DJ Fast is one of three members of the group the Fun Lovin Criminals. Formed in 1993, the band also feature Huey Morgan and Frank Benbini and are best known for the hits Scooby Snacks and Korean Bodega. They are currently on a UK tour, playing Newcastle’s O2 Academy on Friday night, February 5. The gigs mark the 20th anniversary since the release of the album Come Find Yourself. A special box set of the album is due for release on February 19.

What was your first car?

My first car was my fathers Red 1972 Chevy Nova. It was a stick with the gearshift on the steering column. They called it 'three in the tree'. Great car, not the coolest, hated the clutch but so cool to drive and it has aged well if you can find one.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed the USA test first time, I was flawless. I barely passed the UK test. Because I had been driving for over 25 years, I was very calm and talkative and, if anything, drove too fast. I think this confused the tester. My demeanour may have had something to do with being out until 5am the night before at the Snoop Dogg concert at Wireless.

The Northern Echo: Snoop Dogg

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

This will sound a bit 'lovey-dovey' but anyone who has done it will agree. To drive around Mt. Haleakalā on the Hawaiian island of Maui is pretty awesome. You drive through Hana, past the seven sacred pools, through the desert-like back side of the volcano and back around the lush south of the island. It don't get much better than that, especially if you're with your lover!

The Northern Echo:

What is your dream car?

The Northern Echo:

My father's Blue 1969 Mustang Convertible was killer. I only remember it through photo's but would love to restore one one day. It would be so dope to go for a drive with my father, just like he did in the 70s.

How would you describe your driving style?

I'm a cruiser when it comes to speed. I take my time, drive steady and enjoy the ride. I apply that to any moving thing I'm in/on.(snow,surf,bike,etc).

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I was a suburban dumbass for a while growing up in the 80s outside NYC. We did all the ridiculous things kids did then...mailbox baseball, lawn jobs, shooting fireworks out our parents cars, etc.

What are you listening to?

I take my car jams very seriously. I have a usb stick packed with songs, all in playlists by genre, mostly Hip Hop, Reggae, Funk, and Soul. I also have a plethora of five-hour DJ mixtapes standing by for the long hauls.

What do you drive now?

I drive a 2003 Blue Mercedes C180 automatic. I live just outside of London and don't drive much so I don't need anything flashy for all those 'main street drive bys'. It was sold to me by a friend for cheap because he was moving to Germany. In Germany if you drive a Mercedes with a right-hand steering wheel you're basically insulting all the other drivers on the autobahn.