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:

Artists can do it all themselves.

The old gatekeepers are gone.

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

“It isn’t luck, it’s tenacity. It’s going to as many sales as you can, and always asking if there are records.”

In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, Scott chats with Jay Clarke, owner of Time Capsule, a small collectibles shop in southern Ontario and the face of a beloved vinyl-hunting YouTube channel.

Presented by A to Z Media [atozmedia.com]

Jay shares his decades of experience digging through thrift stores, garage sales, yard sales, church bazaars, antique shops, and even Facebook Marketplace in search of hidden vinyl gems.

They explore how the golden age of cheap records in the 1990s has given way to a more competitive, knowledge-driven hunt today. From “bread and butter” classics like Thriller and Rumours to the thrill of stumbling on rare reggae and prog records, Jay explains why persistence, curiosity, and a bit of luck are the real keys to finding great vinyl.

Along the way, he offers practical tips for collectors, reflects on the cultural comeback of records in the 2000s, and shares some of his wildest finds—including grabbing three boxes of avant-garde LPs off a street curb on garbage day.

Check out Jay's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@timecapsuledunnville5133

Follow Jay on Instagram: 

Submitting your music to blogs, playlists, or radio can be overwhelming... and often discouraging. In this episode, Scott shares five essential steps to take before you pitch your music to press, curators, and influencers.

Learn how to stay organized, build the right list, craft simple pitches, and avoid common mistakes that keep your music from being heard.

Presented by LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels

"You’re not gonna stop, are you? This isn’t just a career — it’s in your DNA."

Burned out? Cynical? Ready to give up on music? In this episode, I’m sharing five real-world truths that might change your mind — or at least give you a healthier perspective before you walk away. We’ll talk about why record labels are like trumpets, the surprising power of yet (just like the meme), how hiatuses can actually be healthy, why the industry has always been hard, and the real reason most of us can’t quit even when we try.

Presented by LANR - [landr.com/otherrecordlabels]

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

In this episode, we dive into the growing world of cassette tapes and share five essential tips you must know before pressing play on your first tape release.

From manufacturing small runs to prepping your audio, designing artwork, selling online or in stores, and making your cassettes irresistible to fans—we cover it all.

Whether you're doing it DIY or working with a manufacturer, this episode will help you make the most of your cassette release.

LEARN MORE: http://otherrecordlabels.com/tapes

So many indie artists and label owners get stuck trying to pick the "perfect" digital distributor… but it doesn’t need to be that hard. In this episode, Scott shares 5 important things to keep in mind when choosing a digital distributor—including a real cautionary tale about what can happen when you choose the wrong one.

This episode is sponsored by LANDR, a digital distributor and longtime supporter of this podcast. Learn more at landr.com/otherrecordlabels

Topics Covered:

Are they reputable?

Subscription vs. pay-per-release models

What tools and features do they offer?

Why you should run a test release

Why this decision isn’t worth overthinking

In this episode, we talk all about Turntables and how modern turntable technology has contributed to our vinyl obsession. I sit down with Edward Forth of Audio-Technica to explore the brand’s pivotal role in the vinyl resurgence over the past two decades.

From entry-level turntables to high-end gear, Edward shares insights on how accessibility, affordability, and a commitment to sound quality have helped generations of music fans fall in love with vinyl. We discuss the natural progression of a vinyl collector’s journey, Audio-Technica’s historic dedication to analog sound, and the lasting impact of their iconic models like the LP120.

Whether you're new to vinyl or deep into upgrade territory, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the gear that keeps the grooves spinning.

Presented by A to Z Media - (http://atozmedia.com)

Learn More: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

Before you hit send on that email to your dream label, take a moment to listen to this episode. We break down five important things artists should consider when submitting music to record labels—what to do, what to avoid, and how to stand out.

This episode is also helpful for indie label owners who want to improve how they review submissions.

Presented by LANDR → landr.com/otherrecordlabels

Listen to This Before You Sign a New Artist to Your Record Label

In this episode, I walk you through 5 key things every indie record label should consider before signing a new artist. These are hard-learned lessons from 15 years of running a label — and yeah, I’ve broken all 5 of these rules before.