Sound retail successes
WHEN gigs were cancelled and live shows were off the cards during the pandemic, Cairns music shops were doing bumper business.
Both Music City on Sheridan Street and Buzz Music on Mulgrave Road were soon swamped with calls and orders from experienced and novice musos keen to flex their chops during lockdown.
“We immediately thought music shops would be busy,” Music City’s Katrina Humphrey said.
“People had decided to do something in isolation rather than just sit there. They pulled out their old guitars that had been sitting in the garage. We chalked up a lot of repairs.
“There were parents who wanted to entertain their kids and get them playing and a lot of people just decided to start playing.”
Buzz Music’s Leanne Harmer said her Earlville store had also been going strong during the lockdown.
“Sales have been going really well,” Ms Harmer said.
“I think a lot of people have found they had a lot of time on their hands and can’t get out and about.”
A surge in interest in ukuleles in the Far North was soon eclipsed by sales of instruments of all sizes.
Shipments of guitars and pianos have barely hit the back room at Buzz before being collected by families who have pre- ordered.
“Music is such an awesome thing, it keeps your brain active,” Ms Harmer said.
“Pianos have been going nuts and we just can’t keep up.”
The surge in demand has been compounded by factories shutting production during the COVID crisis.
“It has been challenging, but people have been really understanding,” Ms Harmer said.
“Parents have been buying for their kids and a lot of people in their 30s and 40s are buying instruments for themselves.”
There is reportedly nary a Maton guitar to be found in Cairns as the Victorian factory is temporarily closed, thanks to coronavirus.
The rise in video streaming by businesses during the pandemic also caused a rush on interfaces and microphones.
“They flew out the door,” Ms Harmer said.
She said novices and newcomers should not be shy to try their hands at music.
“Come in, we can talk through what you are looking for an what music you want to make. We also have a music school that can cater to shift workers,” Ms Harmer said.