Other Record Labels

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

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

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

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.

Email marketing might be the most boring topic in the music industry… and also the most profitable. PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels In this episode, Scott breaks down why email lists remain the most powerful marketing tool for record labels and indie artists — even in a world obsessed with TikTok, reels, and algorithms. While platforms come and go, email has quietly remained the most reliable way to reach fans, sell records, and stay top of mind. Scott explains why email consistently outperforms social media in ROI and conversions, and walks through the five simple steps any label can use to start building an email list today. If you run a record label or release music as an independent artist, this might be the most important marketing strategy you're overlooking. Step 1. Gather Any Email Address You Have Step 2. Get New Emails Step 3. Get an Email Tool Step 4. Create an Email Schedule Step 5. Stay Consistent And Grow Slow ***Get FREE Email Marketing Resources at http://otherrecordlabels.com/emailmarketing

In this episode, I break down four deceptively simple rules inspired by Make Your Own Rules by Andrew Huang — rules that every creative entrepreneur, indie artist, and record label owner needs to understand: Do things you want to do Don’t do things you want to do Do things you don’t want to do Don’t do things you don’t want to do Confusing? Good. PRESENTED BY LANDR: landr.com/otherrecordlabels These four ideas will completely reshape how you prioritize your time, evaluate opportunities, set boundaries, and build something truly original. If you run a label, make records, or consider yourself DIY — this episode is about the daily decisions that quietly determine your long-term success. Book Recommends: http://otherrecordlabels.com/books

Why aren’t your records selling? This week, I’m breaking down five common reasons your CDs, tapes, vinyl (and even your streams) might be stuck… and what to do about it. ----Presented by LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels ---- No, I’m not promising you’ll magically sell out overnight. But I do believe in the compound effect: a bunch of small 1% improvements that add up—going from no sales → a few sales → more sales → “okay wait… this is working.” Everything in this episode comes from a mix of my own experience, the labels I’ve interviewed and learned from, and one underrated perspective: I’m also a buyer. I’m constantly checking out new music, adding albums to Apple Music, ordering on Bandcamp, digging through stores… and I can’t tell you how often a label makes it weirdly difficult to even listen to the music, let alone buy it. So here are the five reasons your records aren’t moving: You make it really hardIf people can’t instantly hear what you do and instantly find where to buy it, you’re losing them. Fast. You’re not asking (explicitly)Press is great—but are you actually selling to retailers, distros, and your buyer list? One post isn’t a campaign. Your package is unappealingArtwork, presentation, bundling, and the whole campaign vibe matter more than most labels want to admit. Your pricing structure is offToo high, too low, shipping friction, perceived value—pricing is psychology and math. Your music is bad (or not interesting yet)Sometimes it’s not ready. Sometimes it’s the wrong fit. Sometimes it’s “good” in the worst way: forgettable. Let’s talk about aiming for interesting. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this episode is meant to give you practical tweaks you can make immediately—without turning your label into some salesy corporate robot. Listen now and pick one change to implement this week.

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels Starting a record label is exciting—but sticking with it is where the real work begins. In Episode 8 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott focuses on one of the most important (and underrated) qualities of successful labels: consistency. Not hustle. Not volume. Not chasing trends—but showing up in a sustainable, repeatable way over time. This episode explores: Why consistency matters more than frequency Choosing a release cadence you can actually maintain The difference between full-length releases, singles, and supplemental content How the pipeline supports consistency and prevents burnout Why a label’s greatest asset is its catalog, not any single release How labels act as a bridge between artists and music fans Scott reframes the role of a record label as a long-term conduit—balancing the infinite appetite of music fans with the creative rhythms of artists—and explains how thoughtful consistency builds trust, momentum, and sustainability for everyone involved.

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels People love to say there’s no money in the music industry. And honestly? It can feel that way—especially when you’re just getting started. In Episode 6 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott tackles this myth head-on and shares what he’s seen firsthand after nearly a decade of working with independent labels across every genre imaginable. Not major labels. Not household names. Real, niche, often obscure labels that are quietly building sustainable, profitable businesses. This episode breaks down: Why some indie labels are thriving while others stay stuck The difference between struggling revenue streams and sustainable ones Traditional label income (streaming, physical sales, sync, merch) Why the healthiest labels rely on multiple revenue streams How predictable income and release cycles balance each other The power of creating one unique revenue stream no one else has Scott explains why diversification—not chasing trends—is what keeps labels alive long-term, and why many of the most inspiring labels succeed by combining music with something bigger: studios, stores, education, events, or entirely new ideas that only they could create.

One of the most intimidating questions new label owners face is: How do I actually find artists for my record label?And right behind it: How do I even approach an artist without feeling awkward or unqualified? PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels In Episode 4, Scott breaks this down in the most practical—and human—way possible. Instead of chasing hype or cold-pitching strangers, he explains why the healthiest labels grow slowly, organically, and through genuine relationships. This episode explores: Why most labels start with the founder’s own music or close community How to “expand your radius” from friends to friends-of-friends to wider scenes Matching your label’s stage with artists at the same point in their career Using Bandcamp as a powerful (and underused) artist discovery tool Why community matters more than connections The right mindset for approaching artists: being a fan first, always Scott shares real stories from his own label’s early days and explains why starting from authenticity—not opportunity—is the foundation of long-term trust, sustainable growth, and meaningful releases.

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels In Episode 2 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott dives into branding—specifically how to name your label, define your identity, and build a brand that actually connects with the right audience. If you’ve been stuck obsessing over the perfect label name, this episode is your permission slip to move on. Scott breaks down why your name won’t make or break your label, what does matter when choosing one, and how to avoid common mistakes that can slow you down before you even release music. This episode covers: Why most successful labels weren’t built on clever names—but clear identity Practical rules for choosing a label name (logos, domains, searchability, and social handles) How niche, taste, and curation form the real foundation of your brand Using genre, geography, format, and values to “dog-whistle” to your audience Translating your niche into visual branding, design, and consistency Branding isn’t just logos and colors—it’s the sum of your taste, your mission, and the community you’re building. When done right, someone should be able to spot one of your records from across the room and know it belongs to your label.

Why I’m Optimistic About The Music Industry Times are tough in the music industry—and there’s no point pretending otherwise. Streaming payouts are shrinking, costs are rising, the economy is squeezing fans, and AI plus the distraction economy are reshaping how people engage with music. In this episode of Other Record Labels, I acknowledge the very real challenges indie labels and musicians are facing right now—and then I make the case for optimism. PRESENTED BY LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels I share five reasons why, despite everything working against us, I genuinely believe the future still holds opportunity for independent artists and labels. From the quiet resurgence of physical media, to the power of human connection, to why your unique label path may actually be the solution—not the problem—this episode is about perspective, resilience, and rebellion. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, burned out, or close to giving up, this conversation is for you. Because even when it doesn’t make sense, we’re still here—and that matters. Sign up for Labelmates: http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

FOR THE LOVE OF VINYLPresented by A to Z Media (atozmedia.com) What makes a Christmas record timeless? Why do holiday albums outsell almost everything else on vinyl every December? And which Christmas records are actually worth owning? In this festive episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr is joined by Terry Cole of Colemine Records and Plaid Room Records (Loveland, Ohio) for a deep dive into the world of Christmas records. From Vince Guaraldi and Bing Crosby to Michael Bublé, Phil Spector, and soul Christmas classics, Scott and Terry unpack why holiday records remain one of the most powerful rituals in vinyl culture. They explore: Why Christmas records sell at a completely different scale than regular vinyl The best-selling Christmas albums of all time (and the surprises) Underrated holiday records every collector should know Original vs. traditional Christmas songs—and why originals are so hard to pull off Whether Christmas albums are a smart investment for indie artists and labels How record stores prepare all year for a few short weeks of holiday madness Along the way, you’ll hear personal favorites, controversial takes (yes, Wonderful Christmastime comes up), behind-the-scenes retail data, and why Christmas music might be the most “evergreen” genre of them all. Presented by A to Z Media — your go-to partner for custom vinyl pressing and physical media manufacturing. Learn more at atozmedia.com Order the new Cher Xmas Album here: plaidroomrecords.com