As featured in The Statesman · Saturday, 22 April 2023 · Page 12 · View original →
Our Journey Through the Grooves: Celebrated by The Statesman
In the heart of Kolkata, a city with a rich musical tapestry, Calcutta Records has been making waves — not just among vinyl enthusiasts, but now, notably, within the prestigious columns of The Statesman. We're beyond excited to share that our story, "Reliving the Old World Charm with Vinyl Records," has been beautifully narrated by Shrestha Mukherjee in an article that takes you through the essence of our mission and the tactile joy of vinyl music.
The Vinyl Renaissance
The article illuminates the core of our passion: the unparalleled sound quality of vinyl records that digital music has struggled to replicate. In an era where the ease of streaming music is undeniable, Calcutta Records stands as a beacon for those who seek more than convenience in their musical experience.
Our collection — ranging from the timeless classics of Ron Goodwin, Dean Martin, Shirley Bassey, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Kenny Rogers to treasured Bollywood hits — is a testament to our dedication to reviving this rich auditory legacy.
Kolkata's Vinyl Culture
Kolkata's pivotal role in the vinyl records movement, as highlighted in the article, resonates deeply with us. With our city's history as a hub for music — housing renowned companies like HMV and Odeon — we take pride in curating our collection from this very epicenter.
Our journey has been one of discovery: unearthing treasures from old houses and forgotten corners, to bring back a piece of history into the hands of those who cherish it.
A Note from Our Founder, Avijit Sarkar
Our founder, Avijit Sarkar, shared his insights with The Statesman, reflecting on the global resurgence of vinyl records. His journey from a software entrepreneur to the heart and soul behind Calcutta Records is a narrative of passion turned into purpose.
"Currently, vinyl records are getting revived globally. A lot of people are going back to vinyl records instead of listening to music on different applications including YouTube, just to appreciate a finer quality of music. The live-streamed music we listen to on mobile phones or other devices has a very poor sound quality. But if one can afford to listen to vinyl records they will never go back to online music. Of course, it is quite easy for us to stream music on the internet, unlike vinyl records, which is a hassle. But vinyl records are a niche market. This market wants us to go through the hardship of listening to music and if one can afford to bear that for the sake of quality music then nothing is like that."
The Essence of Music
The article beautifully captures our mission: to reintroduce the physical album concept to music lovers. In Sarkar's words, vinyl records offer a richness and depth lost in digital formats. It's not just about listening to music — it's about experiencing it in its most authentic form, embracing the "hardship" of vinyl for the sake of unparalleled quality.
This ethos is what drives us every day, inviting enthusiasts to explore music with all their senses.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this wonderful feature in The Statesman, we're reminded of our journey's purpose and the community that supports us. This article isn't just our story — it's a call to music lovers to explore, experience, and cherish the beauty of music in its most tangible form.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let's keep the records spinning and the stories unfolding, one vinyl at a time.