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.

In this episode, I share some updates on the podcast and community, including the release of my new book Why We (Still) Need Record Labels, which explores the value and evolution of indie labels today.

Order Here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/book

I also talk about the upcoming Labelmates cohort, a small group program for aspiring label owners. (otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates)

Special thanks to our friends at LANDR for partnering with Other Record Labels - Sign up and get 50% OFF your subscription here: http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels

Hey friends, Scott here, just wanted to pop on an intro this cool episode of a great podcast you may not be familiar with.

Our friends at A to Z Media – Have a podcast of their own. And if you like Other Record Labels or you like For the Love of Vinyl – you’ll love Bespoken. A podcast by a to Z media that Dives into the world of independent music and physical media culture.

In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack welcomes Ken Shipley, co-founder of the influential reissue label Numero Group. Known for its meticulous packaging, deep archival research, and genre-spanning catalog, Numero has spent over two decades preserving overlooked artists and forgotten underground music scenes, from soul and funk to punk, post-hardcore, early emo, and beyond.

This conversation centers on Sequoia, Numero’s ambitious new 7-inch box set documenting the first decade of American emo. Described by Ken as a “30-year sequel” to his 1995 compilation Eucalyptus, Sequoia is both a love letter and historical archive, featuring 27 vinyl records, a 136-page hardcover book, and packaging that faithfully recreates the tactile, handmade spirit of ’90s DIY culture.

Ken shares insights into Numero’s creative process, how physical media becomes a vehicle for storytelling, and why their mission goes beyond nostalgia—it's about preserving cultural memory. This rare behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the values, vision, and detail-driven ethos of one of the most respected archival labels in the industry.

A to Z Media is proud to have worked with Numero Group on countless vinyl releases, boxed sets, merch, and, of course, Sequoia. Whether you're a fan of emo, punk, or the art of vinyl packaging, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more or order Sequoia: https://numerogroup.com/products/sequoia

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels (major and independent) producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com

There’s one record label the world doesn’t have yet—the one only you can create.

In this episode, I’ll share why the most successful indie labels today are the ones that are hyper-specific, intentionally niched, and built around their founder’s unique obsessions. You’ll learn how to uncover the “secret ingredients” that make your label stand out—whether you’re brand new or you’ve been running a label for years but still feel undefined.

Presented by LANDR - [landr.com/otherrecordlabels]

We’ll explore how combining your unique passions—musical and non-musical—creates a one-of-a-kind identity for your label, and why being oddly specific is the best way to thrive in today’s music industry.

Plus, I’ll talk about my new book Why We (Still) Need Record Labels (out this week!).

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally start (or reimagine) your record label—this is it.

👉 Order the new book: otherrecordlabels.com/book 👉 Apply for Labelmates: otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a bold claim: record labels are obsolete. With home studios, DIY distribution, and powerful marketing tools, artists can now write, record, release, and promote their music all on their own. So… are labels officially irrelevant?

Presented by LANDR [landr.com/otherrecordlabels]

We break it down into three common reasons people say we don’t need record labels anymore:

1. Artists can do it all themselves.

2. The old gatekeepers are gone.

3. The art comes from artists, not labels.

But here’s the twist—just because artists can do everything doesn’t mean they want to. Many crave teammates, collaborators, and communities that labels provide. And while the industry has changed, labels still offer something algorithms and DIY platforms can’t: curation, creativity, and connection.

Tune in as we explore why the role of labels may be shifting—not disappearing—and how indie labels can thrive in this new era of music.

“Don’t just release your music willy-nilly—give it its own day in the sun.”

Releasing music isn’t just about finishing the recording—it’s about picking the right release date. In this episode, we break down three essential factors every indie artist and label should consider before choosing when to release a single, EP, or album.

Presented by LANDR - [http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels]

From planning during the recording process, to aligning with the right season, to making sure it works for your team and fans—we’ll help you set your music up for success.

MORE HELP HERE: http://otherrecordlabels.com/newrelease