Middlesbrough’s newest independent trader is using the power of music to change lives.
Picks & Sticks, which has just opened in the Dundas Indoor Market, combines Aaron Mockett’s passion for music and his skills as an engineer.
He worked in that role for 10 years but said he eventually had enough: “I thought it’s time to do something for me now and I think more and more people are thinking that way.”
Through Picks & Sticks he is on a mission to support and promote Teesside’s musicians and build a business based on his love and knowledge of music.
Aaron’s dad was a professional musician and the 32-year-old plays a number of instruments and performs alongside his brother.
He sells guitars, basses, drums and keyboards, provides repairs and encourages people to bring in their instruments to ensure they are properly set up. “It’s all about the personal touch and we can make you sound ten times better,” said Aaron. His artist sister customises instruments so they will look better as well. “People love playing music. So, with a bit of help, why can’t they make a career out of what they love doing?”
At the start of March the dad-of-two moved his nine guitars, two basses and three drum kits from home into a unit at the Dundas Indoor Market. “It’s a great starting point for a small business because you don’t want to go into a massive place on the High Street – for example – and pay a fortune in bills,” he said. The market offers new traders an all-inclusive set price to cover rent, rates, utilities and the internet.
Although Aaron’s main focus is on building his business and supporting local musicians, he is also busy – alongside his family and friends – in organising the first of a series of fundraisers for local charities. Music Innovation (MI) is taking place at The Chapel at Whitehouse Street on 10 May, raising money for Teesside Hospice. “It’s close to my heart. Not just mine, but several of the people in our group. We’ve all had someone there at one stage in our lives,” he said.
Eventually Aaron plans to help the next generation discover a love of music by providing refurbished guitars for local schools and he is happy to accept donations now.
“When I was a kid I picked up guitars, they were really bad and never in tune,” he said. “If a kid picks up a guitar we’ve worked on it’s going to feel good, all the strings will be there and electrics are going to work.”
He hopes it will persuade young people to put down their phones, make some music and be creative.
Meanwhile, plans – involving Picks & Sticks – are well under way for a day of live music in the Dundas Shopping Centre. The second Promoting Local gig, featuring some of the best local talent, is taking place on Saturday 26 April.
You can find out more about Picks & Sticks and Music Innovation on Facebook and Instagram.