Round Hill Music Co. is more than a record shop—it’s a hybrid space where vinyl, guitars, and live music come together. Step inside and you’ll find a stage tucked among rows of electric and acoustic guitars, blending classic hits with a modern vibe. “We’re not just a store; we’re a place where music lovers of all kinds can feel at home,” says founder Josh Gruss.
Round Hill Music Co., which opened on May 17, began when Gruss had a realization: the record shopping experience was gone, and it’s sorely missed. In an era in which most people download their music from digital platforms, Gruss noticed a pattern. Looking out across the street, he says he saw teenagers shopping at Brandy Melville and asked himself where they can go to buy physical copies of albums, such as a Taylor Swift record. That’s when he said he knew he wanted to bring something new to Greenwich. He wanted to create a space where music in all its forms can be explored, experienced, and enjoyed once again.
The purpose and vision he has in mind for the store now is to create an immersive environment in which people can come together to enjoy music. “I think it’s unique and fun to combine a guitar store with a record store, giving people two great activities in one place,” says Gruss. From curated record bins, guitar brands, and live in-store performances, every detail is designed to enhance a customer’s experience at the store.
Gruss himself is a musician and picked up his first guitar at age 12. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music and for many years performed in bands such as Rubikon while touring with acts like Buckcherry, Collective Soul, and The Cult. “I also play with Kaintuck, a local cover band that keeps me connected to the community and live performance scene,” he says.
Filling a Local Void in Greenwich
When Gruss moved to Greenwich in 2019, he noticed the town didn’t have a proper music store. “While the community is vibrant with musicians and music lovers—especially with iconic venues like The Capitol Theatre just next door in Port Chester—Greenwich has gone years without a music store offering vinyl. It also has been missing a dedicated guitar shop that caters to players looking for high-end and boutique brands,” he notes.
Given how close Greenwich is to Westchester, several of the managers and associates were born and raised in Westchester, bringing that connection to the area. “Both Joe [Nardi], our guitar sales manager, and I have been active in the local Westchester music scene for years, playing in various bands and staying closely connected to the community through music. It’s a big part of what drives the passion behind what we do at Round Hill,” Gruss says.
Creating a Community Hub for Music Lovers
Round Hill Music Co. creates an immersive and interactive environment by allowing customers to listen to records as they browse, play guitars, or attend live performances in-store, as well as guitar clinics on the in-store stage. Most recently, guitar legend Mike Stern performed in-store—a sign of the caliber of experiences Round Hill cultivates. “It’s a space designed for hands-on experiences and real musical connections. Every detail is designed to reflect the passion and lifestyle of music lovers,” Gruss says.
Rob Farella, the store’s head of marketing, social media, and e-commerce, lived in Westchester for 30 years before moving to Stamford. Farella is an active figure in the local music scene and now helps lead the brand’s creative efforts. Aforementioned guitar sales manager Nardi is a lifelong Rye Brook resident.
As Round Hill Music Co. continues to immerse itself further in the community, it aims to forge partnerships with local businesses. Case in point: it has a collaboration with The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, through which it plans ticket giveaways and co-hosts events. The shop also has a content series called “Cars N’ Guitars” with Carriage House Motor Cars, a local vintage and boutique car showroom. Additionally, the store features local creativity, such as denim jackets inspired by classic albums and artwork from the nearby Samuel Owen Gallery.
With a curated shopping experience in the store and an expanding presence throughout the community, Round Hill Music Co. reimagines the future of music retail by creating a space where music, culture, and connections come together.
Round Hill Music Co.
398 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT
475.328.2298
Website
Related: Here’s Your Ultimate Shopping Guide to Westchester County
