The Ms.-Education of Musicology Co. in Edmonds

Musicology Co. isn't your run-of-the-mill record store. And the shop’s owner, Rachel Gardner, isn’t your run-of-the-mill hobby vinyl collector-turned-record-shop-owner. Music is in her blood. In fact, she spent her youth traveling with her musician parents and developed a passion for vinyl at an early age.

From there, Rachel’s passion grew into an obsession with all things music. She plays bass guitar in two bands and has cemented herself as a fixture in the downtown Edmonds music and arts scene as a writer, performer, and event volunteer. As the only woman to own a record shop in Snohomish County and only one of five in the entire state of Washington, she’s a fierce advocate for empowering women and underrepresented people in the vinyl industry and has an active role as a board member of a national powerhouse nonprofit called Women in Vinyl.

Oh, and did I mention Rachel was born in a music store? She literally came this world in the back of a music store and now owns one. It doesn’t get any more rock and roll than that!

Long before the turntable even scratched its first vinyl at Musicology Co.—which opened in 2024— Rachel envisioned her shop being more than just another place that buys and sells records. It’s a space for those who create, perform, and appreciate music. The shop is bright and inviting, with aesthetics that conjure thoughts of a 70’s gold-laden glam recording studio (think ABBA or BeeGees) with a hint of 90’s Seattle grunge (think Soundgarden or Pearl Jam) and a touch of modern boutique vibes.

Musicology Co. offers the perfect atmosphere for browsing the shop’s selection of new and used vinyl, CD’s, and cassettes that run the gamut of genres, ranging from rock to country to hip hop—and everything in between. The shop also runs a first-of-its-kind vinyl subscription service that focuses exclusively on Pacific Northwest artists. And if you’re lucky enough to visit Musicology Co. on a Saturday, you might find yourself flipping through vinyl amid a live music performance that takes place during the shop’s weekly Saturday Sessions.

Musicology Co. and the Edmonds Creative District are vibrant proof that Snohomish County supports the arts by ensuring that artists have an environment where their work is both celebrated and fairly compensated. Edmonds knows that music venues, record shops, artist supply stores, and galleries are more than just places for vibe checks— they attract real economic development and create communities of value, both for residents and visitors.

For those about to rock, we salute you!

Musicology Co.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 12-7
Sunday 12-5
Website: musicologyco.com
Follow Musicology Co. on Facebook and Instagram (@musicology_co_)