Episode 339: Justine & Sammy of Church Road Records & Employed To Serve on running a label & playing in a band.

On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Justine and Sammy of Church Road Records/Employed To Serve—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions. Church Road Records may have started in 2017 as a DIY operation run out of a spare room, but in just a few short years, it has carved out a reputation for consistency, taste, and innovation in the world of underground heavy music. What sets Church Road apart isn’t just the quality of its roster, but the sense of identity that runs through the label—an identity that’s rooted in the personal vision and hands-on approach of its founders. Evan and I speak with Justine and Sammy about the origins of the label, the practical and emotional challenges of launching a self-funded venture, and the evolution that has seen Church Road grow from a passion project to a respected institution within the scene. We also dig into the label’s unique subscription service model, the criteria they use when signing new artists, and their broader thoughts on the shifting landscape of the music industry in 2025. Of course, we also talk about Employed to Serve, the acclaimed band that Justine fronts and Sammy plays guitar in—exploring how the dual demands of running a label and playing in a touring band shape their daily lives and creative decisions. This episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build and sustain a truly independent label in today’s music ecosystem—and why passion, resilience, and community remain at the core of it all. Link: https://churchroadrecords.com Intro Music: Wallowing: Flesh & Steel.