Meet Rachel Gardner, a musician and owner of the record shop Musicology Co in Edmonds Washington. Rachel plays with bands in her community, volunteers with booking festivals and writes a monthly music scene article for the local publication. Musicology is a small record shop selling new and used vinyl, that also has a small stage for performances to support local artists in the community, along with a dedicated selling local artist’s music and merch.

When not at the shop or her 9-5 job, Rachel is playing bass guitar in a couple of bands and supporting live music.

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

I was born in a music store that my parents owned and spent my early years there. They sold it and focused on being full time musicians. I saw the life they need and the struggles and sacrifices that happen as you dedicate yourself to your art. I vowed to not follow in their footsteps. Instead I spent close to twenty years in corporate retail and chose to use that knowledge and experience to open my own shop. And yes, I did end up following the musical footsteps overall despite my best efforts to rebel.

What is a day in the life like?

Busy! I work full time to support the shop so I typically work my 9-5 and then head to the shop and do the last hour to close. I check in on my employees and inventory and do reorders, answer customer emails and voicemails and price and grade records. Get home in time to put in 30 minutes of practice on my bass and then try to get a little bit of sleep before I do it again. Weekends I am at the shop during the day and hopefully have gigs at night.

Favorite sale / relationship made from behind the counter?

We have a regular who has the most amazing stories of working for a record label in the early 70’s. He has become a good friend and has brought in relics from his past, I love hearing all the stories.

In your opinion what has been the coolest thing to come through your shop / thing you had to keep / almost couldn't put out for sale:

Oh wow, there have been a few Janis albums (one that did end up coming home with me). A full collection of Zeppelin, some really good Bowie, etc. A beautiful Miles Davis album is on the top shelf right now. Oh and an original pressing of Vitalogy in mint condition that was tempting. I feel like every week we are geeking out over some new find.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Not being able to be there all the time. I have some absolutely fantastic employees who do a wonderful job but I wish I could be there everyday alongside them.

What has been the craziest experience that has happened at the shop?

The bassist from the Steve Miller Band did a short set on our tiny stage and the place was packed shoulder to shoulder.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

Use your community as a resource, be willing to make deals for inventory and find your people and your passion to sustain you through the hard days.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

Excited to see so many artists releasing new vinyl. Things I’m worried about are if/when the interest in vinyl shifts and the very small margin on new vinyl which can be challenging for a small business.

Are you a vinyl collector yourself? What drew you to it?

Yes, have been a collector since I was old enough to put records on the player back in the early 80’s. I have always loved going to record shops, it is my favorite thing to do when visiting a new place.

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry? 

I have really had amazing support from women business leaders in my community. Local boutique owners (clothing, jewelry, vintage, etc) have come together to welcome me in and to support the concept. Also my mom who has her own record shop in the late 70’s and was one of the few female musicians back then to be an instrumentalist vs a vocalist. She is still writing music to this day and pushing boundaries.

Anything else you’d like to add; if not tell us what you're listening to:

I truly love all music, my favorite is when a local band has released their newest EP and they send me a link. Doesn’t matter if it’s punk or folk or you recorded out if your garage, I want to hear it.