Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Other Record Labels
MusicMusic CommentaryMusic Interviews

Other Record Labels

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

Play
Open in
  • 32 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

Episodes 32

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #463
    Tuesday · 21 min

    Do What Works For You!

    There's no single right way to run a record label. And sometimes, listening to too much advice—even from this podcast—can make you feel like you're doing everything wrong. In this episode of Other Record Labels, we're talking about the importance of finding your own way as a label owner, and why copying someone else's strategy isn't always the answer. Podcasts, books, and industry experts can provide incredible ideas and inspiration. But there's a downside: they can also convince you that you need to do everything you're hearing. ---- Presented by Squarespace - Use coupon code ORL10 to get 10% off your first record label website with Squarespace: www.otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace

  • #462
    October 5 · 54 min

    Fern Rose Records - (Record Label Interview)

    What does starting a record label actually look like? James Nixon is documenting the entire process. James is a pianist, working parent, and the founder of Fern Rose Records. What began with sharing piano ideas online eventually turned into a plan to record the music he plays for his family, press it to vinyl, and build an independent record label around it. In this episode, we talk about why he decided to start a label, building an audience by being genuinely useful, documenting the process publicly, turning followers into supporters, manufacturing vinyl, funding a first release, and figuring things out as you go. It’s a great look at what starting a small record label actually looks like when you’re right in the middle of doing it. Learn more about Fern Rose Records at fernroserecords.com. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace. Build a beautiful website for your record label, artist project, or creative business at otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace.

  • #461
    October 4 · 5 min

    A Message from Scott...

    There's still time to register! I'd love to have you join us! http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

  • #460
    September 29 · 18 min

    Quantity is More Important Than Quality

    What if releasing more music is actually more important than making every release perfect? In this episode, I make the case for quantity over quality—and why independent artists and record labels may need to rethink the traditional album cycle altogether. We’ll talk about release frequency, building a catalogue, perfectionism, streaming momentum, and why we’re probably not very good judges of which of our own songs are actually the “best.” This isn’t an argument for making bad music. It’s an argument for making more music, releasing more often, and giving yourself more chances to connect with listeners. Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - hellbendervinyl.com

  • #459
    September 22 · 59 min

    Poisoned Furrows Records - (Record Label Interview)

    Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://www.hellbendervinyl.com Poison Furrows is an underground label releasing black metal, dark folk, dark ambient, dungeon synth, and other music from the darker corners of independent music. In this conversation, we talk about building a label around personal taste, why physical formats still matter in niche music communities, and the different roles of cassettes, CDs, and vinyl. We also get into artist relationships, pressing records, finding new music, managing the cost and risk of physical releases, and why slowing down can sometimes be an important part of building a sustainable label.

  • #458
    September 15 · 20 min

    How to Reverse Engineer Music Promotion

    What if the best way to figure out how to promote music is to look at how you discover music yourself? -- PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL Vinyl pressing for independent artists and record labels. hellbendervinyl.com -- In this episode, I share a simple exercise for reverse engineering the last few records you discovered — and using those discoveries to rethink how you promote your own releases. We talk about the weird and unpredictable ways music finds us, why there probably isn’t one perfect marketing strategy, and why effective promotion is really a combination of low-stakes, mid-stakes and high-stakes actions happening at the same time. Instead of searching for the one big promotional win, maybe the goal is simply to give your music as many opportunities as possible to bump into the right people.

  • #457
    September 8 · 1 hr 2 min

    Temporal Drift - (Record Label Interview)

    This week I’m talking with Patrick McCarthy and Yosuke Kitazawa of Temporal Drift, celebrating five years of one of the most fascinating independent labels around. PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com We talk about building a two-person label, reissues vs. new music, licensing, release schedules, Hiroshi Yoshimura’s incredible Surround, Les Rallizes Dénudés, and how they’ve built a catalogue that can stretch from beautiful environmental ambient music all the way to abrasive Japanese psych and noise — and somehow still feel like the same label. And we try to tackle the interesting thought: Are we eventually going to run out of incredible forgotten records to rediscover? Check out Temporal Drift: http://temporaldrift.today -------- SIGN UP FOR LABELMATES FALL COHORT: http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

  • #455
    August 25 · 39 min

    25 Ways to Sell More Vinyl - (For the Love of Vinyl)

    25 Ways to Sell More Vinyl — Sponsored by Hellbender Vinyl Pressing vinyl is the exciting part. Selling every last copy? That can take a little more creativity. In this episode, I share 25 simple, unique ways to sell more vinyl—from hand-numbering and local variants to golden tickets, bundles, influencers, listening parties, and more. None of these ideas will sell 1,000 records overnight, but if each helps move just one or two extra copies, suddenly those boxes in your garage start disappearing. This episode is sponsored by Hellbender Vinyl, helping independent artists and record labels bring their releases to life on vinyl. www.hellbendervinyl.com

  • #454
    August 20 · 7 min

    Are Record Labels the Antidote to AI?

    What if record labels become more important in the age of AI—not less? In this bonus episode, I explore why trusted, human-curated indie labels could become a safe harbor for music fans in a world increasingly flooded with AI—and why now might be the perfect time to build yours. Learn more about Labelmates here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

  • #453
    August 19 · 1 hr 5 min

    Vinyl Junkies Interview: Building a Global Community Around Records

    What happens when you combine an enormous record collection, live radio, and the community of Twitch? In this episode, I sit down with Sam from Vinyl Junkies, the creator and host of a live vinyl stream that has grown into a remarkably active online community of music obsessives. PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com Sam broadcasts regularly from a collection of more than 13,000 records, describing Vinyl Junkies as “Social Radio”: no algorithms, just records, music discovery, and real-time conversation. We talk about Sam’s history as a record collector, how his collecting habits have evolved, and what inspired him to start broadcasting his records online. We also dig into why people keep showing up to listen together, what he has learned about the audience and community surrounding Vinyl Junkies, and why an old physical format seems to work so well on a platform like Twitch. STREAM VINYL JUNKIES: https://www.twitch.tv/vinyljunkies Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

  • #452
    August 11 · 31 min

    Test Pressings Explained - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)

    Before hundreds of copies of your record get pressed, there’s one very important step: the test pressing. PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com In this episode, Scott breaks down everything artists and indie labels need to know about test pressings — what they are, where they come from, when you receive them, what they cost, and most importantly, what you should actually be listening for. We’ll talk about how test pressings differ from the finished record, how to properly listen and approve them, what to do when something sounds wrong, and whether you really need test pressings in the first place. Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

  • #451
    August 4 · 23 min

    The 5 Pillars of Vinyl Records - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)

    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.

  • #450
    July 28 · 22 min

    5 Vinyl Mistakes Artists & Record Labels Make - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)

    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.

  • #449
    July 21 · 44 min

    What Makes a Great Record Store? - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)

    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.

  • #448
    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

  • #447
    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

  • #446
    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

  • #445
    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

  • #444
    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

Showing 1–20 of 32 episodes