Other Record Labels

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 be daunting, but there's a reliable way to do it without losing your precious streams. Learn why artists might change distributors and how to navigate the transfer process smoothly. Discover a simple four-step method to retain your playlists and metadata. Avoid common pitfalls along the way, and see real-world success stories that prove it works. Get ready to boost your distribution strategy with confidence!

“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