The Rise of the MLK Music Mall: Harmonizing Portland's Vibrant Music Scene

In the heart of Northeast Portland, a musical transformation is unfolding. The long-standing drum shop, Rhythm Traders, has opened its doors to two other music businesses, creating a hub of musical synergy known as the MLK Music Mall. This article delves into the story behind this collaborative venture, exploring how these businesses are navigating the challenges facing Portland's vibrant music community and their vision for the future.

Harmonizing Passions, Strengthening the Scene

Rhythm Traders: The Beating Heart of the Music Mall

Rhythm Traders, a drum shop that has been a fixture in Northeast Portland for over three decades, has recently welcomed two new additions to its building – Eastside Guitar Repair and Hank's Music Exchange. These businesses, previously located in Southeast Portland, have now joined forces to create the MLK Music Mall, a one-stop destination for music enthusiasts.The owners of these businesses, Hank Failing and Ryan Lynn, have long been integral parts of the local music community. Failing, the owner of Hank's Music Exchange, emphasizes the complementary nature of their offerings, stating, "Each one of us occupies kind of a different theme in the music community. We all benefit from each other being together just because each one of us really loves what we're doing and have done it for a really long time."This collaborative approach has proven beneficial for both Failing and Lynn. During the pandemic, Lynn agreed to share his Southeast Portland shop with Failing, an arrangement that fostered a mutually beneficial relationship. "In short, two-and-a-half years that he's been open, he's become an intricate part of the local music scene as the go-to shop in town for affordable music gear," said Lynn.

Weathering the Storm: Challenges Facing Portland's Music Scene

The decision to consolidate their businesses under one roof was driven by the changing landscape of Portland's music industry. The building that Lynn and Failing were operating out of in Southeast Portland was sold to a new landlord who wanted to raise the rent, forcing them to seek a new home.This challenge is not unique to these businesses; the Portland music scene has faced a multitude of threats, including the proposed new Live Nation venue, rising rents, and the impact of inflation. Lynn acknowledges these challenges, stating, "For the 24 years that I've lived here, I've seen it kind of ebb and flow, and I've worked on everybody from beginners to rock stars coming in the door. I've been on tour with bands on the road. I see things that kind of threaten the scene here a little bit."However, despite these obstacles, the owners of the MLK Music Mall remain optimistic about the future of Portland's music community. "But I would say that we will get past this and we'll be just fine," Lynn asserts, reflecting the resilience and determination that have long defined the city's musical landscape.

Cultivating a Collaborative Ecosystem

The creation of the MLK Music Mall is more than just a practical solution to the challenges facing these businesses; it represents a strategic move to strengthen the local music scene. By bringing together complementary businesses under one roof, the owners aim to create a collaborative ecosystem that benefits both musicians and the broader community."The Portland music scene has just been really supportive of all of our businesses over the years. And we called it the 'Music Mall' and we wanted to open that up to other businesses that are nearby," said Lynn. "We kind of wanted to make this Northeast area, an area that serves the music community that people can go to."This vision of a centralized hub for music-related services and products aligns with the owners' desire to support and nurture the local music community. Failing echoes this sentiment, noting that the businesses within the MLK Music Mall "complement each other," creating a one-stop-shop for musicians of all kinds.

Embracing the Future: Adapting and Innovating

As the MLK Music Mall takes shape, the owners are not only focused on weathering the current challenges but also on embracing the future of the music industry. They recognize the need to adapt and innovate in order to remain relevant and serve the evolving needs of their customers."The Portland music scene has just been really supportive of all of our businesses over the years. And we called it the 'Music Mall' and we wanted to open that up to other businesses that are nearby," said Lynn. "We kind of wanted to make this Northeast area, an area that serves the music community that people can go to."This forward-thinking approach extends beyond the physical space of the MLK Music Mall. The owners are exploring ways to leverage technology and digital platforms to enhance the customer experience and reach a wider audience. By embracing innovation, they aim to ensure that the MLK Music Mall remains a vibrant and essential hub for Portland's music community, both now and in the years to come.As the MLK Music Mall takes shape, it stands as a testament to the resilience and collaborative spirit of Portland's music scene. Through the harmonious partnership of Rhythm Traders, Eastside Guitar Repair, and Hank's Music Exchange, a new era of musical synergy is emerging, one that promises to inspire and support the city's passionate community of musicians, artists, and music enthusiasts.