The Sound Issue 2016 Store Focus: Music Express

Music Express have been established and enthusiastic instrument slingers for more than 30 years. You don't get that kind of longevity from foisting old Fender knock-offs from one chump to the next. Joel Ralph, one of the Music Express team, says there's a reason musicians keep coming back year after year after decade.

"Music Express first opened its doors to the QLD music scene in 1990 by Tony Decaria who is still the owner to this day. Tony played guitar in many bands during the '60s and '70s - the most successful being Icebag Parties who played support gigs at Brisbane's famous Festival Hall.

"Fast forward to now," continues Ralph, "Hamish Carson is the General Manager and is steering the business into the future. As soon as he saw the Sweet Child O Mine video clip at age 13, that was it, it started a life long passion around guitars. Music Express has evolved a great deal, especially over the last three years with Hamish at the helm. They have grown in size with a massive selection of premium musical instrument brands across the two locations and in experience with Hamish tracking down some of the most seasoned music retail and QLD music scene rock'n'rollers.

"[It's] a great experience with awesome staff who have been there, done that and are still doing it because they are passionate about the music industry and being an active part of it. Our Access All Areas - Guitar Nights are also becoming a real hit."

From those first days Music Express has grown to encompass two stores, the Music Express Logan Road Store in Upper Mt Gravatt, and the new Music Express Westfield Garden City Recording and Digital Piano Store.

"The Logan Road store houses our brass, woodwind, strings and print department, as well as guitars and drums. Our new Garden City store is home to our digital piano, keyboard and recording department. The store has just been refurbished and relocated with an on-site recording studio."

So have tastes changed much in the last three decades?

"Guitars and drums are still leading the charge so the rock music scene is alive and well in Queensland. Also electronic kits and home studio gear is in high demand.

"Get something that inspires you to pick it up and play it every day!"