Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Milgrom.
Hi Sam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music has ruled my existence since my father bought me my first record player. He also inspired me to have an entrepreneurial spirit through his hard-work and dedication to his businesses. I started out as an aspiring musician, working in record stores and soaking up every bit of music knowledge I could. Eventually, I decided to open my own record shop, which grew from a tiny storefront into one of the highest-grossing independent stores in the U.S.
Later, I bought an old movie theatre and transformed it into a thriving live music venue. After selling everything and moving to Los Angeles, I opened a small music gallery in the Melrose shopping district in 1998.
That little shop evolved into something much bigger. After learning the art of custom framing, I moved the gallery to a larger space on the Sunset Strip near Guitar Center. Over the past two decades, we have moved twice into increasingly larger spaces. Now we are expanding once again, growing our gallery to include a dedicated exhibition space and a music bookstore to share our love of music with others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Staying the course hasn’t been easy, but our passion for what we do has powered us through every challenge. We’ve weathered the 2008 Financial Crisis, the Covid pandemic, and wildfires. What’s kept us going is our incredible gallery team, our shared positive attitude, and a deep determination to be the best gallery experience in Los Angeles. Persistence, passion, and a love for both music and art have fueled us through every twist and turn.
We’ve been impressed with Musichead Gallery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our gallery specializes in collectible music photography, showcasing images that capture legendary musicians and timeless moments in music history.
What sets us apart is a deeply rooted, encyclopedic knowledge of music across genres, paired with a curatorial eye that places emotional impact above all else. We represent a roster of exceptional music photographers whose work spans decades and styles, each capturing the soul of music history through their lens. Every aspect of the gallery experience, from our custom framing design to the carefully crafted atmosphere, reflects both a fan’s passion and an artist’s touch.
One thing I’m especially proud of is our psychedelic throwback logo, which came to me in a dream back in 2000. It has become a defining part of our identity, and it always makes us proud when visitors to our gallery want to purchase our gallery merch.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, we see music photography gaining even more traction in the world of fine art. With vinyl making a major comeback and music fans craving tangible experiences, there is a growing desire to own physical pieces of music history, especially those that capture the spirit and soul of the artists we love. We expect to see more crossover between music, art, fashion, and interior design, with music photography playing a starring role in cultural spaces and personal collections. The Art Basel UBS report for 2024 confirms works on paper and prints are gaining popularity, with more collectors embracing these mediums. This shift reflects a growing demand for more accessible art forms in the market, which will likely include music photography as a key player in the evolving landscape of art collecting.
Pricing:
- Open editions prints: starting around $300–$500
- Signed limited edition fine art prints: typically range from $600 to $6,000
- Museum-quality prints: range up to $5,000+, depending on size, rarity, and photographer
- Custom framing services available for collectors who want to personalize their pieces
Contact Info:
- Website: https://musichead.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicheadgallery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicheadGallery/
Image Credits
Copyright Nils Timm Visuals
