
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
Latest episodes

Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
The Colors of Vinyl - (For The Love of Vinyl) - Episode 02
Why is color vinyl such a big deal for modern record collectors?
Presented by A to Z Media - http://atozmedia.com
In this episode, we sit down with Shan Labrie from Precision Pressing to explore the fascinating world of colored vinyl. We break down how different colors are made, the effects that make records truly unique, and why some collectors still swear by black vinyl. From translucent and neon vinyl to marbled and splatter effects, Shan shares expert insights into the pressing process, the costs behind color variants, and the latest innovations in sustainable vinyl production.
Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast, a record label owner, or just curious about the craft behind your favorite albums, this episode dives deep into the art and science of colored vinyl.
Download our FREE Vinyl Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl
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This episode of For The Love of Vinyl is brought to you by AtoZ Media – your one-stop shop for premium vinyl pressing, packaging, and merch.
Whether you’re an indie artist pressing your first record or a label looking for custom color variants, AtoZ Media has you covered. With decades of experience and top-tier quality, they make sure your vinyl looks and sounds incredible.
Visit AtoZMedia.com to bring your next record to life!

Feb 18, 2025 • 25min
5 Tips to Promoting Your Record Label's Brand
How do you promote your record label beyond just releasing music? In this episode, we explore five key strategies for building a strong label brand, fostering community, and positioning your label as a leader in your genre.
Presented by Groover - http://geni.us/groover
USE COUPON CODE: OTHERRECORDLABLESVIP
From curating a recognizable aesthetic to leveraging strategic partnerships and media outreach, we cover essential tactics that help indie labels grow and stand out in a crowded industry.
Whether you're launching a new label or looking to expand your reach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your brand.

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 17min
Lo'ihi Records - (Record Label Interview)
In this episode, Scott Orr interviews Dean Harada, the founder of Lo'ihi Records, a new Hawaiian record label focused on avant-garde and progressive music from Hawaii.
PRESENTED BY GROOVER - http://geni.us/groover
USE COUPON CODE: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP for 10% OFF!
Here's what we discussed in this interview...
The Meaning Behind Lo'ihi Records
The label's name comes from the Lo'ihi seamount, a rising underwater volcano near Hawaii, symbolizing the growth of a unique music scene.
The vision is to support artists who push creative boundaries rather than catering to tourist-driven Hawaiian music.
Challenges of Running a Record Label
The post-release phase has been one of the biggest challenges, with marketing and sustaining momentum after an album launch being particularly difficult.
Social media has been a learning curve for Dean, as he had no prior experience before starting the label.
Time management is crucial in balancing label operations with artistic passion.
Philosophy and Mission of the Label
Lo'ihi Records aims to showcase music that is endemic to Hawaii—unique and growing from the local scene rather than fitting into traditional or commercial Hawaiian music stereotypes.
Dean emphasizes legacy building, inspired by his experience working on a historic Hawaiian fish pond restoration, knowing that some things take generations to fully materialize.
The Importance of Physical Media & Vinyl
Scott and Dean discuss how vinyl records act as cultural artifacts, lasting for decades and creating connections across generations.
Dean sees vinyl releases as a way to preserve music beyond digital platforms.
Overcoming Industry Hurdles
Unlike mainstream Hawaiian music, avant-garde and experimental artists in Hawaii struggle to find platforms and audiences.
Lo'ihi Records seeks to change that by fostering a local music community that supports progressive sounds.
Marketing & Selling Vinyl
Scott shares insights on post-release strategies, emphasizing that record labels need to treat each release like a product launch that requires continued promotion.
They discuss the challenge of selling vinyl and the mindset shift needed to focus on long-term marketing rather than just new releases.
This episode is an insightful look at the unique vision behind Lo'ihi Records and the realities of starting a record label in an unconventional market.

Feb 4, 2025 • 14min
Avoid These 5 Groover Mistakes
Groover can be a powerful tool for indie labels and artists looking to land playlist placements, blog features, and sync opportunities—but only if you use it strategically!
In this episode, I break down the five biggest mistakes labels and artists make when using Groover, from submitting the wrong tracks to wasting money on the wrong curators. Learn how to maximize your chances of success, get real results, and make the most of your Groover campaign.
Get 10% OFF your first campaign with Groover: http://geni.us
Use Code: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP

Jan 28, 2025 • 45min
LaRubia Producciones - Record Label Interview
Dive into the vibrant world of indie metal in Spain with Nuria, the force behind LaRubia Producciones. She champions women's voices in a male-dominated genre while revealing her label's evolution from a DIY setup to an influential platform. Discover the revival of vinyl and how it remains vital for metal fans. Explore the nuances of artist services and sustainable growth, plus the intriguing parallels between law and label ownership. This conversation is packed with insights for music lovers and aspiring label owners alike!

Jan 23, 2025 • 31min
Losing Your Record Collection - (For The Love of Vinyl) - Episode 01
In this poignant debut episode of For the Love of Vinyl, we explore the depths of what vinyl truly means to us through an unexpected and heartbreaking lens. When California wildfires recently devastated entire communities, music writer and editor Mark J. Marriccini lost his entire record collection—a collection that was more than just music, but a reflection of identity, history, and home.
Mark shares his emotional journey of loss and what his collection symbolized, from quirky bootlegs to cherished albums that shaped his life. Together, we uncover how records are more than objects; they’re portals to our memories, our passions, and our sense of belonging.
This episode wasn’t part of the plan, but Mark’s story reminds us that sometimes it’s in loss that we rediscover the profound love we have for the things that shape us.
Brought to you by A to Z Media - (http://atozmedia.com)
Ps. Alex Rodriguez and Record Safari are accepting donations to help folks rebuild their collections... (https://www.instagram.com/recordsafari_la/)

Jan 21, 2025 • 23min
The 3 Truths About Multiple Revenue Streams
In this episode, we dive deep into a crucial topic for indie record labels: multiple revenue streams.
Presented by Infinite Catalog - http://www.infinitecatalog.com
The traditional ways of making money—selling records, streaming income, or sync licensing—are becoming harder to rely on. So how do successful labels sustain themselves?
We uncover three truths about building multiple revenue streams:
1️⃣ Diversifying is key to success and financial sustainability.
2️⃣ It takes time, innovation, and iteration—this is not an overnight process.
3️⃣ Combining traditional and non-traditional income sources is a winning strategy.
Using real-world examples from major companies like Disney and creative approaches from labels in our community, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you reimagine your revenue potential.
Whether you’re just starting your label or looking to make it sustainable, this episode will inspire you to think creatively, iterate, and explore what works for you.
💡 Takeaway: Focus on these three actions—do more of what’s working, do it better, and try something new.
Getting Started
To uncover your unique opportunities, ask yourself these questions:
What can I do that no other record label is doing?
What can I adapt from other industries that record labels typically don’t use?
How can I improve or expand what I’m already doing?
What areas of the music industry am I most passionate about?
What skills or resources do I have that can generate income?

Jan 14, 2025 • 54min
Analogue Trash - Record Label Interview
In this episode, we sit down with Ady, co-founder of the UK-based indie record label Analogue Trash, to explore the unique ethos behind their label.
Presented by Infinite Catalog (http://geni.us/infinitecatalog)
Ady shares how they cultivate a sense of family among their artists through community-building, collaboration, and mutual support. Discover how monthly Zoom meetups, skill-sharing sessions, and artist development initiatives strengthen the bonds between their diverse roster.
We also delve into why indie labels like Analogue Trash are more relevant than ever in today's DIY music landscape and how fostering a collective spirit helps artists thrive. Whether you're an artist, label owner, or indie music fan, this episode offers inspiring insights into what it means to create and sustain a supportive artistic community.
Learn more about Analogue Trash: http://analoguetrash.com

Jan 8, 2025 • 7min
A Record Label Success Story...
Sign up for Labelmates today! http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates
Labelmates starts January 21st!
Check out Lo'ihi Records... https://loihirecords.com

Jan 7, 2025 • 19min
Creating a Record Label Mission Statement
In this episode, we dive into why every indie record label needs a mission statement and how to create one that truly reflects your vision. A mission statement isn’t just corporate jargon—it’s your label’s promise to fans and a guiding light for your decisions.
Presented by Infinite Catalog - (http://www.infinitecatalog.com)
We’ll explore:
What a mission statement is and why it matters.
The three key questions every mission statement should answer: WHAT, HOW, and WHO.
Real-world examples and tips to keep your statement specific, actionable, and inspiring.
Plus, learn how to use your mission statement as a tool to navigate opportunities and ensure you stay true to your label’s values. Download our free Mission Statement Template at otherrecordlabels.com/mission to follow along and craft your own.
Takeaway: By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to create a mission statement that defines your label’s purpose and sets the tone for success. Don’t miss it!