Colin and Robyn France
By Bec Pauley and Gavin Hard
It is often quoted that music is a universal language, and this is a sentiment that Colin and Robyn France wholeheartedly agree with. Uptown Music has been in operation for close to 30 years, providing people all over Australia with everything from baby harps to electric guitars. We recently caught up with Colin and Robyn to chat all things music and operating a longstanding local business.
What draws you to music?
Music is therapeutic and rejuvenating. Playing music takes you into another world and time just flies by when you’re playing.
Colin also uses his love of music to contribute to the local community. He taught music at St Joseph’s school for several years, starting their very first school band. He has also led the City of Albany Band as the Band Master for many years, leading the band to victory in the Queen’s Cup Brass Band Competition 12 times! In 2021 Colin was recognised for his contributions to the Albany community, winning Senior Community Citizen of the Year.
What is the most popular instrument sold at the shop?
Guitars have always been the biggest seller; popularity fluctuates between electric and acoustic. The trend is currently swinging back toward electric and bass guitars.
Ukulele had a resurgence a couple of years ago. Ukulele is now being taught at schools rather than recorders.
What instruments do you both play?
For Colin, it’s the brass instruments, his first instrument being a euphonium picked up at the age of 13. He can also play the drums and had great fun playing the drums in a dance band for 20 years.
Robyn is not so much into playing instruments these days, however has played the guitar, the keyboard and every parent’s favourite… the recorder!
Favourite instruments and songs?
Neither Colin nor Robyn can pick a favourite instrument, however they both know what they don’t like. For Robyn, it’s the bagpipes (although they are okay from a distance) and Colin doesn’t like to say as he doesn’t want to upset any existing or potential customers!
The same goes for songs, neither have an absolute favourite, however both are big fans of 70’s music, particularly Super Tramp, Electric Light Orchestra and Freddie Mercury.
You have both spent time in quite a few different places, what made you stay and run a business in Albany?
Albany is the best city, in the best state, in the best country in the world!
What is the best part of owning your own business?
The best part of running the business is meeting people from all over Australia. We want everyone to feel welcome here. It’s fantastic hearing people’s stories.
What changes have you seen over the three decades of running the business?
The introduction of GST has likely been the biggest change in our business in terms of having to adapt to a new system.
The digitisation of instruments has also been a big change. Digital musical instruments have created a lot more waste as these instruments can’t be repaired when broken, they need to be replaced. Once a customer had a digital keyboard that started playing itself and couldn’t be overridden!
What has been the biggest challenge of owning a business?
Starting a business without sufficient start-up funds has provided ongoing challenges over the course of owning the business.
Keeping a business running while overcoming significant personal obstacles has also been a huge challenge, of which Colin and Robyn have had their fair share. This has led Colin and Robyn to espouse the following sage advice to others;
Always have a backup plan and good support network. You never know what’s going to happen in life!
Finally, tell us your best music joke…
Customer: “I’ve come in to buy some picks”
Colin: “Ok, take your pick!”
Hmm perhaps Colin better stick to music….
Uptown Music
1 St Emilie Way, Albany WA
(08) 9842 3423