A chat with Paul Sharkey of Island Music
I was lucky enough to interview Paul Sharkey, who owns Island Music here in Jersey. Paul has been in to music for a long time and is now living his dream of owning his own music shop. I really wanted to know where the love of music started for Paul and how he came to own Island Music.
When Paul was 13 years old he was introduced to the music of the band Oasis. A friend of his had the band's album Definitely Maybe on cassette, and this really changed Paul's perception of music. Paul started collecting CD's and Paul Weller was the first in the collection. From there his music tastes grew and diversified and a passion for Northern Soul music blossomed. These genres really drew Paul to the Mod subculture. The music was one thing but the style was also very important. After all, who doesn't like a smart suit!
As you grow older your taste in music can change. But for Paul and many modernists, the culture and its music is not something you can step away from. Paul still listens to Paul Weller and can't get enough of his new albums. It's very hard for music artists to create new compositions, but Paul feels Weller manages to do this each time. He also enjoys artists such as Steve Craddock, who recently played in Jersey, and upcoming musicians such as Lucca Mae who Paul thinks could be the next big thing in soul music. Paul has seen many live bands but would still like to see Paul McCartney. Hopefully that happens one day soon.
For someone who loves music as much as Paul does, listening to music is one thing but performing is another. When Paul turned 15 years old he decided to take up the guitar. A friend showed him the chords, and soon after he started playing in bands. His first gig was at the 'Battle Of The Bands' which is a competition held in Jersey. Since then Paul has always been in bands and is currently putting a new band together called the 'Soul Hawks'. The band will play a mix of Northern Soul and Motown, which will definitely get everyone up on the dance floor. The band will start rehearsing in September.
When Paul turned 40 he found himself at a crossroads. After years working at Jersey Telecom, he chose to leave his comfort zone and follow a long held passion: music. In July 2023, Paul bought Island Music from its founder, Jonathan Scriven, who ran the shop for 33 years. The opportunity was there and Paul decided to do something he loves. The business has continued to thrive with new customers of all ages appearing every week. Paul told me that he gets a real buzz for helping clients, especially the younger generation as their music taste is surprisingly broad. Lots of the young customers enjoy playing the likes of Pink Floyd, a contrast to the house and garage music that dominates popular playlists.
Owning Island Music has allowed Paul to organise live events, hosting artists such as Steve Craddock and The Bluetones and more acts including Lucca Mae, Steve Pilgrim and Bruce Foxton are due to play later this year. Paul thinks Lucca Mae is one to watch, as she could be the start of another Mod Revival. He invests a lot of time and energy in these shows purely for the love of music and the sense of community they create. Who knows, Paul Weller may yet appear in the near future...
I have talked a lot about Paul's love for music and his career change to becoming a music shop owner, but lots of you don't know that Paul is also a scooterist here in Jersey. Like many of his generation, Quadrophenia left a lasting mark, inspiring an interest in scooters and 1960s style that endured through adulthood. Although his mother wouldn't let him have a scooter as a teen, Paul bought a Vespa PX 125 in his 30's. He fixed the scooter up with mirrors and all the other mod accessories. Paul only had his Vespa for a year before upgrading to a Lambretta Li called 'Baby Blue' which he still has today. Paul also used to own a stunning Lambretta TV175 which took almost 4 years to build and now has a new home in the UK. However, 'Baby Blue' has recently been serviced and is ready for summer ride outs. As they say once a Mod always a Mod!
Lastly, I asked Paul which three artists he would invite to a dinner party past or present. Paul chose John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Paul Weller. Three figures who had a massive influence on modern British music.
Island Music's future looks bright with the addition of Fred Perry clothing from September. Who knows what ideas Paul may have in the pipeline.
I had a great chat with Paul and cannot thank him enough for spending time with me, and I hope you all enjoyed this write up. Make sure you get down to Island Music and immerse yourself in what Island Music has to offer.
