WE CAUGHT UP with the Charlatans Tim Burgess and put the Idler’s ten point questionnaire to him. Scroll down to see his entertaining answers.

TIM BURGESS was born in Salford in 1967 and has been lead singer and songwriter with the Charlatans for 25 years. The band emerged from the late 1980s Manchester baggy scene and have released eleven studio albums, three of which were number ones, alongside seventeen top 30 singles and three top 10 singles. Tim recently published his memoirs Telling Stories to critical acclaim. He has released two solo albums and recently moved back to the UK after a decade in LA. In 2011 he founded O’Genesis Records and has worked with numerous up and coming bands, producing and releasing their records. He has become a much-loved tweeter and is the proprietor of a virtual coffee shop Tim Peaks Diner that pops up at a number of summer music festivals. He is not in the least bit idle.

1. Are you happy? Just eaten some popcorn so yes, and now listening to mixes for forthcoming project with Peter Gordon. Only thing that could improve things just now would be slightly more popcorn.

2. What are you reading at the moment? Where The Heart Beats by Kay Larson.

 3 What was your worst job? You know what? I kinda found the less responsibility I had with a job the more I enjoyed it – first role was… mail delivery boy at ICI chemical works in Northwich. I used to ride my bike, throwing mail at people’s door while listening to music compilation tapes. I have been a brickie’s assistant and an office clerk and I enjoyed them all; I guess I am just a happy kind of guy. So if anyone needs any mail posting and has a bike I would willingly do it if I could bring my tapes.

4. How many hours do you work each day? I don’t put a timer on it – some of my job is to write songs and ideas don’t tend to clock in and out. I like a job you can do in the bath and on the bus. But outside of sleep there is always something going on – actually I have come up with songs while I am asleep – so let’s say 24 hours – am I entitled to overtime?

5. Town mouse or country mouse? Easy – town mouse living in the country

6. Does love bring happiness or misery? Depends on who you’re in love with but love is like an open door  – sometimes the wrong person can sneak in

7. Mp3 or vinyl, real or e book? Vinyl at home. Mp3 for travelling. Not got an ebook reader.

8. What are your three greatest pleasures? Playing with my son. Playing with my band. Halloumi.

9. Do you believe in the nap? I don’t personally, but I meditate twice a day. Meditation is like a nap without the snoring.  Meditating is a form of organized napping.

10. What advice do you have for young people? Depends how young? 0-6 just enjoy yourself. 6-18 make the most of it – there is seriousness on its way. 18 + get over yourself, you’re a grown up.

To read an extensive interview with Tim in Idler 47 click HERE to purchase a copy. Tim’s top music tips are in the latest issue of the magazine, subscribe HERE.