Other Record Labels

Why do people really start record labels? For some, it’s not always about money, streams, or press coverage. A lot of times, it’s about fulfillment, legacy, and the simple joy of working with great music. In this episode of Other Record Labels, I share why I believe labels still matter and why so many indie label owners take the leap. From retirees starting labels as their “second act,” to artists who just want to build community, this conversation is both inspirational and practical. I also talk about our upcoming Labelmates Core Sessions Cohort, a 6-week program I’m hosting to help indie label owners find clarity, confidence, and fulfillment while building their own version of success. Register for Labelmates: http://otherrecordlabels.com/register Labelmates - Fall 2025 Cohort | Oct 21 - Nov 25 | Every Tuesday at 4:00PM Eastern

In this episode, Scott Orr explores The New Record Label Model—a way of running a label that’s actually rooted in the oldest history of the music business. Presented by LANDR - [landr.com/otherrecordlabels] From early companies that sold machines first and music second, to today’s indie labels building sustainable, multi-faceted businesses, Scott makes the case for why the healthiest, most innovative labels are no longer “just record labels.” Based on his new book Why We Still Need Record Labels, this episode is both a celebration and a roadmap for indie label owners who want to thrive in today’s industry. GRAB THE NEW BOOK: http://geni.us/whyweneedrecordlabels

“Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know the process—just ask questions. That’s how I learned everything.” Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)   In this episode, we sit down with Patrick from A to Z Media, one of the most trusted names in vinyl pressing and packaging. Patrick pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring music from digital files to a physical record you can hold in your hands. We talk about sequencing an album for vinyl, the science and craftsmanship behind plating and pressing, and the hundreds of skilled hands that touch a record before it reaches a fan’s turntable. Patrick also shares his own journey as a lifelong collector, including the wild story of rescuing a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox off a Los Angeles street.

In this episode, I share some updates on the podcast and community, including the release of my new book Why We (Still) Need Record Labels, which explores the value and evolution of indie labels today. Order Here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/book   I also talk about the upcoming Labelmates cohort, a small group program for aspiring label owners. (otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates)   Special thanks to our friends at LANDR for partnering with Other Record Labels - Sign up and get 50% OFF your subscription here: http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels  

In a fascinating conversation, Ken Shipley, co-founder of Numero Group, dives into the meticulous process behind their innovative archival reissues. He introduces Sequoia, a landmark 7-inch box set documenting the roots of American emo, emphasizing its role as a historical archive. Ken reveals how packaging enhances storytelling and shares insights on balancing visual aesthetic with music. He also discusses connecting with fans through diverse merchandise and preserving cultural memory long into the future.

Discover the secret to establishing a unique record label that thrives in today's music scene. Successful indie labels focus on hyper-specific niches tied to their founders' unique passions. Uncover what makes your label stand out by exploring your top obsessions and combining them creatively. Learn how a quirky interest can lead to innovative label concepts, and why specificity is essential for avoiding obscurity. Finally, delve into insights from a new book that explores the enduring need for record labels.

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a bold claim: record labels are obsolete. With home studios, DIY distribution, and powerful marketing tools, artists can now write, record, release, and promote their music all on their own. So… are labels officially irrelevant? Presented by LANDR [landr.com/otherrecordlabels] We break it down into three common reasons people say we don’t need record labels anymore: Artists can do it all themselves. The old gatekeepers are gone. The art comes from artists, not labels. But here’s the twist—just because artists can do everything doesn’t mean they want to. Many crave teammates, collaborators, and communities that labels provide. And while the industry has changed, labels still offer something algorithms and DIY platforms can’t: curation, creativity, and connection. Tune in as we explore why the role of labels may be shifting—not disappearing—and how indie labels can thrive in this new era of music.

Choosing the perfect release date for your music is crucial! Discover how strategic timing can elevate your promotional efforts. Seasonality and cultural events play a key role; learn from past mistakes to avoid clashing with other releases. Planning during the recording phase is an essential step to ensure your music gets the spotlight it deserves. Insights from the pandemic also shed light on the evolving industry landscape. Set your music up for success by giving it its own day in the sun!

“It isn’t luck, it’s tenacity. It’s going to as many sales as you can, and always asking if there are records.” In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, Scott chats with Jay Clarke, owner of Time Capsule, a small collectibles shop in southern Ontario and the face of a beloved vinyl-hunting YouTube channel. Presented by A to Z Media [atozmedia.com] Jay shares his decades of experience digging through thrift stores, garage sales, yard sales, church bazaars, antique shops, and even Facebook Marketplace in search of hidden vinyl gems. They explore how the golden age of cheap records in the 1990s has given way to a more competitive, knowledge-driven hunt today. From “bread and butter” classics like Thriller and Rumours to the thrill of stumbling on rare reggae and prog records, Jay explains why persistence, curiosity, and a bit of luck are the real keys to finding great vinyl. Along the way, he offers practical tips for collectors, reflects on the cultural comeback of records in the 2000s, and shares some of his wildest finds—including grabbing three boxes of avant-garde LPs off a street curb on garbage day.     Check out Jay's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@timecapsuledunnville5133 Follow Jay on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/timecapsuledunnville/?hl=en

Submitting your music to blogs, playlists, or radio can be overwhelming... and often discouraging. In this episode, Scott shares five essential steps to take before you pitch your music to press, curators, and influencers. Learn how to stay organized, build the right list, craft simple pitches, and avoid common mistakes that keep your music from being heard. Presented by LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels