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.