Other Record Labels

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)

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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...

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.

 

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Silas shares the origin story of Chalkpit — from inheriting his grandfather’s cassette collection dur...

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...

“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-ti...

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 Vla...

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 fo...

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...

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...