. The only thing it's made me think about is putting on a damn good party.

"I've been doing something I love for a living for nearly 20 years. I can't imagine doing anything else. I've got myself into a nice place where I can do what I want creatively.

"I'm stumbling along doing my own thing and having a good time doing it.""His own thing" includes many of the wonderful little touches that make a Scruff gig a cut about the rest.Andy records every show, puts it online and gives every punter a download code so they can have all six hours of it for free.

Then there's the legendary tea bar. Even at 2am, anyone who doesn't fancy downing shots all night can enjoy a nice brew while browsing  mugs, tea towels and other goodies.

"I shouldn't have to explain an obsession with tea for anyone who's British," Andy jokes.

"I've never liked clubs where people stand in puffer jackets glaring at each other. I always thought the range of drinks at clubs was rubbish.

"When I was going to northern soul all nighters in the 1990s I would have a nice cup of tea. 

"So when I had residency I thought I'd provide this very important service to people. Even if you don't like tea it should still make you smile."

Mr Scruff plays the 02 Academy Bristol this Saturday. Tickets cost £12.50. Tel 0844 477 2000 For tickets go to www.o2academybristol.co.uk.