Listen to This Before You Sign a New Artist to Your Record Label Before you jump into your next artist signing, take 20 minutes to think it through. 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. PRESENTED BY LANDR at otherrecordlabels.com/landr#LANDR #recordlabel

Listen to This Before You Make Vinyl Records Presented by LANDR – http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr Thinking about pressing vinyl for your next release? Before you commit to the cost, time, and effort, this episode gives you the real talk about making vinyl records as an indie artist or record label. Scott shares practical, experience-based info on vanity pressings to realistic sales projections, side lengths to packaging ideas—this is everything you need to know before you go to the plant. 🎯 Grab the FREE Vinyl Resource Guide: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

Listen to This Before You Start a Record Label Presented by LANDR - http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr Thinking about launching your own indie record label? Before you jump in, this episode offers five essential tips that will set you up for long-term success. Scott Orr shares honest, actionable advice for anyone thinking about starting a label—from delaying your launch and doing proper research, to keeping your plans secret (for now!) and breaking all the traditional rules. If you're serious about building something sustainable, this is your starting line. Download my FREE Record Label Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit

Half Year Mark – Rest, Refresh, Ready We're officially halfway through the year — can you believe it? Somewhere between December 31st and January 1st lies this unassuming mid-point... and while it may not be a real holiday, it is a great time to hit the reset button. Presented by LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) In this episode, we’re talking about the 3 R’s of running a record label at the halfway mark: Rest, Refresh, and Ready. 🛌 Rest – Are you building breaks into your label's schedule? We talk about the importance of downtime (and how one label takes half the year off). 🧼 Refresh – Use the slower summer months to clean house: rebrand, review your website, or tackle overdue admin. 🎯 Ready – How to use this time to gear up for your next release cycle or big fall plans. Oh, and it’s also time for our Half Year Sale over at The Record Label Academy — check out the link in the description or visit otherrecordlabels.com/store to learn more!   Ps. Join me Wednesday for OFFICE HOURS! http://otherrecordlabels.com/officehours

In this episode, I sit down with Tasha Trigger of Lathe to the Grave — a UK-based company making handmade lathe cut vinyl records. Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)   We break down what lathe cuts are, how they’re made, and why they’re a smart option for indie artists and small labels who want limited-edition records without the cost or risk of traditional pressing. Tasha shares her passion for the craft, her thoughts on pricing and sound quality, and some of the more eccentric projects she’s cut. We also talk about packaging, small-run merch strategies, and why lathe cuts are more than just music — they’re collectibles. http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl http://lathetothegrave.com/  

“To me, the visuals are just as important as the music. It’s 50/50.” What happens when a jazz guitarist, designer, and music lover starts a record label? Silberhall Records is a new Hamburg-based indie label rooted in community and aesthetics. Presented by LANDR: http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr In this episode, presented by LANDR, Anton shares how the label came together, why he values visual design as much as music, and the lessons learned from launching a label while still in school.  

In this episode, I cautiously wade into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its growing presence in music. I’ve been hesitant to record this — not because the conversation isn’t important, but because AI is changing so quickly, and I don’t want to make predictions I’ll regret. Still, it’s time we talk about it. Presented by LANDR - http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr This isn’t a rant or a warning — it’s an open, honest reflection. I talk about the human tendency to rebel against convenience, why handmade art still matters, and how irrationality might just be our greatest strength in the age of artificial intelligence.  

In this episode, Scott chats with Ryan Magnole, founder of EveryDejaVu Records—a label that started as a blog and evolved into a trusted source for unique, left-field artists. We dive deep into how blogs inspired early artist discovery, why physical media still matters, the value of transparent contracts, and what fuels indie label owners in 2025. Presented by LANDR – http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr #landr 🎧 Listen and subscribe for more conversations with inspiring indie label owners.

Release day isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting line. In this episode, we dig into why so many indie releases seem to fade the moment they drop, and how to flip that mindset. Think of your release campaign like a marathon: everything you did before the release was just training. Now it’s time to run the race. Presented by LANDR - http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr We break down a full post-release strategy for indie artists and record labels, including specific content ideas, a long-term promo schedule, and the mindset shifts you need to keep your album in the spotlight for months—not just days. Whether you’re planning your next release or trying to breathe new life into one that’s already out, this episode gives you the tools to build a smarter, more sustainable release campaign. Download my FREE Post-Release checklist here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/postrelease

"These reissues are not just records—they're historical documents." In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of reissues with Jason Zeimet of Unoriginal Vinyl. He shares the behind-the-scenes process of resurrecting forgotten 90s and 2000s albums for vinyl for the very first time—or for the first time in decades. Presented by A to Z Media. (http://atozmedia.com) From artist buy-in and rare first pressings to pitch decks and the obsession with doing it right, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about vinyl culture and music history.  Learn More about Unoriginal Vinyl here: http://unoriginalvinyl.com  

“Mean World is about being a light in the darkness — a haven for artists in a tough industry.” Interview with Hunter Bates of Mean World Records. Presented by LANDR - (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) Denver-based indie label Mean World Records joins the show to talk about building a label that’s equal parts DIY spirit and community hub. We get into Denver’s unique music scene, why design and merch matter, and how selling coffee can actually help fund records. This is what running a modern indie label looks like.  

Are Crosley turntables bad? They’re a gateway for new vinyl fans—and that’s a win for indie artists! Sure, audiophiles might warn about record wear on lower-priced turntables, but music is meant to be enjoyed. If you love how your Crosley looks and feels, spin those records!  Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com) SUBSCRIBE TO FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl   #VinylLife #CrosleyTurntable #IndieMusic #VinylCommunity #MusicIsLife

Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you're running a record label with limited time and resources. Presented by LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) In this episode, we break down the five most common social media struggles indie label owners face—from not knowing what to post, to questioning if any of it even matters. You'll also learn a simple, repeatable system to help you overcome each roadblock, stay consistent, and build meaningful engagement with your audience. Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to get back on track, this episode will give you a clear path forward. Learn More & Grab The FREE Worksheet: http://otherrecordlabels.com/social-media-roadblocks  

Today, I speak with Jamie of Hotham Sound, an experimental cassette label based in Vancouver, BC. Hotham Sound is a home for the weird and wonderful edges of electronic music—think forest electro, field recordings, bent circuits, ambient malcontents, and musicians and non-musicians alike. Presented by LANDR - http://geni.us/trylandr We talk about the label’s roots in the Pacific Northwest, its love for outdated tech and homemade aesthetics, and what it means to build a label that thrives on artistic curiosity and sonic exploration. Learn More about Hotham Sound: http://hothamsound.com If you’re into experimental music, cassette culture, or just passionate about niche record labels doing things their own way, this one’s for you.

Getting ready to release new music? In this episode, we walk through a simple, practical 10-step checklist to help you prepare for your next release like a pro. From defining the release's role in your bigger plan to creating a promotional strategy and updating your web presence, this checklist covers everything indie artists and labels need to maximize the impact of a new single, EP, or album. Presented by LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) Learn how to build momentum, stay organized, and create a campaign that gets your music heard!

“Getting a record into a store is only half the job. You need to make sure there’s an audience there to buy it.” A Peek Inside Physical Distribution (Replay with Abby Goldsmith of Secretly Distribution) Presented by LANDR – http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr In this special replay episode, we revisit a timeless conversation with Abby Goldsmith, label rep at Secretly Distribution, one of the most respected physical and digital distribution companies in the indie music scene. This interview originally aired in 2023, but its insights are more relevant than ever for indie record labels navigating the world of vinyl, retail, and physical sales strategies. Whether you missed it the first time or need a refresher on how physical distribution actually works (and when your label is ready for it), this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes context, and real talk about what it takes to get your records in stores. You'll hear us dive into: What physical distribution really means for indie labels today Why some stores are moving beyond “the dusty record shop” model How to build meaningful retail relationships, even before you're ready to distribute Why pressing vinyl isn't just about the format, it's about legitimacy and strategy How labels can know when they’re truly “ready” for physical distribution Still a must-listen for anyone growing a record label in 2025.

“We’re not just selling music. We’re selling stories, connection, and discovery.” In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr sits down with Terry Cole—co-owner of Plaid Room Records in Loveland, OH — for a candid and insightful look at what it takes to run a successful record store in 2025. Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com) From customer buying trends and pricing strategies to the legacy of “dollar bin” records and the reality of managing inventory, Terry shares it all. They also dive into the emotional connection people have with their collections, what records fly off the shelves (spoiler: Rumors still rules), and how Plaid Room blends in-store charm with a robust national web store. A must-listen for vinyl lovers, record store dreamers, and indie label nerds alike.  Subscribe to FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

Want to get your records into indie record stores? In this episode, we walk through how to approach local shops, what to bring with you, how to structure consignment deals, and how to turn record stores into long-term supporters of your label. Thanks to our sponsor LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) for making this episode possible. 👉 Learn more about getting your records in stores at otherrecordlabels.com/recordstores

This special bonus episode of For the Love of Vinyl features an insightful conversation with Larry Jaffee, author of Record Store Day: The Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century and co-founder of Making Vinyl. We dive deep into the origins and evolution of Record Store Day, exploring how this grassroots celebration revitalized vinyl culture, empowered independent record stores, and helped spark a global vinyl revival. Sponsored by A to Z Media — Your trusted vinyl manufacturing partner. Learn more at atozmedia.com. Listen now at otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl or wherever you get your podcasts.

Releasing a cover song might seem like a creative detour — but for indie artists, it can be a powerful tool for growth. Presented by LANDR - (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) In this episode, we break down why covers still matter, and how they can help you build an audience, get discovered on streaming platforms, and even land sync placements. We’ll cover: The discoverability benefits of covers on Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok How to put your own artistic spin on a cover The hidden potential of covers in sync licensing Why a cover can serve as a gateway to your original music Plus, we’ll share tips on how to choose the right song — and what you need to know about licensing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a smart release strategy between albums, this episode will give you the tools to make your next cover work harder for your career.