Other Record Labels

“Here’s some weird fruit. Trust me — once you bite into it, you’ll love it.”

What if your record label operated like a farmers market for strange, exotic fruit?

PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron of Weird Fruit Records, a Santa Cruz-based label born out of pandemic farming, unconventional recording spaces, and a love for music that’s just a little… weird.

We talk about:

• ...

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.

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These four idea...

“Twenty years as an artist prepared me to serve other artists better.”

This week on Other Record Labels, Scott sits down with Chris Kelly, founder of Alt Dub Records, a UK-based dub techno label that’s been quietly selling out vinyl releases and building serious momentum in under two years.

Presented by LANDR - landr.otherrecordlabels.com

 

Chris is an artist-first label owner with decades of experience in sound, design, and cult...

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.

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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 → “oka...

AI is showing up everywhere in the music industry — writing emails, summarizing deals, generating marketing plans… and now, drafting contracts.

But just because AI can help with music law, doesn’t mean it should.

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In this episode, I sit down with Cassandra Spangler, a New York–based music and entertainment attorney, to talk honestly about the growing trend of ar...

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 hustl...

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit

 

Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels

 

Contracts and royalties are where a lot of people get stuck—and for good reason. Record labels have a long history of bad deals, broken trust, and artists getting the short end of the stick. In Episode 7 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott tackles...

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 firstha...

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 5 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott walks through what actually happens when you’re ready to release music—and how to do it in a way that gives your record the best possible chance to succeed.

From choosing the right release date to w...

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?

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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 g...

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?

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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 becaus...

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 n...

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 ...

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 c...

Lesson 4 — HELPING YOUR NEW RELEASE

Bonus Release Questions You’re Probably Asking Right Now

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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...

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 reco...

Lesson 3 — PROMOTING YOUR NEW RELEASE

How to Promote a Release Without Losing Your Mind

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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-relea...

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 ...

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 rese...