Other Record Labels

By Other Record LabelsMusic Music Commentary Music Interviews

Other Record Labels episodes

August 11 Test Pressings Explained - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Before hundreds of copies of your record get pressed, there’s one very important step: the test pressing.

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com

In this episode, Scott breaks down everything artists and indie labels need to know about test pressings — what they are, where they come from, when you receive them, what they cost, and most importantly, what you should actually be listening for.
We’ll talk about how test pressings differ from the finished record, how to properly listen and approve them, what to do when something sounds wrong, and whether you really need test pressings in the first place.

Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

32 min
August 04 The 5 Pillars of Vinyl Records - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Why do people love vinyl?
It's easy to point to the sound, the artwork, or the nostalgia—but those are really just symptoms of something much deeper.
PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com
In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, we explore the five pillars of vinyl: Ritual, Preservation, Luxury, Intimacy, and Discovery. These five ideas help explain why records continue to captivate music fans in a streaming-first world—and why some vinyl releases become treasured keepsakes while others are quickly forgotten.
Whether you're an artist, record label, collector, or simply curious about the resurgence of vinyl, this episode will change the way you think about making records people genuinely want to own.

Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl
If you want to create vinyl that connects with fans, it starts by understanding why they love it in the first place.
24 min
July 28 5 Vinyl Mistakes Artists & Record Labels Make - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Pressing a vinyl record is one of the most exciting moments in releasing music—but it's also one of the easiest places to make expensive mistakes.
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PRESENTED BY Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com
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In this episode, Scott breaks down the five biggest mistakes he sees artists and indie record labels make when producing vinyl records. From underestimating timelines and ordering the wrong quantity to overlooking vinyl mastering and failing to create a release plan, these are the lessons that can save you thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
Whether you're pressing your very first record or your fiftieth, this episode will help you make smarter decisions, create a better product, and give your release the best possible chance of selling out.
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FREE VINYL GUIDE: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl
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This episode is brought to you by Hellbender Vinyl.
If you're ready to press your first record—or your fiftieth—Hellbender Vinyl makes the process simple. From choosing the right packaging and vinyl colors to navigating mastering, manufacturing, and delivery, their team helps artists and indie labels create records that fans will treasure.
Whether you're pressing 100 copies or planning a much larger release, you'll get personal service, transparent communication, and exceptional quality every step of the way.
Learn more and get a quote today at hellbendervinyl.com.

23 min
July 21 What Makes a Great Record Store? - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
What separates a good record store from one you can't stop thinking about?
In this episode, I break down the ten things I believe every great record store has in common—from friendly staff and fair pricing to thoughtful displays, clear identity, and those little details that keep you coming back.
Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://hellbendervinyl.com
Whether you're a lifelong crate digger, opening your own shop, or simply love discovering music in person, these are the qualities that turn a store into a destination.
Along the way, I share stories from some of my favorite record stores, why certain shops just feel different the moment you walk in, and how the best stores create an experience that goes far beyond selling vinyl.

45 min
July 14 The New Vinyl Economy - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com
In this episode, Scott sits down with Cory Giordano of Inner Ocean Records to explore what independent labels can learn from today's vinyl market. Together they discuss why records continue to thrive, why customers are buying more physical music than ever, and how running a record store has completely changed Cory's approach to running a record label.
They dive into hype stickers, packaging, collectability, reissues, inventory strategy, long-tail sales, bundle economics, and why indie labels often make better vinyl releases than the major labels. They also tackle one of the biggest questions facing independent labels today: should you sell out quickly, or build a catalogue that continues selling for years?
Download my FREE Toolkit for making vinyl records: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

1 hr 8 min
July 07 10 Reasons Why You Should Make Vinyl - (For the Love of Vinyl Series)
Vinyl isn't making a comeback anymore.
It already came back.
Welcome to the very first episode of our For the Love of Vinyl Summer Series—a nine-part deep dive into everything independent record labels need to know about making, selling, collecting, designing, and celebrating vinyl records.
Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://www.hellbendervinyl.com
In this opening episode, I make the case for why every indie label should seriously consider pressing vinyl.
Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit - http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

38 min
June 30 Sudden Quarterly - (Record Label Interview)
What happens when you build a record label around a single idea—and commit to it for years?
This week I'm joined by Spencer Zahn, founder of Sudden Quarterly, one of the most thoughtfully designed new labels I've come across.
🚨 Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com
Every year follows a different creative theme. Every release is visually connected. Every record is a brand-new collaboration between artists who have never made an album together before.
We dive deep into why constraints can actually create more freedom, how Spencer plans years in advance, the challenge of balancing artistic vision with sustainability, and why he believes record labels should be experiences—not just distribution companies.
SUDDEN QUARTERLY: https://suddenquarterly.com/
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**Use my Groover Promo Code to get 10% OFF your first campaign: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP at www.groover.co

1 hr
June 23 You Are Halfway Through 2026!
We're officially halfway through 2026, and before you start planning the next release, stressing about Q4, or comparing yourself to other labels, let's take a moment to celebrate something far more important:
You're still here.
Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com

In this episode, Scott reflects on the most admirable quality shared by the best independent labels and artists—not streams, sales, playlists, tours, or sold-out vinyl runs—but persistence.
Drawing inspiration from recent guests including Kou Records, Alt Dub, Crestfallen, We All Speak In Poems, and others, this episode explores why the labels making the biggest impact aren't necessarily the biggest labels—they're the ones willing to keep showing up, taking risks, and committing to their vision year after year.
The future of your label starts with what you do next.
Our biggest discount ever is happening this week on The Record Label Academy - http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

15 min
June 16 Inertial Music - (Record Label Interview)
This week, Scott sits down with Enrico, founder of Inertial Music, an independent label based in Italy specializing in progressive metal, ambient, electronic, and atmospheric music.
Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com
In just two years, Enrico has built a catalog of physical releases, secured international distribution, and developed a reputation for thoughtful curation and transparency.
http://inertial-music.com/
They discuss the realities of launching a label, balancing a full-time career while running a growing music business, the enduring importance of vinyl and CDs, and why physical media remains a powerful way to deepen the connection between artists and listeners.

Get 10% OFF your first GROOVER campaign by using the code OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP -- otherrecordlabels.com/groover

1 hr 10 min
June 09The Simple System I Use for Every Release
There’s a lot to keep track of when you're releasing music.
Release dates. ISRCs. Lyrics. Artwork. Press photos. Streaming links. Download links. Metadata. Songwriter information. And somehow, years later, you still need to find all of it again.
In this episode, I share one of the most useful systems I've ever created for managing releases: Release Central.

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

Release Central is a simple Google Sheet that acts as a centralized home base for every album, EP, or single you release. It's where I keep all the important information related to a project—from metadata and promotional assets to release schedules and private links. I've used this system for years across my own releases and recently started teaching it to my Labelmates VIP coaching clients, who have found it incredibly helpful.
Download your copy:
👉 otherrecordlabels.com/releasecentral
In this episode, you'll learn:
What Release Central is
Why every artist and label should have one
How centralized metadata can save you time and headaches
What information to include in your document
How I use it during release campaigns and years later
How to collaborate with artists, managers, publicists, and other team members using a shared release document
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Check our Groover to help you promote your next release. http://otherrecordlabels.com/groover
USE CODE: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP for 10% off your next campaign!
25 min