Celebrating Three Decades of Musical Freedom: Freerange Records
Photo credit: Freerange Records – Official
Freerange Records stands as a vibrant testament to artistic freedom and community-building in the realm of house music. Founded in 1996 by Jimpster and Tom Roberts, the independent label has navigated three decades while curating a diverse catalog that encompasses soulful house, jazz, disco, broken beat, and minimalist club music. This expansive approach has set Freerange apart, allowing it to evolve beyond a single sound and become a beacon for creativity and innovation.
The label is currently marking its 30th anniversary with ‘30 Years Of Freerange’, a special collection featuring 30 new tracks from 30 artists across five EPs. This project distinguishes itself from traditional retrospectives by bridging the gap between established artists and the new generation, crafting a narrative that doesn’t just look back but also paves the way for future explorations in sound.
EG: Hi, guys! It’s a pleasure to have you with us. How has life at Freerange been leading up to this milestone celebration?
Freerange Records: Thanks for having us! It’s been a whirlwind. Every time we check something off our anniversary list, several more tasks spring up. Preparing for thirty years required more than just a simple release; we took stock of our accumulated history — from old artwork to various emails. This reflection has been emotional, reminding us of the relationships that are central to Freerange. Each artist we’ve worked with, whether they’ve been with us for decades or just once, has added to the narrative.
While we appreciate this milestone, we’re not losing sight of the present. Demos still flood in weekly, mixes arrive at the last minute, and we remain involved in all the usual hustle of planning and promoting releases. Honestly, turning thirty offers a moment to pause but doesn’t change our routine. We feel fortunate to continue this journey in music.
EG: Congratulations on ‘30 Years Of Freerange’. Three decades is no small feat! What does this anniversary mean to you personally?
Freerange Records: Thank you. Saying “thirty years” is surreal. When we founded Freerange, we didn’t plan for longevity; we just wanted to create a space for music we loved and connect with others. The real significance of this milestone isn’t in the number but in the continuity of our involvement in a thriving culture. House music constantly evolves, and to remain a part of that dialogue feels incredibly rewarding.
Freerange has unintentionally become a timeline of my life. Each record links back to specific locations, studios, and periods of my life. It’s like a musical diary chronicling my journey through sound.
EG: Instead of a conventional retrospective, why opt for 30 brand-new tracks to mark this milestone?
Freerange Records: There was no real debate about this choice. A retrospective crossed our minds, but it didn’t excite us. Dance music is healthiest when it moves forward. While respecting the past is crucial, nostalgia shouldn’t be the end goal. Commissioning thirty new tracks felt truer to Freerange’s spirit, focusing on what we can create rather than what has already been done. Ideally, in twenty years, these tracks will still resonate without the anniversary’s context being necessary.
EG: The project blends long-time artists with newer names. How did you strike that balance when curating the compilation?
Freerange Records: My approach to A&R has always been instinctive rather than strategic. We knew we wanted contributions from key artists who represent different chapters of Freerange, like Manuel Tur, Andre Lodemann, and Dam Swindle. However, we also needed to highlight emerging talent, like Blue Method and Coflo. For Freerange to stay relevant, these younger voices must coexist with long-time collaborators. At the core, a good record transcends age and social media following; it simply needs to resonate.
“Maybe it’s warmth. Maybe it’s humanity. Maybe it’s simply music made with love and passion rather than calculation”
EG: What inspired the launch of Freerange nearly thirty years ago? Was there a gap you aimed to fill?
Freerange Records: At the time, Tom and I had just finished college, surrounded by a vibrant club scene and inspired by labels with distinct identities like Mo Wax and Ninja Tune. Those labels influenced us deeply, leading to the concept of Freerange — a space for artists to express themselves freely, without fitting them into a strict genre. Remarkably, we’ve remained true to that core intent, with our music shifting organically while our foundational philosophy has stayed intact.
EG: Freerange is known for its consistency over the years. How would you describe its identity today, and what has kept it relevant across generations?
Freerange Records: People often refer to a “recognizable sound” at Freerange, but I see it more as a sensibility. Our catalog doesn’t necessarily sound alike. It reflects a warm, human touch that often comes from passion rather than pure calculation. We haven’t chased trends; our approach has allowed our catalog to remain timeless, appealing to audiences who value substance and artistic integrity over the latest fads.
EG: How has your A&R approach evolved, and what makes a record feel like a Freerange release?
Freerange Records: The practicalities have changed significantly. Twenty years ago, we received a few demos weekly; now it’s often hundreds. The challenge lies in making time to properly listen. First impressions can be deceptive; some tracks may grab you immediately, while others unfold over time. A Freerange record captures that subtlety and depth, ensuring it resonates long after the first listen.
EG: How have technological shifts impacted running an independent label, especially the rise of streaming and AI?
Freerange Records: Every technological change presents opportunities and compromises. Digital distribution has democratized music, enabling artists to reach global audiences almost instantly. However, it has also contributed to a culture of abundance where individual releases can easily be overshadowed. We must navigate these realities while maintaining our creative integrity. If we began releasing music solely based on market performance rather than genuine passion, we’d lose sight of our purpose.
As for AI, I remain optimistic. I believe that fans will continue to seek authentic, human-made music imbued with unique imperfections and character.
“A good record doesn’t know how old its producer is or how many followers they have. It either moves you or it doesn’t, and that’s still the only thing that really matters”
EG: In a time when music often feels disposable, this anniversary culminates in a curated physical box set. Do you find that tangible releases hold more value today?
Freerange Records: Absolutely. While physical formats aren’t intrinsically better, they foster a different relationship with music. Buying a meticulously designed record encourages commitment; it’s about spending time with the release, understanding it more intimately. In a fast-paced digital age, thoughtfully curated objects resonate with listeners seeking meaning amid the noise.
EG: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists thinking about starting their own label? What excites you about the next chapter for Freerange?
Freerange Records: My best advice is to start a label out of passion, not obligation. Building an independent label requires relentless optimism and patience, not just commercial motivation. Focus on creating a platform for your taste and long-term artist relationships. It’s an incredibly rewarding journey.
As for the future, I’m invigorated by the same thrill that inspired me back in the ’90s — stumbling upon fresh sounds and artists that excite me. The emergence of new producers keeps the evolution of electronic music alive, ensuring that Freerange will continue to thrive with purpose. Our anniversary marks a moment of reflection but not a destination.
Freerange Records’ ‘30 Years Of Freerange Volume Three’ is out now. Stream and download your copy here.
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