Other Record Labels

By Other Record LabelsMusic Music Commentary Music Interviews

Other Record Labels episodes

June 01 Interview with Groover founder Dorian Perron - (Industry Insights)
In this episode, Scott sits down with Groover co-founder Dorian Perron to discuss how artists and record labels can get their music heard in an increasingly crowded music landscape.
Presented by: Hellbender Vinyl (www.hellbendervinyl.com
They explore the evolution of playlist pitching, why streaming numbers have become such a powerful metric, the role of blogs and tastemakers today, and how Groover grew from a simple Google Form into one of the most widely used music promotion platforms for independent artists and labels.
Dorian also shares practical advice on selecting the right curators, understanding rejection, positioning your music effectively, running successful Groover campaigns, and why many artists focus on the wrong metrics when promoting their releases.
If you're an independent label owner, artist, or music marketer trying to get more traction for your releases, this conversation is packed with useful insights.
Learn more about Groover and get 10% off your Groover credits using code OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP at:
otherrecordlabels.com/groover
Presented by: Hellbender Vinyl (www.hellbendervinyl.com

59 min
May 26 Interview with Colemine Records - (PLAYBACK EPISODE)
PLAYBACK EPISODE!
Let's revisit one of my favorite interviews of all time, Terry Cole of Colemine Records!
Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com
1 hr 45 min
May 19 10 Reasons Why You Should Do Vinyl...
In this episode, we explore 10 real reasons why indie artists and record labels should seriously consider pressing vinyl records — even in a world dominated by streaming.
Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL
www.hellbendervinyl.com

From stronger profit margins and long-tail inventory to legitimacy, fandom, and discovering new audiences, vinyl continues to prove itself as more than nostalgia.
Scott shares observations from record stores, indie labels, younger music fans, resale culture, and his own experiences releasing records independently.
Why are teenagers lining up at 4am for Record Store Day? Why are used records suddenly worth real money again? And why does vinyl feel more culturally important now than it did 10 years ago?

We are supported by Squarespace. Use the code ORL10 for 10% OFF your next website or domain at otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace

39 min
May 12 The Big Dark Records - (Record Label Interview)
“DIY shouldn’t mean being ashamed of excellence.”
In this episode, I sit down with the founders of http://hellbendervinyl.com
We talk about the modern Seattle music scene, DIY culture, youth creativity, recording music with teenagers, physical media, and why “real life experiences” still matter in a hyper-online world.
Check out The Big Dark Records - http://thebigdarkrecords.com
Support provided by Squarespace - Get 10% OFF by using the code ORL10 at http://otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace
1 hr 4 min
May 05 The Return of the CD
If you’re an artist or running a label, is CD actually the smartest physical format right now?
If you’re a fan, is it worth collecting, or just nostalgia?
We’re digging into the real pros and cons on both sides—no hype, no nostalgia bias.
Because this isn’t just about a format…
It’s about understanding where the next opportunity might be hiding.
Get Books for Record Labels: http://otherrecordlabels.com/books

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42 min
April 28 We All Speak in Poems - (Record Label Interview)
In this episode, I sit down with Brady (Alaskan Tapes), the artist and mind behind We All Speak In Poems—a project that exists somewhere between a label, a creative platform, and a philosophy.

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

We talk about the quiet power of ambient music, building a world around your art, and what it really means to create without chasing numbers. Brady shares how his journey evolved from early experimentation to a more intentional, emotionally-driven practice—and how that same mindset shapes the artists and releases he supports.
This conversation goes deep into independence, creative identity, and the tension between art and algorithms.
If you’re running a label, releasing music, or just trying to stay grounded in your creativity… this one’s for you.

Supported by Infinite Catalog - http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels

Learn more about We All Speak in Poems: http://weallspeakinpoems.com

1 hr 8 min
April 21 How Great Record Labels Release New Music
Most music releases fail before they even come out.
Not because the music isn’t good — but because there’s no real strategy behind it.
Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com
In this episode, I walk through 5 essential principles every artist should follow when preparing a new release. These are simple, practical shifts that turn scattered “drops” into focused campaigns that build real momentum over time.
You’ll learn how to think beyond release day, create clarity around your music, and use each release to grow your audience and your catalog.
If you want your next release to actually do something — start here.

Special thanks to Infinite Catalog - www.infinitecatalog.com

Grab more record label resources here: www.otherrecordlabels.com

23 min
April 14Kou Records - (Record Label Interview)
“How you present something affects how you hear it.”

Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbenderviny.com

In this episode, I sit down with Charmaine and Randall of Kou Records — one of the most ambitious and creative indie labels I’ve come across — to break down their “cohort” model: multiple records released together as a unified body of work.
We talk about:
Why they reject genre, algorithms, and streaming-first thinking
How they combine music + visual art into a single experience
The philosophy behind releasing 4–5 records at once
Why physical products matter more than ever in the age of AI and “content”
How constraints (like recording an album in 4–5 days) actually unlock creativity
This is a masterclass in thinking differently about what a record label can be — and why the future might belong to labels willing to take creative risks.

Kou Records: www.KouRecords.com

Proudly Supported by Infinite Catalog: www.infinitecatalog.com
59 min
April 07Does Your Music Have to Be Good to Succeed?
Does the music you release actually need to be good?
Not just “good enough.” Not just “interesting.” But truly great?
PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com
In this episode, we unpack a question that sits right at the heart of indie music—but often goes unspoken. If DIY culture is about freedom and expression, does quality even matter? Or are we sometimes hiding behind “lo-fi” and “experimental” as an excuse not to push ourselves?
This is a challenging conversation—for you, and for me.
We’ll explore:
Whether indie labels should have standards (and how high they should be)
Why great music is actually harder to find than you think
How to curate your catalog with intention
The role of taste, accountability, and creative pressure
Practical ways to raise your bar as a label owner
This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty.
And asking yourself: are you doing your best work?

Learn More at OtherRecordLabels.com

Get Easy Royalty Management with Infinite Catalog - http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels
20 min
March 31 Bar/None Records - (Record Label Interview)
What does it actually look like to take over a legendary indie label?
In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Black, the new owner of Bar/None Records—a label with nearly 40 years of history and a roster that helped launch artists like They Might Be Giants and Yo La Tengo.
PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels
We talk about what it means to inherit a legacy, how to modernize an indie label without losing its identity, and the real, behind-the-scenes work of running a record label in 2026.
This is a conversation about stewardship, taste, relationships, and the long game of building something that lasts.
If you’re running (or dreaming of running) a record label, this episode is essential listening.

1 hr 1 min