ABOUT US

In an age dominated by digital music streaming and instant downloads, one might have expected the humble vinyl LP record to fade into oblivion. However, much to the surprise of music enthusiasts and industry experts alike, vinyl records have experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years.

The allure of vinyl lies in its tangible and immersive experience. From the moment the needle touches the grooves, there's a warmth and depth to the sound that is unmatched by its digital counterparts. Audiophiles appreciate the rich and warm analog tones, dynamic range, and the subtle pops and crackles that add a touch of nostalgia. Vinyl records offer a physical connection to music, inviting listeners to actively engage with the medium, flipping the record and carefully placing the needle. They represent a return to a simpler time, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when music was a tangible treasure. Beyond the superior audio quality, vinyl has also become a popular collector's item. Limited editions, special colored vinyl, and exclusive album art have transformed LPs into works of art. Many music lovers have rediscovered the joy of browsing through record stores, exploring stacks of albums and uncovering hidden gems.

Record stores have played a pivotal role in the resurgence of vinyl. These brick-and-mortar establishments have become community hubs where music enthusiasts gather, exchange recommendations, and attend live performances. Record Store Day, an annual event celebrating the spirit of independent record stores since 2008, has further fuelled the vinyl revival by offering exclusive releases and promoting the vibrant culture surrounding vinyl records. As technology continues to advance, the vinyl renaissance reminds us of the enduring appeal of analog formats and the profound impact music can have on our senses and emotions.

Free School Street Records (FSSR) is an independent record label formed in 2021 and is based out of Kolkata, India. Our prime focus is on rock, blues, jazz and folk genres and we are an integral part of resurgence of vinyl culture in India. Our expertise lies in digging out rare musical gems from various genres and then releasing them mainly on deluxe limited edition vinyl and at times, CDs. Our founders are two avid record collectors and concert goers from Kolkata, India, Aveek Chatterjee and Rajiv Pandey (now based out of Dallas, Texas, USA).  They roped in Manu Trivedi as their third partner and formed Free School Street Records. Despite the pressure of their respective corporate jobs, this record label has become their passion project. With such passion and knowledge from years of listening to music and watching live concerts across the world and collecting records, thus far, they have successfully released 7 albums on limited edition vinyl and 2 albums on limited edition CD which are at par with the releases by international record labels. 

Our goal is to release the albums as a complete package – our releases are conversation pieces just like a coffee table book that a listener can not only enjoy listening to but also get additional context that can enhance the experience such as inserts with history, rare photos, interviews etc. We curate our vinyl releases carefully with high quality audio mastering and high-resolution artwork design, with attention to details for faithful restoration. All our vinyl releases are pressed at leading pressing plants on high quality vinyl. We are constantly working with various bands/artists and major record labels to bring great albums on limited edition vinyl and CD in the near future. Stay tuned for more details!