Andy Carthy (aka Mr Scruff) has a record shop. And a new compilation. That's just for starters, before you even get on to the mix album and his ongoing work on a fourth artist album for Ninja, the label he's called home for nigh on eight years.

This morning as he chats to Notion at his Stockport home, he's characteristically affable, and more than a little relaxed. First up - the shop. Voxpopmusic is something of an institution in Manchester since its inception in 1999, and Scruff clearly enjoys his role as new joint owner. But is there any truth to the rumour that the shop has the old Hacienda kitchen sink for sale? "Er, I'm not sure actually. We're getting loads of memorabilia and stuff, but that does seem a bit over the top. The Hacienda does do that to people though, I heard of a guy who bought the DJ booth even though he had nowhere to put it. Some of those collector types are beyond comprehension really!"

With an independent, specialist shop under his wing, how does he see the role of the big boys in relation to his outlet? "Well the big chains have to follow the market trends, and you have to remember the location of these shops is in the high street, so they're catering for a mainstream audience - a lot of the time for people with no particular interest in music, they just hear something on mainstream radio or see something on TV and go and buy it. They're like supermarkets, they have to make a lot of money and shift a large amount of a few titles. I think the vast majority of people buy music as a passing interest rather than an obsession, and when you're into "specialist" music you can't really complain about that. Something like Voxpop is catering for collector's records and specialist music, for people who are after something very specific."

When asked about his current projects, Andy modestly refers to "a few bits and bobs. I've got a forthcoming compilation coming out for the Big Chill, an unmixed set of relaxed Sunday morning music. I've got another volume of the Ninjatune Solid Steel mixes, and an artist album for Ninja that I’m halfway through. I've no idea when that’s going to be out, probably some time next year. I'm really enjoying working on that. It means there's a lot of planes to fit in, but hopefully none of them will crash to the ground before they're done."

That said there's not a deadline as such on the Scruff solo album. "It's nice to step out of it for a month or so at a time and concentrate on my DJing or work in the shop for a bit or do some radio or whatever. It's good; I'm dealing with the same thing but from a load of different angles. You never lose sight of it because you can always step back and see the bigger picture, then dive straight back in again and get stuck in. Being surrounded by a lot of likeminded people, you can still retain your enthusiasm and focus and enjoy all the different aspects of it as well, it means you're learning all the time."

Previously, Scruff albums have featured spectacular vocal talents such as Seaming To, but this time he's keeping his cards close to his chest. "I've been working with a few musicians and stuff like that. I'm kind of not sure yet though. It's not just about the artist but it's about whether those tracks sound good when they're finished. I have a sound in my head but then you wait until you get into the studio. It's great because I do have a lot of control over the music, obviously, but I really enjoy what other people bring to it as well. I really enjoy doing the DJing but it’s nice as well in the studio to kind of relax a bit and I like to say "well I want you to bring a bit of yourself into the studio and see how you interpret my ideas." Other people have stuff that I've never considered - a fresh talent."

Domestic bliss seems as much a part of Carthy's life as mixing down a track, however, as he admits that "if I'm not in the mood to go to the studio I'll just stay in and do the washing up or something, or maybe even go away for a few days, you know. It's a bit like rotating your crops, keeping everything fresh."

Artwork is a big part of the Mr Scruff package, and completes his seamless incorporation to the Ninja set-up. "It's something where I’m into it but I don’t particularly take it seriously, it’s not like I'd want to make a living out of it. I think people find it adds a bit of light-heartedness to things."

On Ninja's pioneering approach to artwork, he comments, "In audio visual stuff I guess they are the world leaders in VJing and stuff. I think often with matching music up to visuals it’s been a half-arsed thing, and Ninja have gone the whole hog and made it into an incredible experience, following through to the sleeve art and the videos. And Ninja of course started off with Coldcut, who I guess are a bit like older versions of me, sideways thinking, record collecting lunatics who like a joke! Having someone like that who's a kind of mentor, who runs the label, it's great because their whole ethos comes from experimenting but having fun at the same time, you know. I think as long as you know what you're doing and you've got some focus and you're not too precious about what you do then that inspires other people to do the same."

It's that refreshingly laidback yet clearly passionate approach that has made Mr Scruff many friends. It also means he’s open to new developments in the world of music, one of the newest being MySpace. "It's great for making contacts and hearing what other people have to offer. As far as making conversation goes it's a bit one-dimensional but it's also very liberating. There’s maybe some instances where people should do a little more at home before they post stuff up there, but then no-one's forced to listen to it. Often it's people just doing it for their mates. It's good for young, aspiring musicians. I mean, I grew up in Stockport where I knew two other people at school who were into hip hop. If I'd had something like MySpace I'd have been able to post stuff up there and say to people I admire, "I've just done this demo, you probably think it's rubbish but tell me what you think." It's not a life changing thing, but it's quite liberating."

And with that Carthy's off to get on with his Monday, having acquitted himself with an easy charm. It's going to be a busy summer for him - catch him at a festival or club if you can.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE SHOP ONLINE: WWW.VOXPOPMUSIC.COM LIVE DATES INCLUDE T IN THE PARK, LOVEBOX WEEKENDER, ACROSS THE TRACKS AND THE BIG CHILL FESTIVAL.

WORDS: BEN HOGWOOD