Born in the winter of 2004 in Los Angeles, California on the University of Southern California campus, Troy Music is inspired by many of the great independent record stores. We stock everything -- from the most popular artists to the most obscure in all genres -- including jazz, international folk and popular music, roots music, classical music, all kinds of rock and soul music, just to name a few of the most common categories.

Our staff is an all-star team of music lovers who make music their lives in one way or another. Many are musicians themselves or working in the business and their collective depth of knowledge is virtually unparalleled in the business.

Troy Music started at a time when USC and the surrounding area were lacking a music store and huge chain stores were taking over smaller chains and independent stores, depriving many students of the opportunity to have a personal connection with their music retailers and a chance to find music other than what the major labels wanted them to see.

Since opening in USC Commons, it became amply apparent that the community greatly appreciates our style. We focus on customer service and the success of USC bands with a knowledgeable staff who understand how important our customers' relationship with their music is and how important get fledgling bands their start is.

Troy Music not only sells CDs but also sets up and helps set up concerts. It puts on bi-weekly shows at the 901 Club and allows a place for different organizations to come and book bands for shows. Funding for the 901 Club shows comes from investors and 901 Club because of the mutually beneficial business relationship the companies have with one another: cross-promotions, publicity, networking. Every spring, Troy Music puts on a two day event called Battle of Troy, where ten local bands, chosen from hundreds of submissions, compete the first day in front of record executives and students. The record executives choose five bands to play in McCarthy Quad. The second day students vote on their favorite band followed by a performance by a major artist. Our first Battle of Troy earned profits of more than $50,000.

Four students started with a dream. In the future, Troy Music will continue to expand and open new locations on surrounding college campuses.