In late 1964, a young drummer named Art Risavy launched the business which would define his professional career. Swing City Music grew and evolved to become the go-to shopping and service destination for countless musicians in Illinois and beyond for six decades. Now a two-storefront operation, Risavy’s business remains an incubator for local musical talent, encouraging and supporting players from first-timers to seasoned pros.
Kayden Crews, Swing City Music’s chief marketing officer, recently chatted with MMR about the operation’s evolution and how the MI retailer will be marking its 60th anniversary with special events and sales throughout the year.
What inspired Art Sr. to found Swing City back in 1964?
The classic story is that Art Sr. went into a local music shop to get last-minute drumsticks before his gig. Senior forgot his wallet and asked the owner if he could come back after his gig to pay him back. The store owner said no, so Senior had to use chair legs on the gig, and from that day Art Sr.’s goal was to open a music shop that was player focused.
In those early days, can you describe the location in the Orchard Shopping store?
The place itself was nothing special. It was a little store in a strip mall, but it was perfect for the time. “It was the place to be,” Senior often recalls. Art would let bands start homegrown concerts in the parking lot, so his dream was quickly becoming a reality.
Again, back in the beginning, how many employees were there?
At first it was just Art Sr. And not only was he the only employee, but he was also the only drum teacher, so for a little bit times were definitely tough. But Senior always says that it was the best of times.
Although the first line for the store was Fender, was the focus initially heavily on drums and related gear, as that was Art Risavy’s personal passion?
Senior’s goal was to help any musician, and it still is. If he didn’t have it, he knew where to send you, or he would try his best to solve the problem at hand.
Can you walk me through the other locations throughout the years?
Swing City Music has had a total of six locations, not including the current Edwardsville location. Starting off at the Orchard Shopping Mall, he soon moved to an old TV Shop in 1972. It was four-to-five times larger than the previous and this was where the famous Golden Eagle Studios got its start. Senior recalls that this location was often open 24 hours to serve musicians at any time of the day. He then shortly moved to a location in St. Louis on Lindberg Ave. From there, he moved back to his roots in Collinsville and opened a location in an old tavern, where Art Sr. would expand his booking agency with over 300 bands booked across the States. This location is where he also provided a sound system to the Mississippi River Festival. Then the iconic Empire Bowl location opened in 1983 and Senior had to say goodbye in 2012 due to a fire in the store. When most think of Swing City Music, they tend to gravitate towards this store. This location is where Senior would open his jewelry store, “Florian’s Fine Jewelry.”
How about the 60th Anniversary year – How many employees are there today?
There are 12 employees at Swing City, all of whom are musicians except our head installer.
When did Swing City add lessons to the picture? How many teachers are there currently?
Lessons were always a part of the Swing City vision. It’s grown as the company has grown. Today we have lessons at both locations, Collinsville and Edwardsville, and we offer Zoom lessons as well. We currently have 11 teachers teaching a variety of instruments – band Instruments, guitar, piano, drums, and more.
How big of your overall business model is installations?
As with everything, we had to start somewhere. Since the pandemic we’ve really stepped up our installs and they’ve become a way bigger part of our day-to-day. We currently have two installation techs – a head installer and his assistant.
Do you offer repairs?
Repairs have also been a service that we’ve offered for a long time. We still do in-house repairs on guitars, band instruments, keyboards, live sound, and even Hammond Organ repairs for churches.
Does Swing City stock used and vintage gear?
Oh yes, that is the one thing that people say separates our store from the others. Our selection of used/vintage equipment is incredible. I’d say it’s a good 60/40 split in favor of the used the section. We have an entire back room filled with used sound equipment, reel-to-reels, and hundreds of used guitars and basses throughout the store.
Of the new lines you carry, what are our top sellers?
Our top sellers are Fender, Gibson, Taylor, and Rickenbacker.
What significant milestones stick out as being particularly meaningful for the development of the business?
Well, of course 60 years is mind-blowing to us. Unfortunately not many companies get to say they’ve been around for 60 years.
Did you attend the 2024 NAMM Show?
No, we haven’t gotten to go to NAMM for a while now.
Expectations and hopes for the coming months?
Big plans! We expect a lot. Our 60th is going to have lots of fun events, giveaways, and sales all year long. We’re trying to take Swing City back to the past.
