April 22 marked the 10^th anniversary of Record Store Day – a global event instrumental in fostering record culture the world over. It also unfolded a new chapter in India’s romance with vinyl.

The island city of Mumbai played host to the first ever Record Store Day in the country. The daylong celebration was supported by Title Waves – a bookstore in Bandra, Humming Tree in Bangalore, and Piano Man Jazz Club in Delhi.

As a build up to the main event, Radio Nasha played Bollywood records on air for week over a conversation with Manu Trivedi, a partner.

Gaurav Sharma, RJ Rohini, and Manu Trivedi in the Radio Nasha studio 

Jude de Souza, CEO and founder of The Revolver Club, got Hrishi K. of Radio One thinking how records will out last CDs. 

Hrishi K. and Jude de Souza in the Radio One studio

We, at The Revolver Club, couldn't have asked for more on this day. Seasoned collectors, beginners and the curious responded with great enthusiasm. The event was marked by music, conversations and of course, lots of records. Over 5000 of them sourced from across the world. New and some special early collectibles. We also received great support from Sony DADC who shipped over a 1000 titles in a very short notice.

Crate digging was an unusual sight in India. Until now.

Our guest – both old and young – rediscovered the joy of browsing through records of blues, jazz, rock n roll, country, electronic, Indian classical, Bollywood amongst others.

Visitors looking for their personal favourites

RJ Rohini finds what she’s looking for

The day kicked off with a talk on ‘The Advent of Recording in India’ by Dr Suresh Chandvankar – a notable archivist in the world of 78s. His talk shed light on some of the most fascinating facts hitherto unknown to most present at the venue. Sample this – Kesarbai Kelkar’s voice was etched on the Golden Disc that’s aboard Voyager – the first spacecraft waiting to be intercepted by intelligent lifeforms from undiscovered quadrants of interstellar space.

 
Dr Suresh Chandavankar on India’s role in the proliferation of record culture

Sunil Sampat – a jazz writer who has met legends like John Coltrane, Dizzy Gilespie, and Duke Elington amongst others – spoke on the passion that drives record collectors. He was joined by Eddie Tauro – a retired banker and an avid record collector, and Dr Chandavankar. They also touched upon how records have an appeal that goes well beyond its sonic superiority to digital sound. Mr. Sushil Anand, a seasoned audiophile, felt that good digital has come a long way too.

To the left (L-R): Dr Suresh Chandvankar, Sunil Sampat, Eddie Tauro, Sushil Anand

 
Visitors giving their two bits on vinyl enthusiasts’ pursuit of analogue sounds

It wasn’t all talk though. Vivek Joshi accopanied on Tabla by Asif Ali embellished the event with a moving Sarod recital. 

Vivek Joshi on sarod

This was followed by a live quiz by RJ Rohini, and Gaurav Sharma – the Chief Programming Officer of Radio Nasha. Both added notches to the celebrations with their wit, and knowledge on some of the most memorable Bollywood records.

 RJ Rohini and Gaurav Sharma of Radio Nasha 94.3

An impromptu performance by Debashsih Banerjee of Velvette Fogg – a beat band from 1970s – had everyone at the venue asking for more. Singer-songwriter duo, Tejas Menon and Mali, crooned songs from her five-track EP Rush. Ankur Tewari of Ankur & The Ghalat Family impressed everyone with his rendition of Hemant Kumar’s Yeh Nayan Dare Dare. He was soon joined by Somuik Sen – director of the film, Gulaab Gang.

Debashsish Banerjee of Velvette Fogg

Tejas Menon and Mali / Ankur Tewari and Soumik Sen

Of the many firsts on Record Store Day, the poster for the event took everyone by surprise. As opposed to the familiar themes followed by stores across the world, ours is rooted in both modernism and tradition and is unmistakebly Indian . The designer, Karen Vaswani, is a multifaceted creative visualiser who believes music transcends culture and brings people together.

The Revolver Club team and Radio Nasha unveils Karen Vaswani’s poster for the Record Store Day

The after-party at Bonobo was the much needed follow-up to a maddening day, with DJ Bjorn from Norway as the headline act. He had revellers grooving to disco and funk records. His set was followed by DJ Chabbs who played techno on vinyl late into the night. What’s more? Chris Walla, the former guitarist of Death Cab For A Cutie, showed up at our pop-up store at the pub!

Jude de Souza engaging visitors at the pop-up store in Bonobo

A panel of vinyl lovers describing their first record listening experience 
L-R: DJ M.Matt, DJ Bjorn, panel moderator, Manu Trivedi, DJ Chabbs

DJ Chabbs spinning records

Chris Walla with a copy of Codes and Keys - the DCFAC album he produced

Going by the sheer enthusiasm exuded by music lovers who chose to spend time and money on records, it can be foretold that the next leg of Record Store Day will be nothing short of spectacular. And The Revolver Club will be ready as ever to bring to you the best from the world of records! 

A limited run of the Record Store Day poster can be purchased on our website, or at the store. To get the poster delivered to you, click here.