Archive

Aardvark Music and Culture celebrating 10 years

October 12, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Jasen Obermeyer

Aardvark Music and Culture, located at 229 Broadway, is celebrating 10 years of providing music lovers of all ages a chance to experience playing and listening to music in a relaxing, and unique way.

Aardvark is a six-studio, state-of-the-art music school. Music lessons range from guitar, drums, and bass, to violin and trumpet. Teachers are professional musicians and singer/songwriters, several involved with the Orangeville music community. The store offers a variety of musical instruments, books and accessories, primarily guitar, but also drums, keyboards, microphones and stands.

“One part of me is elated that we’ve lasted for a decade, another part of me is, ‘Oh my God, where did those ten years go?’” said owner Perry Joseph. “It was a fast ten years.”

He described the store’s existence as a “one brick at a time” process, “a slow, steady climb to finally being able to make a very modest living.”

He said when the store first opened he didn’t have a single student. “We had to build from absolute scratch.” Today, there are about 150 students who come every week. “It’s the cornerstone of the business.”

The store sells vinyl records and CDs, both vintage and new. Genres range from classic rock and metal, to punk, alternative, blues, reggae, and everything in between. Artists include the latest and greatest, local artists, as well as classics such as The Beatles, Bob Marley, and Led Zeppelin.

Whether you’re looking to remember a specific, unique point of time in your life, or to try something different and new, Aardvark has something for everyone.

Having been involved with music for over 40 years, Mr. Joseph has seen numerous changes in the industry, both front and centre, to the more behind the scenes. To the rise and fall of vinyl, cassettes, and CDs, to the Walkman and the iPod, and of course, the closure of Sam the Record Man and HMV. “Sometimes an individual can do what a corporation can’t.”

He explained the store is not all about the products, but the service, providing a quality, friendly atmosphere, understanding and caring for music. “You come in here, we are happy to see you.” A rhythm guitarist/vocalist, Mr. Joseph plays mainly with The Houseplants and Jason Wilson and the Perennials.

He fondly remembers hosting concerts in the original location down the street at 169 Broadway, including The Weather Station, Kevin Bright, and a three-band night with We Are The City, The Liptonians, and Aidan Knight. “It was amazing.”

Mr. Joseph said he is proud of keeping the store going, attributing its success through word of mouth, lessons, friendly service, and social media. “We’ve really put in a big effort in the last two years to improve our social media visibility.”

Even if someone just wants to relax, doors are open for anyone. “There’s some people who come here just to sit on that couch for 15 minutes when life gets a little rough.”

Mr. Joseph thanks family and friends who have been involved with keeping the place going, “without whom there would be no Aardvark.”

Readers Comments (0)