Other Record Labels

Do you actually need an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to succeed in the music industry?

The short answer? No. But having the right EPK can make promoting your music, pitching your artists, and building relationships a whole lot easier.

In this episode of Other Record Labels, we're breaking down three different types of EPKs: the Release EPK, the Artist EPK, and the Label EPK.

We'll explore what each one is designed to accomplish, what information to include, and how to create something useful without overcomplicating the process.

DOWNLOAD MY F...

Download my FREE Record Label Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit

What can independent record labels learn from the underground death metal scene?

In this episode of Other Record Labels, Scott talks with Ben from Iron Fortress Records, a Kansas City-based death metal label and distribution business that grew from a small hobby into a full-time operation.

Starting in 2022 with small vinyl releases and handmade cassette tapes, Ben has built an international distribution network, importing and selling underground metal releases from around the world.

https://www.ironfortressrecords.com/

There's no single right way to run a record label. And sometimes, listening to too much advice—even from this podcast—can make you feel like you're doing everything wrong.

In this episode of Other Record Labels, we're talking about the importance of finding your own way as a label owner, and why copying someone else's strategy isn't always the answer.

Podcasts, books, and industry experts can provide incredible ideas and inspiration. But there's a downside: they can also convince you that you need to do everything you're hearing.

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What does starting a record label actually look like?

James Nixon is documenting the entire process.

James is a pianist, working parent, and the founder of Fern Rose Records. What began with sharing piano ideas online eventually turned into a plan to record the music he plays for his family, press it to vinyl, and build an independent record label around it.

In this episode, we talk about why he decided to start a label, building an audience by being genuinely useful, documenting the process publicly, turning followers into supporters, manufacturing vinyl, funding...

There's still time to register!  I'd love to have you join us!

http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

What if releasing more music is actually more important than making every release perfect?

In this episode, I make the case for quantity over quality—and why independent artists and record labels may need to rethink the traditional album cycle altogether.

We’ll talk about release frequency, building a catalogue, perfectionism, streaming momentum, and why we’re probably not very good judges of which of our own songs are actually the “best.”

This isn’t an argument for making bad music. It’s an argument for making more music, releasing more often, and giving yoursel...

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://www.hellbendervinyl.com

Poison Furrows is an underground label releasing black metal, dark folk, dark ambient, dungeon synth, and other music from the darker corners of independent music.

In this conversation, we talk about building a label around personal taste, why physical formats still matter in niche music communities, and the different roles of cassettes, CDs, and vinyl. We also get into artist relationships, pressing records, finding new music, managing the cost and risk of physical releases, and why slowing down can sometimes be an important part of building...

What if the best way to figure out how to promote music is to look at how you discover music yourself?

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PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL

Vinyl pressing for independent artists and record labels.

hellbendervinyl.com

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In this episode, I share a simple exercise for reverse engineering the last few records you discovered — and using those discoveries to rethink how you promote your own releases.

We talk about the weird and unpredictable ways music finds us, why there probably isn’t one perfect marketing strat...

This week I’m talking with Patrick McCarthy and Yosuke Kitazawa of Temporal Drift, celebrating five years of one of the most fascinating independent labels around.

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

We talk about building a two-person label, reissues vs. new music, licensing, release schedules, Hiroshi Yoshimura’s incredible Surround, Les Rallizes Dénudés, and how they’ve built a catalogue that can stretch from beautiful environmental ambient music all the way to abrasive Japanese psych and noise — and somehow still feel like the same label.

And we try to tackle...

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://hellbendervinyl.com

25 Ways to Sell More Vinyl — Sponsored by Hellbender Vinyl

Pressing vinyl is the exciting part. Selling every last copy? That can take a little more creativity.

In this episode, I share 25 simple, unique ways to sell more vinyl—from hand-numbering and local variants to golden tickets, bundles, influencers, listening parties, and more. None of these ideas will sell 1,000 records overnight, but if each helps move just one or two extra copies, suddenly those boxes in your garage start disappearing.

This episode is sponsored by Hellbender Vinyl, helping independent artists and record labels bring thei...

What if record labels become more important in the age of AI—not less?

In this bonus episode, I explore why trusted, human-curated indie labels could become a safe harbor for music fans in a world increasingly flooded with AI—and why now might be the perfect time to build yours.

Learn more about Labelmates here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates

What happens when you combine an enormous record collection, live radio, and the community of Twitch? In this episode, I sit down with Sam from Vinyl Junkies, the creator and host of a live vinyl stream that has grown into a remarkably active online community of music obsessives.

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

Sam broadcasts regularly from a collection of more than 13,000 records, describing Vinyl Junkies as “Social Radio”: no algorithms, just records, music discovery, and real-time conversation.

We talk about Sam’s history as a record...

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 so...

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 labe...

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.

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 sha...

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...

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

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 ad...

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 expl...

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...

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 rele...

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...

PLAYBACK EPISODE!

Let's revisit one of my favorite interviews of all time, Terry Cole of Colemine Records!

Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com

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...

“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

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

Learn more about managing your label's royalties: http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels

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 relea...

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...

“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:

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:

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.

Th...

Social media feels like a necessary evil for most indie artists and label owners.

You know you should be posting… but what’s actually working? What matters? And is any of it even worth your time?

*PRESENTED BY LANDR*  get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I’m not coming to you as an expert—I’m coming to you as someone figuring it out alongside you.

I break down 5 things I’ve personally noticed about social media that have helped me make sense of it all—from short form vs long form, to w...

In this episode, Scott talks with Bryce, founder of Crestfallen Records, a Pittsburgh-based DIY metal label that has quietly become one of the most respected names in the modern deathcore and metalcore vinyl scene.

***Presented by LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels ***

In just five years, Bryce has released 60+ vinyl titles, many with 4–6 variants each, turning Crestfallen into a destination label for collectors who want beautiful physical editions of heavy music.

What makes the story remarkable is how it started: Bryce launched the label right after college with almost no experience, a...

Email marketing might be the most boring topic in the music industry… and also the most profitable.

PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, Scott breaks down why email lists remain the most powerful marketing tool for record labels and indie artists — even in a world obsessed with TikTok, reels, and algorithms.

While platforms come and go, email has quietly remained the most reliable way to reach fans, sell records, and stay top of mind.

Scott explains why email consistently outperforms social media in ROI and conversions, and...

“Here’s some weird fruit. Trust me — once you bite into it, you’ll love it.”

What if your record label operated like a farmers market for strange, exotic fruit?

PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron of Weird Fruit Records, a Santa Cruz-based label born out of pandemic farming, unconventional recording spaces, and a love for music that’s just a little… weird.

We talk about:

Why “weird” is a compliment

Recording inside hollowed-out redwood trees

Building a label...

In this episode, I break down four deceptively simple rules inspired by Make Your Own Rules by Andrew Huang — rules that every creative entrepreneur, indie artist, and record label owner needs to understand:

Do things you want to do

Don’t do things you want to do

Do things you don’t want to do

Don’t do things you don’t want to do

Confusing? Good.

PRESENTED BY LANDR: landr.com/otherrecordlabels

These four ideas will completely reshape how you prioritize your time...

“Twenty years as an artist prepared me to serve other artists better.”

This week on Other Record Labels, Scott sits down with Chris Kelly, founder of Alt Dub Records, a UK-based dub techno label that’s been quietly selling out vinyl releases and building serious momentum in under two years.

Presented by LANDR - landr.otherrecordlabels.com

Chris is an artist-first label owner with decades of experience in sound, design, and culture — and it shows. In this wide-ranging, unplanned conversation, we dig into Chris’s musical roots, his obsession with imperfectio...

Why aren’t your records selling?

This week, I’m breaking down five common reasons your CDs, tapes, vinyl (and even your streams) might be stuck… and what to do about it.

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

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No, I’m not promising you’ll magically sell out overnight. But I do believe in the compound effect: a bunch of small 1% improvements that add up—going from no sales → a few sales → more sales → “okay wait… this is working.”

Everything in this episode comes from a mix of my own exp...