Other Record Labels

Taking the Mystery out of Running a Record Label

A podcast for independent record labels with interviews from Sub Pop, Ghostly International, Mute Records, Jagjaguar, and more. Tips and advice for people starting and running a record label. http://www.otherrecordlabels.com

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439 episodes
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Episodes439

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Today · 23 min
The 5 Pillars of Vinyl Records
Why do people love vinyl? It's easy to point to the sound, the artwork, or the nostalgia—but those are really just symptoms of something much deeper. PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, we explore the five pillars of vinyl: Ritual, Preservation, Luxury, Intimacy, and Discovery. These five ideas help explain why records continue to captivate music fans in a streaming-first world—and why some vinyl releases become treasured keepsakes while others are quickly forgotten. Whether you're an artist, record label, collector, or simply curious about the resurgence of vinyl, this episode will change the way you think about making records people genuinely want to own. Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl If you want to create vinyl that connects with fans, it starts by understanding why they love it in the first place.
July 28 · 22 min
5 Vinyl Mistakes Artists & Record Labels Make
Pressing a vinyl record is one of the most exciting moments in releasing music—but it's also one of the easiest places to make expensive mistakes. ----more---- PRESENTED BY Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com ----more---- In this episode, Scott breaks down the five biggest mistakes he sees artists and indie record labels make when producing vinyl records. From underestimating timelines and ordering the wrong quantity to overlooking vinyl mastering and failing to create a release plan, these are the lessons that can save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration. Whether you're pressing your very first record or your fiftieth, this episode will help you make smarter decisions, create a better product, and give your release the best possible chance of selling out. ----more---- FREE VINYL GUIDE: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl ----more---- This episode is brought to you by Hellbender Vinyl. If you're ready to press your first record—or your fiftieth—Hellbender Vinyl makes the process simple. From choosing the right packaging and vinyl colors to navigating mastering, manufacturing, and delivery, their team helps artists and indie labels create records that fans will treasure. Whether you're pressing 100 copies or planning a much larger release, you'll get personal service, transparent communication, and exceptional quality every step of the way. Learn more and get a quote today at hellbendervinyl.com.
July 21 · 44 min
What Makes a Great Record Store?
What separates a good record store from one you can't stop thinking about? In this episode, I break down the ten things I believe every great record store has in common—from friendly staff and fair pricing to thoughtful displays, clear identity, and those little details that keep you coming back. Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://hellbendervinyl.com Whether you're a lifelong crate digger, opening your own shop, or simply love discovering music in person, these are the qualities that turn a store into a destination. Along the way, I share stories from some of my favorite record stores, why certain shops just feel different the moment you walk in, and how the best stores create an experience that goes far beyond selling vinyl.
July 14 · 1 hr 7 min
The New Vinyl Economy - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com In this episode, Scott sits down with Cory Giordano of Inner Ocean Records to explore what independent labels can learn from today's vinyl market. Together they discuss why records continue to thrive, why customers are buying more physical music than ever, and how running a record store has completely changed Cory's approach to running a record label. They dive into hype stickers, packaging, collectability, reissues, inventory strategy, long-tail sales, bundle economics, and why indie labels often make better vinyl releases than the major labels. They also tackle one of the biggest questions facing independent labels today: should you sell out quickly, or build a catalogue that continues selling for years? Download my FREE Toolkit for making vinyl records: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl
July 7 · 37 min
10 Reasons Why You Should Make Vinyl - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Vinyl isn't making a comeback anymore. It already came back. Welcome to the very first episode of our For the Love of Vinyl Summer Series—a nine-part deep dive into everything independent record labels need to know about making, selling, collecting, designing, and celebrating vinyl records. Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://www.hellbendervinyl.com In this opening episode, I make the case for why every indie label should seriously consider pressing vinyl. Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit - http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl
June 30 · 59 min
Sudden Quarterly - (Record Label Interview)
What happens when you build a record label around a single idea—and commit to it for years? This week I'm joined by Spencer Zahn, founder of Sudden Quarterly, one of the most thoughtfully designed new labels I've come across. 🚨 Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com Every year follows a different creative theme. Every release is visually connected. Every record is a brand-new collaboration between artists who have never made an album together before. We dive deep into why constraints can actually create more freedom, how Spencer plans years in advance, the challenge of balancing artistic vision with sustainability, and why he believes record labels should be experiences—not just distribution companies. SUDDEN QUARTERLY: https://suddenquarterly.com/ ----more---- **Use my Groover Promo Code to get 10% OFF your first campaign: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP at www.groover.co
June 23 · 14 min
You Are Halfway Through 2026!
We're officially halfway through 2026, and before you start planning the next release, stressing about Q4, or comparing yourself to other labels, let's take a moment to celebrate something far more important: You're still here. Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com In this episode, Scott reflects on the most admirable quality shared by the best independent labels and artists—not streams, sales, playlists, tours, or sold-out vinyl runs—but persistence. Drawing inspiration from recent guests including Kou Records, Alt Dub, Crestfallen, We All Speak In Poems, and others, this episode explores why the labels making the biggest impact aren't necessarily the biggest labels—they're the ones willing to keep showing up, taking risks, and committing to their vision year after year. The future of your label starts with what you do next. Our biggest discount ever is happening this week on The Record Label Academy - http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy
June 16 · 1 hr 9 min
Inertial Music - (Record Label Interview)
This week, Scott sits down with Enrico, founder of Inertial Music, an independent label based in Italy specializing in progressive metal, ambient, electronic, and atmospheric music. Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com In just two years, Enrico has built a catalog of physical releases, secured international distribution, and developed a reputation for thoughtful curation and transparency. http://inertial-music.com/ They discuss the realities of launching a label, balancing a full-time career while running a growing music business, the enduring importance of vinyl and CDs, and why physical media remains a powerful way to deepen the connection between artists and listeners. Get 10% OFF your first GROOVER campaign by using the code OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP -- otherrecordlabels.com/groover
June 9 · 24 min
The Simple System I Use for Every Release
There’s a lot to keep track of when you're releasing music. Release dates. ISRCs. Lyrics. Artwork. Press photos. Streaming links. Download links. Metadata. Songwriter information. And somehow, years later, you still need to find all of it again. In this episode, I share one of the most useful systems I've ever created for managing releases: Release Central. PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com Release Central is a simple Google Sheet that acts as a centralized home base for every album, EP, or single you release. It's where I keep all the important information related to a project—from metadata and promotional assets to release schedules and private links. I've used this system for years across my own releases and recently started teaching it to my Labelmates VIP coaching clients, who have found it incredibly helpful. Download your copy: 👉 otherrecordlabels.com/releasecentral In this episode, you'll learn: What Release Central is Why every artist and label should have one How centralized metadata can save you time and headaches What information to include in your document How I use it during release campaigns and years later How to collaborate with artists, managers, publicists, and other team members using a shared release document --- Check our Groover to help you promote your next release. http://otherrecordlabels.com/groover USE CODE: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP for 10% off your next campaign!
June 1 · 58 min
Interview with Groover founder Dorian Perron - (Industry Insights)
In this episode, Scott sits down with Groover co-founder Dorian Perron to discuss how artists and record labels can get their music heard in an increasingly crowded music landscape. Presented by: Hellbender Vinyl (www.hellbendervinyl.com They explore the evolution of playlist pitching, why streaming numbers have become such a powerful metric, the role of blogs and tastemakers today, and how Groover grew from a simple Google Form into one of the most widely used music promotion platforms for independent artists and labels. Dorian also shares practical advice on selecting the right curators, understanding rejection, positioning your music effectively, running successful Groover campaigns, and why many artists focus on the wrong metrics when promoting their releases. If you're an independent label owner, artist, or music marketer trying to get more traction for your releases, this conversation is packed with useful insights. Learn more about Groover and get 10% off your Groover credits using code OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP at: otherrecordlabels.com/groover Presented by: Hellbender Vinyl (www.hellbendervinyl.com
May 26 · 1 hr 44 min
Interview with Colemine Records - (PLAYBACK EPISODE)
PLAYBACK EPISODE! Let's revisit one of my favorite interviews of all time, Terry Cole of Colemine Records! Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com
May 19 · 38 min
10 Reasons Why You Should Do Vinyl...
In this episode, we explore 10 real reasons why indie artists and record labels should seriously consider pressing vinyl records — even in a world dominated by streaming. Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL www.hellbendervinyl.com From stronger profit margins and long-tail inventory to legitimacy, fandom, and discovering new audiences, vinyl continues to prove itself as more than nostalgia. Scott shares observations from record stores, indie labels, younger music fans, resale culture, and his own experiences releasing records independently. Why are teenagers lining up at 4am for Record Store Day? Why are used records suddenly worth real money again? And why does vinyl feel more culturally important now than it did 10 years ago? We are supported by Squarespace. Use the code ORL10 for 10% OFF your next website or domain at otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace
May 12 · 1 hr 3 min
The Big Dark Records - (Record Label Interview)
“DIY shouldn’t mean being ashamed of excellence.” In this episode, I sit down with the founders of http://hellbendervinyl.com We talk about the modern Seattle music scene, DIY culture, youth creativity, recording music with teenagers, physical media, and why “real life experiences” still matter in a hyper-online world. Check out The Big Dark Records - http://thebigdarkrecords.com Support provided by Squarespace - Get 10% OFF by using the code ORL10 at http://otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace
May 5 · 41 min
The Return of the CD
If you’re an artist or running a label, is CD actually the smartest physical format right now? If you’re a fan, is it worth collecting, or just nostalgia? We’re digging into the real pros and cons on both sides—no hype, no nostalgia bias. Because this isn’t just about a format… It’s about understanding where the next opportunity might be hiding. Get Books for Record Labels: http://otherrecordlabels.com/books Learn more about managing your label's royalties: http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels
April 28 · 1 hr 7 min
We All Speak in Poems - (Record Label Interview)
In this episode, I sit down with Brady (Alaskan Tapes), the artist and mind behind We All Speak In Poems—a project that exists somewhere between a label, a creative platform, and a philosophy. PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com We talk about the quiet power of ambient music, building a world around your art, and what it really means to create without chasing numbers. Brady shares how his journey evolved from early experimentation to a more intentional, emotionally-driven practice—and how that same mindset shapes the artists and releases he supports. This conversation goes deep into independence, creative identity, and the tension between art and algorithms. If you’re running a label, releasing music, or just trying to stay grounded in your creativity… this one’s for you. Supported by Infinite Catalog - http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels Learn more about We All Speak in Poems: http://weallspeakinpoems.com
April 21 · 22 min
How Great Record Labels Release New Music
Most music releases fail before they even come out. Not because the music isn’t good — but because there’s no real strategy behind it. Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com In this episode, I walk through 5 essential principles every artist should follow when preparing a new release. These are simple, practical shifts that turn scattered “drops” into focused campaigns that build real momentum over time. You’ll learn how to think beyond release day, create clarity around your music, and use each release to grow your audience and your catalog. If you want your next release to actually do something — start here. Special thanks to Infinite Catalog - www.infinitecatalog.com Grab more record label resources here: www.otherrecordlabels.com
April 14 · 58 min
Kou Records - (Record Label Interview)
“How you present something affects how you hear it.” Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbenderviny.com In this episode, I sit down with Charmaine and Randall of Kou Records — one of the most ambitious and creative indie labels I’ve come across — to break down their “cohort” model: multiple records released together as a unified body of work. We talk about: Why they reject genre, algorithms, and streaming-first thinking How they combine music + visual art into a single experience The philosophy behind releasing 4–5 records at once Why physical products matter more than ever in the age of AI and “content” How constraints (like recording an album in 4–5 days) actually unlock creativity This is a masterclass in thinking differently about what a record label can be — and why the future might belong to labels willing to take creative risks. Kou Records: www.KouRecords.com Proudly Supported by Infinite Catalog: www.infinitecatalog.com
April 7 · 19 min
Does Your Music Have to Be Good to Succeed?
Does the music you release actually need to be good? Not just “good enough.” Not just “interesting.” But truly great? PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com In this episode, we unpack a question that sits right at the heart of indie music—but often goes unspoken. If DIY culture is about freedom and expression, does quality even matter? Or are we sometimes hiding behind “lo-fi” and “experimental” as an excuse not to push ourselves? This is a challenging conversation—for you, and for me. We’ll explore: Whether indie labels should have standards (and how high they should be) Why great music is actually harder to find than you think How to curate your catalog with intention The role of taste, accountability, and creative pressure Practical ways to raise your bar as a label owner This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty. And asking yourself: are you doing your best work? Learn More at OtherRecordLabels.com Get Easy Royalty Management with Infinite Catalog - http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels
March 31 · 1 hr
Bar/None Records - (Record Label Interview)
What does it actually look like to take over a legendary indie label? In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Black, the new owner of Bar/None Records—a label with nearly 40 years of history and a roster that helped launch artists like They Might Be Giants and Yo La Tengo. PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels We talk about what it means to inherit a legacy, how to modernize an indie label without losing its identity, and the real, behind-the-scenes work of running a record label in 2026. This is a conversation about stewardship, taste, relationships, and the long game of building something that lasts. If you’re running (or dreaming of running) a record label, this episode is essential listening.
March 24 · 27 min
Social Media Observations for Record Labels
Social media feels like a necessary evil for most indie artists and label owners. You know you should be posting… but what’s actually working? What matters? And is any of it even worth your time? *PRESENTED BY LANDR* get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels In this episode, I’m not coming to you as an expert—I’m coming to you as someone figuring it out alongside you. I break down 5 things I’ve personally noticed about social media that have helped me make sense of it all—from short form vs long form, to why quantity might matter more than quality, to why curation could be the most important skill moving forward. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or just completely uninterested in playing the social media game… this episode is for you.