‘It’s all about giving back’: Dunstable’s beloved music shop Octave celebrates 40 years in business
For four decades, one shop on Dunstable’s high street has been a constant source of music and excitement, and this month, it’s celebrating a huge milestone.
Octave Music, at 62 High Street North, opened its doors on February 1, 1986, by then-owner Barrie Freeman.
It has seen some changes and has adapted through recessions, changing music trends and Covid, shifting focus from keyboards to guitars, and embracing social media.
Throughout it all, it has remained a cornerstone of the town’s grassroots music scene, offering everything from keyboard and repair services to tuition and community events.
And it has been a labour of love for the current owner, Russell Kelly. He first came to the shop as a teenager and was offered a job there at 16 in 1988.
He explained: “I wasn’t here in 1986 because I was 14, but when it first opened, I was a customer.
“I left school with nothing. I hated school. All I wanted was to do music. I was in here buying a keyboard, and Barried said, ‘Do you fancy working here?’”
After nine years shadowing Barrie, Russell took over the shop, with help from a silent partner, in 1997 – but was determined for Octave to stay the same.
The 56-year-old said: “I wanted to keep the name Octave. I didn’t want to change it to something silly. Barrie had a vision…that’s what I have tried to keep strong.”
For Octave, it is not just about selling guitars, keyboards or sheet music; it is about helping people use what they have bought.
He said: “If they buy an instrument, we want them to play it, not just gather dust. It’s tuition, service, repairs, the whole package.”
And with the shift from in-person to online sales, the shop is on hand to help with any issues musicians may have: “There are so many kids who bought instruments online, and they don’t work… they come in here.
“Social media is huge now… reach out and connect in different ways. You’ve got to move, change and adapt. Turn what may seem a negative – online shopping – into a positive.”
Making the store a safe and inviting space for everyone is very important to Russell: “We’re a community shop.
“Everybody is welcome in this shop, whatever genre of music.”
World Music Day is a staple for the shop, with the council granting a special license for artists to perform on the curbside.
He said: “Music is a universal language. I’ve had musicians from all over the world come in here and start jamming together.
“One guy said, ‘I drove through Dunstable and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw someone playing Slipknot outside here.’”
People are at the heart of the business, as is helping them, so Octave works closely with churches, charities and special schools to spread joy through music and fundraising.
Russell said: “We put on a showcase last December and raised £600 for Weatherfield Academy. Mark Webb presented Weatherfield with 12 ukuleles and an acoustic guitar donated.
“It’s all about giving back, isn’t it?”
To mark the huge milestone, the shop plans year-long celebrations with merchandise available, prize giveaways and more community events.
Russell sent a message to all those who have been to Octave over the years: “Without customers, we’re nothing. It’s just a thank you, really, thank you for supporting us… hopefully we can keep on going, raising more money for charity.”