The Story of Monster Music: A Beacon for the Soundtrack of our Charleston Lives for Over 20 Years

By Mark A Leon

In the heart of West Ashley, South Carolina (Charleston), just across from Citadel Mall, sits Monster Music & Movies—a cornerstone of Charleston’s music culture for over two decades. Opened in 2004 during a period of declining CD sales, Monster Music defied the odds, thriving as vinyl made a dramatic comeback and music lovers sought a tangible connection to their favorite sounds.

A Legacy Born from a Passion for Music 

Galen Hudson, the store’s longtime manager and now owner, has steered Monster Music with a collector’s heart. Growing up a “record nerd” in Chapel Hill, Hudson’s lifelong passion for music led him from college jobs at record stores to managing several Cat’s Music locations in Charleston. When Manifest Discs & Tapes closed its Charleston branch, Hudson and his team rebranded it as Monster Music, cleverly reusing the old neon sign’s letters and giving the shop its now-iconic name.

A Hub for Collectors and Community

Monster Music isn’t just a store—it’s a gathering place for Charleston’s music enthusiasts. The shop’s aisles are lined with new releases, rare finds, and classic albums, drawing everyone from casual listeners to serious collectors. Events like the Charleston Record Expo, hosted by Hudson, bring together buyers, sellers, and DJs from across the Southeast, fueling the local vinyl culture and offering a space where stories and sounds are shared.

The store’s sub-culture is defined by discovery and nostalgia. Shoppers can browse for hours, flipping through crates, talking music, and reliving the warmth of analog sound. For many, it’s about more than just buying records—it’s about the hunt, the conversations, and the sense of community that only a brick-and-mortar shop can provide.

Impact on Charleston’s Music Scene

Monster Music has played a vital role in Charleston’s broader musical landscape. As one of the largest independent record stores in the Southeast, it has helped sustain the city’s love for physical media, supporting local artists and hosting events that spotlight regional talent. Its presence has anchored West Ashley as a destination for music lovers and contributed to Charleston’s reputation as a vibrant, eclectic music city.

If you are fortunate to catch a live in-store performance, it is an expressive sense of community love.

For twenty years, Monster Music has been more than a retail space—it’s been a cultural touchstone, a sanctuary for music lovers, and a driving force in Charleston’s ever-evolving soundscape.

Follow the musical journey on Instagram.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Photo Credit: Monster Music