Other Record Labels

One of the biggest questions new label owners ask is: When can I officially launch my record label? Is it when you announce the name? Post a logo? Release your first record? PRESENTED BY LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels In Episode 3, Scott explains why the real answer has less to do with a launch date—and everything to do with what he calls the pipeline. This episode breaks down why a record label isn’t legitimate because of one release, but because of what comes next. Scott walks through how professional labels think months (and years) ahead, and why momentum, consistency, and planning are what separate sustainable labels from one-off projects. You’ll learn: What a “pipeline” actually is and why every label needs one before launching How far ahead your releases should realistically be planned A manageable release cadence for one-person and small labels How to stagger projects across 3, 6, and 12-month timelines Why pipelines build confidence with artists, press, and fans A strong pipeline keeps your label from stalling after the excitement of release day and helps you build a healthy, sustainable catalog over time—even when some releases perform better than others.

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest reasons people never start a record label. That quiet (or loud) voice asking: Who am I to do this? Why would anyone care about my taste, my curation, or my point of view? In this episode, Scott breaks down why imposter syndrome never really goes away—even for Grammy-winning label owners—and why that’s actually good news. Instead of waiting to feel “qualified,” he reframes the conversation around what truly makes a record label valuable: your unique taste, your lived experience, and the specific combination of influences only you can bring to the table. You’ll learn how to: Understand why imposter syndrome is normal at every level of the music industry Identify the unique ingredients that make your label different (genre, geography, format, values, and that all-important X-factor) Stop comparing yourself to existing labels and start owning your own curation If you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, feeling like an outsider, or waiting for permission to begin—this episode is your reminder that no one else can build the label you’re meant to create. Because yes, we’re all imposters. And that’s exactly why your record label matters.   Branding Your Record Label (Why the Name Matters Less Than You Think) 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. This episode will help you stop overthinking, pick a name, define your niche, and start building a label identity that feels intentional, confident, and unmistakably yours.

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest reasons people never start a record label. That quiet (or loud) voice asking: Who am I to do this? Why would anyone care about my taste, my curation, or my point of view? In this episode, Scott breaks down why imposter syndrome never really goes away—even for Grammy-winning label owners—and why that’s actually good news. Instead of waiting to feel “qualified,” he reframes the conversation around what truly makes a record label valuable: your unique taste, your lived experience, and the specific combination of influences only you can bring to the table. You’ll learn how to: Understand why imposter syndrome is normal at every level of the music industry Identify the unique ingredients that make your label different (genre, geography, format, values, and that all-important X-factor) Stop comparing yourself to existing labels and start owning your own curation If you’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis, feeling like an outsider, or waiting for permission to begin—this episode is your reminder that no one else can build the label you’re meant to create. Because yes, we’re all imposters. And that’s exactly why your record label matters.

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

Lesson 4 — HELPING YOUR NEW RELEASE Bonus Release Questions You’re Probably Asking Right Now PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels   This episode is a rapid-fire support library for all the extra stuff that can trip up a release if you’re DIY. Think of it as your “release survival guide” for the details that matter once the plan is in motion. Plus we look at the big macro picture of staying in the game long enough to see success happen for you and your releases!   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL Presented 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

Lesson 3 — PROMOTING YOUR NEW RELEASE How to Promote a Release Without Losing Your Mind PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Promotion doesn’t have to mean gimmicks, burnout, or spending money you don’t have. In this episode, you’ll learn how to pitch your release to press and playlists, create real marketing opportunities, find your unique angle, and make release day count. We’ll also dig into what a smart post-release campaign looks like so your music keeps moving long after launch day.   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

Lesson 2 — PREPARING YOUR NEW RELEASE The Release Prep Checklist: Dates, Goals, Lead Time, and Distribution PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels Before you promote anything, you need a real plan. We’ll walk through how to know when your music is actually ready, how to pick a strategic release date, and how to build a workback schedule that keeps you on track. Plus we’ll cover setting measurable goals, organizing your assets, and choosing the right distributor so your release is built to succeed.   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

Lesson 1 — INTRO TO YOUR NEW RELEASE Why Great Music Gets Ignored (And How to Fix It) PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels You can make an amazing record and still have it flop if the release plan isn’t there. In this episode, we break down the real reasons new music gets ignored—low effort, no lead time, weak post-release follow-through, bad luck, and even the hard truth about quality. Consider this your mindset reset before you plan your next release.   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

Sign up to my mailing list here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/list   Use the code BLACKFRIDAY50 for our Biggest Discount Ever! http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy   Presented by LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels  

Make sure you're on my mailing list!  Sign up here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/insights Learn more about The Record Label Academy: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy  

In this episode, Scott talks with Silas, founder of Chalkpit Cassette Club and creator of The Next Wave, the monthly cassette-and-magazine discovery series that has quietly become one of the most innovative physical music platforms in the indie world.   ***Get 20% OFF your LANDR Subscription! - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels    Silas shares the origin story of Chalkpit — from inheriting his grandfather’s cassette collection during lockdown to building a modern music discovery club rooted in physical media, community, and long-term cataloging. He breaks down how The Next Wave evolved from one-off artist releases to a tastemaker-driven monthly compilation featuring over 400 artists so far. They discuss the DIY beginnings of cassette manufacturing, the philosophy behind physical formats in a streaming-dominated world, and the surprising resurgence of tapes within major labels and indie communities. Silas also talks about curation, design, finding new artists online, and why variety—not algorithmic sameness—is at the heart of the cassette club experience. This is a deep, inspiring conversation about music culture, physical formats, and building a community in an era where most people consume music through screens.    

Switching digital distributors can feel terrifying — what if you lose your Spotify streams, your playlists, or your hard-earned momentum? In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I safely transferred one of my own tracks (with over 200,000 streams and dozens of playlist placements) from CD Baby to LANDR… without losing a single play. I’ll share the simple 4-step process to move your release to a new distributor while keeping your existing ISRCs, metadata, and playlists intact. It’s easier than you think — and yes, I tested it myself so you don’t have to. 🎧 In this episode: Why artists and labels might switch digital distributors What actually happens to your stream counts and playlists when you do The exact step-by-step transfer process (CD Baby → LANDR) How to know it worked (and when to delete your old release) Common mistakes to avoid during the switch 🔗 Resources & Links: Watch the video walkthrough + download the checklist: otherrecordlabels.com/transfer Get 20% off LANDR: landr.com/otherrecordlabels If you’ve been thinking about switching distributors but you’re scared of losing your stats, this episode will show you how to do it confidently — and keep your streams safe.

“If you put your artists first and try to think about what would be the best thing for them, eventually your needs will get met.” What if a record label ignored the “industry rules,” bundled three unknown bands into a cassette box—and sold out? Presented by LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels Todd White of King Volume Records joins Scott to share how his DIY indie-metal label went from a fun side project to his full-time job. We cover: The cassette bundle strategy that built early community Why Bandcamp is more valuable than chasing Spotify streams How to sign artists by putting their needs first The $150,000 Kickstarter success story and what made it work Why creative, imperfect marketing beats polished “content” This episode is packed with label-building breakthroughs, mindset shifts, and real tactics you can steal today.

Vinyl records are often celebrated for their warmth, their permanence, and their beauty — but what’s the real environmental cost of keeping this format alive? Presented by ⁠A to Z Media⁠ - http://atozmedia.com In this episode, Scott sits down with sustainability experts Ryan Weitzel and Vladimír Víšek to explore the environmental impact of vinyl records — from raw materials and manufacturing to packaging, shipping, and the small but powerful changes that can make the industry more sustainable. It’s a nuanced conversation about responsibility, data, and the quiet revolution already underway inside pressing plants around the world. Because sustainability in vinyl isn’t about one big decision — it’s about hundreds of small, deliberate ones that add up to real change.    

Feeling like the music industry kinda sucks right now? You’re not alone. In this episode of Other Record Labels, Scott opens up about the discouraging moments that come with running a label or making music when everything seems down — the numbers, the engagement, the excitement. He shares three powerful ways to push through the slump: reconnecting with your “why,” doing something drastic to reignite your passion, and persevering for the long game. Whether you’re an artist, label owner, or just someone who loves music, this episode is your reminder that you’re not done yet — and that the work you do still matters.   This episode is brought to you by LANDR. You’ve probably heard of LANDR as a mastering service — but it’s so much more now. With LANDR Studio, you get everything you need to make, release, and grow your music — samples, plugins, mastering, distribution, and more — all in one place. A huge thanks to LANDR for supporting the Other Record Labels community and helping make these weekly episodes possible. 👉 Check out LANDR Studio and get 20% off at landr.com/otherrecordlabels

Meet Danny in our upcoming Labelmates Group! http://otherrecordlabels.com/register In this episode, Scott talks with Danny from Hideout Records, a brand new jazz label based in Vienna, Austria. Danny shares how his journey as a bassist, studio owner, and producer led to launching a record label that supports the local jazz community. They discuss the blurred lines between creativity and entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing multiple musical roles, the story behind Hideout’s unique name, and why collaboration and community are at the heart of every great label. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label — especially one rooted in passion and purpose — this conversation will inspire you. 👉 Learn more at otherrecordlabels.com   ---- Ready to simplify your music workflow? Try LANDR Studio — the all-in-one platform for mastering, samples, plugins, distribution, and more. 👉 Get 20% off your subscription at landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I want to share my story of how Other Record Labels began — not as a company, but as a podcast born from frustration, burnout, and a desire to connect with other indie label owners. How this rainy day moment in 2017 turned into hundreds of interviews with the world’s most inspiring labels and the creation of a thriving community for label owners. If you’re feeling stuck or alone in your label journey, you’ll relate to this one — and you’ll want to check out Labelmates, our 6-week group program for indie label owners. Learn, grow, and find your people. 👉 Join now at otherrecordlabels.com/register

“Every release is a statement in time — even if people don’t find it now, they might discover it years down the road.” In this episode of Other Record Labels, I chat with Bryan, the founder of Portal of Eels, a new independent record label from Denver, Colorado. Presented by LANDR - The Official Digital Distributor of Other Record Labels Sign Up: landr.com/otherrecordlabels We talk about the label’s origins, what it’s like to release your first vinyl record, and how to stay encouraged when promotion feels like a slot machine. Bryan shares lessons from running a one-person label, the importance of community, and the joy of creating something lasting.   Join our upcoming Labelmates: http://otherrecordlabels.com/register Check out Portal of Eels: https://portalofeels.bandcamp.com

This week, I sit down with Chase and Laura from Sun Records — yes, the Sun Records. The birthplace of rock & roll, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison first got their start. Presented by LANDR - Click here for an EXCLUSIVE subscription discount: http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels We talk about what it means to protect and evolve a label that helped invent modern music. How do you stay true to Sam Phillips’ “perfect imperfection” while still making new records in 2025? This episode is part music history, part masterclass in legacy label management — and 100% inspiring for anyone running or dreaming of running their own label. --- LABELMATES - Our Fall 2025, 6-week Labelmates Sessions start on October 21st. Tuesdays at 4:30PM Eastern. Grab your spot here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/register