Friend Club Records

Music should be something you can hold.

Listening to music on your phone is so passive. It lacks object permanence. It lacks an artistic, free spirit. (I mean, you should definitely stream FCR bands, but let’s not stray from the true prize here).

At the risk of sounding like an old codger polishing his war medals on the front porch yelling at children, there used to be a time where going to a record store would be the highlight of your week. And no, it’s not lost on me that shopping for vinyl in person has become hip again. But now we have this wonderful thing called “technology” that you can use to order those products online instead of showering and getting dressed to go out in public for more than just Wendy’s. Regardless, music should be something you can hold…like, in your hands.

Don’t you want to feel the rush of getting a package delivered and tearing through the cardboard to find that hidden gem of a cassette or vinyl? Don’t you want to admire the handcrafted artwork and meticulously worded inserts? Don’t you want to pop that bad boy into your Sony Walkman or U-Turn Orbit Custom and hear those warm, nostalgic emo sounds rush over you like a cool Summer breeze?

Then you need to check out Friend Club Records. A one of a kind, DIY record label run by Rob, Jamie, and Rhys churning out emo bangers-as the kids would say-and providing you the aforementioned experience on a regular basis.

Don’t settle for passive listening. Be active.

(text by Taylin Wills)

Submissions can be made to: submissions@friendclubrecords.com

MEET THE CREW:

Rob Froese

Our fearless leader, Rob, is the label dad who will respect your pronouns. Residing in beautifully snowy Buffalo, NY, he takes care of operations, finances, and general panic. He’s a father, husband, hockey player, and avid collector of cassettes and vinyl. A few of his favorite bands include Brandtson, Sigur Ros, and Engine Down.

“Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans.”

Rhys Meatyard

Rhys is definitely the most creative person on the label team. Living in sunny St. Petersburg, FL, he is our resident creative director of all the artwork for branding, social media posts, album covers, and other layouts. Outside of FCR, he enjoys painting, reading, and watching old Star Trek reruns. Some of his favorite bands include New Order, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, and Slowdive.

“When you think about it, we are all different people, all through our lives and that’s okay, that’s good! You've gotta keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be.” -The Doctor