01.07.21
Words by:

Despite the title of his latest album, Mr. Mitch is anything but Lazy.

Whether he’s working on his own introspective, club-focused productions, heading up his own Gobstopper Records imprint or throwing parties as part of the Boxed collective, it’s clear Mr. Mitch likes to keep busy. With his latest offering, the London-based producer and DJ dilutes the suffocating haze of the past year with a patchwork of ambient techno, instrumental grime and textured electronics that almost feel light to touch. Here, he reflects on childhood memories, the challenges of fatherhood during a pandemic and that time he casually played grime to Antifa squat ravegoers.

What was your first formative club experience?
I was 14 years old at an under-15s rave listening to Pulse X, sweating like mad but refusing to take my coat off ‘cos it was part of the look.

What was your favourite cartoon as a kid?
Dragon Ball Z.

Who’s inspiring you right now?
AceMo, Kush Jones and MoMa Ready. Their work rate is inspiring.

What’s the weirdest DM you’ve ever received?
Them ones where people message to say, ‘I just saw you in Sainsbury’s’ or whatever. I don’t know how to respond to that.

What’s your biggest fear?
Forgetting to press CMD+S.

Most useful piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I only just clocked the other day that Nike has been giving us the best advice for years.

What makes you feel nostalgic?
Hugs.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Lockdown with a new baby and two other kids is pretty intense.

What’s the weirdest party you’ve ever been to?
Playing grime at a squat party to a crowd of anti-fascist punks in Norway.

Worst habit?
When people respond positively to my music, I feel compelled to make something that sounds nothing like it.

What would you want written on your tombstone?
A father before all.

What instantly cheers you up?
My daughter’s smile.

Is there an item you’ve lost that you wish you still had?
Yamaha DJX box that I had when I was like 13.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?
Walking on a windy beach with the sand blowing in my eyes.

What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
Got a couple of school photos with the worst fades in history, sorry mum.

Best pop star of all time?
The Chuckle Brothers.

What’s the worst hotel you’ve ever stayed in?
I just miss the days when people paid me to stay in hotels.

What’s the worst job that you’ve ever had?
I worked in First Sport in Lewisham, where you weren’t allowed to leave a customer’s side in case they jacked something.

What really gets on your nerves?
People who lipse their dogs.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Wolf from Gladiators.

Lazy is out now via Gobstopper Records