Other Record Labels

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. ---- Presented by LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels ---- 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 experience, the labels I’ve interviewed and learned from, and one underrated perspective: I’m also a buyer. I’m constantly checking out new music, adding albums to Apple Music, ordering on Bandcamp, digging through stores… and I can’t tell you how often a label makes it weirdly difficult to even listen to the music, let alone buy it. So here are the five reasons your records aren’t moving: You make it really hard If people can’t instantly hear what you do and instantly find where to buy it, you’re losin

AI is showing up everywhere in the music industry — writing emails, summarizing deals, generating marketing plans… and now, drafting contracts. But just because AI can help with music law, doesn’t mean it should. ---- Presented by LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels ---- In this episode, I sit down with Cassandra Spangler, a New York–based music and entertainment attorney, to talk honestly about the growing trend of artists and indie labels using AI tools like ChatGPT for legal work — and why that can quietly put your catalog, your money, and your artists at serious risk. We dig into: Why AI-generated contracts often sound legit — even when they’re wrong The hidden dangers of missing clauses, loopholes, and jurisdiction issues Why “I didn’t understand the contract” isn’t a legal defense The lack of accountability, confidentiality, and attorney-client privilege with AI How artists and labels are using AI the right way — as a starting point, not a replacement This isn’t an anti-AI episode.

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels Starting a record label is exciting—but sticking with it is where the real work begins. In Episode 8 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott focuses on one of the most important (and underrated) qualities of successful labels: consistency. Not hustle. Not volume. Not chasing trends—but showing up in a sustainable, repeatable way over time. This episode explores: Why consistency matters more than frequency Choosing a release cadence you can actually maintain The difference between full-length releases, singles, and supplemental content How the pipeline supports consistency and prevents burnout Why a label’s greatest asset is its catalog, not any single release How labels act as a bridge between artists and music fans Scott reframes the role of a record label as a long-term conduit—balancing the infinite appetite of

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Contracts and royalties are where a lot of people get stuck—and for good reason. Record labels have a long history of bad deals, broken trust, and artists getting the short end of the stick. In Episode 7 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott tackles this head-on and explains how modern independent labels can do things differently. This episode walks through the fundamentals of contracts and royalties from a practical, empathetic perspective—without legal jargon and without pretending there’s a one-size-fits-all solution. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you do need contracts—and why they protect artists as much as labels When to involve a music attorney (and why templates and AI contracts fall short) Common contract terms artists actually care about (term length, exclusivity, territory) How licensing master recording

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   People love to say there’s no money in the music industry. And honestly? It can feel that way—especially when you’re just getting started. In Episode 6 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott tackles this myth head-on and shares what he’s seen firsthand after nearly a decade of working with independent labels across every genre imaginable. Not major labels. Not household names. Real, niche, often obscure labels that are quietly building sustainable, profitable businesses. This episode breaks down: Why some indie labels are thriving while others stay stuck The difference between struggling revenue streams and sustainable ones Traditional label income (streaming, physical sales, sync, merch) Why the healthiest labels rely on multiple revenue streams How predictable income and release cycles balance each other The power

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   In Episode 5 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott walks through what actually happens when you’re ready to release music—and how to do it in a way that gives your record the best possible chance to succeed. From choosing the right release date to working backward months in advance, this episode breaks down the practical realities of releasing music today, especially if you’re dealing with physical formats, digital distribution, and limited time and resources. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to choose a release date that serves the music (not just the calendar) Why working backward from release day is essential—especially for vinyl and physical formats What assets you need before release day (artwork, photos, videos, press materials, instrumentals) How pre-release singles, preorders, and promotion fit into a release

One of the most intimidating questions new label owners face is: How do I actually find artists for my record label? And right behind it: How do I even approach an artist without feeling awkward or unqualified? PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels In Episode 4, Scott breaks this down in the most practical—and human—way possible. Instead of chasing hype or cold-pitching strangers, he explains why the healthiest labels grow slowly, organically, and through genuine relationships. This episode explores: Why most labels start with the founder’s own music or close community How to “expand your radius” from friends to friends-of-friends to wider scenes Matching your label’s stage with artists at the same point in their career Using Bandcamp as a powerful (and underused) artist discovery tool Why community matters more than connections The right mindset for approaching artists: being a fan first, always Scott shares real stories from his own label’s early days and explains why starting from

One of the biggest questions new label owners ask is: When can I officially launch my record label? Is it when you announce the name? Post a logo? Release your first record? PRESENTED BY LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels In Episode 3, Scott explains why the real answer has less to do with a launch date—and everything to do with what he calls the pipeline. This episode breaks down why a record label isn’t legitimate because of one release, but because of what comes next. Scott walks through how professional labels think months (and years) ahead, and why momentum, consistency, and planning are what separate sustainable labels from one-off projects. You’ll learn: What a “pipeline” actually is and why every label needs one before launching How far ahead your releases should realistically be planned A manageable release cadence for one-person and small labels How to stagger projects across 3, 6, and 12-month timelines Why pipelines build confidence with artists, press, and fans A strong pipeli

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest reasons people never start a record label. That quiet (or loud) voice asking: Who am I to do this? Why would anyone care about my taste, my curation, or my point of view? In this episode, Scott breaks down why imposter syndrome never really goes away—even for Grammy-winning label owners—and why that’s actually good news. Instead of waiting to feel “qualified,” he reframes the conversation around what truly makes a record label valuable: your unique taste, your lived experience, and the specific combination of influences only you can bring to the table. You’ll learn how to: Understand why imposter syndrome is normal at every level of the music industry Identify the unique ingredients that make your label different (genre, geography, format, values, and that all-important X-factor) Stop compar

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit   Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest reasons people never start a record label. That quiet (or loud) voice asking: Who am I to do this? Why would anyone care about my taste, my curation, or my point of view? In this episode, Scott breaks down why imposter syndrome never really goes away—even for Grammy-winning label owners—and why that’s actually good news. Instead of waiting to feel “qualified,” he reframes the conversation around what truly makes a record label valuable: your unique taste, your lived experience, and the specific combination of influences only you can bring to the table. You’ll learn how to: Understand why imposter syndrome is normal at every level of the music industry Identify the unique ingredients that make your label different (genre, geography, format, values, and that all-important X-factor) Stop compar

Why I’m Optimistic About The Music Industry Times are tough in the music industry—and there’s no point pretending otherwise. Streaming payouts are shrinking, costs are rising, the economy is squeezing fans, and AI plus the distraction economy are reshaping how people engage with music. In this episode of Other Record Labels, I acknowledge the very real challenges indie labels and musicians are facing right now—and then I make the case for optimism.   PRESENTED BY LANDR - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels I share five reasons why, despite everything working against us, I genuinely believe the future still holds opportunity for independent artists and labels. From the quiet resurgence of physical media, to the power of human connection, to why your unique label path may actually be the solution—not the problem—this episode is about perspective, resilience, and rebellion. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, burned out, or close to giving up, this conversation is for you. Because even when it doesn’t make sense,

Lesson 4 — HELPING YOUR NEW RELEASE Bonus Release Questions You’re Probably Asking Right Now PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels   This episode is a rapid-fire support library for all the extra stuff that can trip up a release if you’re DIY. Think of it as your “release survival guide” for the details that matter once the plan is in motion. Plus we look at the big macro picture of staying in the game long enough to see success happen for you and your releases!   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL Presented by A to Z Media (atozmedia.com) What makes a Christmas record timeless? Why do holiday albums outsell almost everything else on vinyl every December? And which Christmas records are actually worth owning? In this festive episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr is joined by Terry Cole of Colemine Records and Plaid Room Records (Loveland, Ohio) for a deep dive into the world of Christmas records. From Vince Guaraldi and Bing Crosby to Michael Bublé, Phil Spector, and soul Christmas classics, Scott and Terry unpack why holiday records remain one of the most powerful rituals in vinyl culture. They explore: Why Christmas records sell at a completely different scale than regular vinyl The best-selling Christmas albums of all time (and the surprises) Underrated holiday records every collector should know Original vs. traditional Christmas songs—and why originals are so hard to pull off Whether Christmas albums are a smart investment for indie artists and labels Ho

Lesson 3 — PROMOTING YOUR NEW RELEASE How to Promote a Release Without Losing Your Mind PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels   Promotion doesn’t have to mean gimmicks, burnout, or spending money you don’t have. In this episode, you’ll learn how to pitch your release to press and playlists, create real marketing opportunities, find your unique angle, and make release day count. We’ll also dig into what a smart post-release campaign looks like so your music keeps moving long after launch day.   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

Lesson 2 — PREPARING YOUR NEW RELEASE The Release Prep Checklist: Dates, Goals, Lead Time, and Distribution PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels Before you promote anything, you need a real plan. We’ll walk through how to know when your music is actually ready, how to pick a strategic release date, and how to build a workback schedule that keeps you on track. Plus we’ll cover setting measurable goals, organizing your assets, and choosing the right distributor so your release is built to succeed.   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

Lesson 1 — INTRO TO YOUR NEW RELEASE Why Great Music Gets Ignored (And How to Fix It) PRESENTED BY LANDR - landr.com/otherrecordlabels You can make an amazing record and still have it flop if the release plan isn’t there. In this episode, we break down the real reasons new music gets ignored—low effort, no lead time, weak post-release follow-through, bad luck, and even the hard truth about quality. Consider this your mindset reset before you plan your next release.   This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

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In this episode, Scott talks with Silas, founder of Chalkpit Cassette Club and creator of The Next Wave, the monthly cassette-and-magazine discovery series that has quietly become one of the most innovative physical music platforms in the indie world.   ***Get 20% OFF your LANDR Subscription! - http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels    Silas shares the origin story of Chalkpit — from inheriting his grandfather’s cassette collection during lockdown to building a modern music discovery club rooted in physical media, community, and long-term cataloging. He breaks down how The Next Wave evolved from one-off artist releases to a tastemaker-driven monthly compilation featuring over 400 artists so far. They discuss the DIY beginnings of cassette manufacturing, the philosophy behind physical formats in a streaming-dominated world, and the surprising resurgence of tapes within major labels and indie communities. Silas also talks about curation, design, finding new artists online, and why variety—not algorithmic sameness—i

Switching digital distributors can feel terrifying — what if you lose your Spotify streams, your playlists, or your hard-earned momentum? In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I safely transferred one of my own tracks (with over 200,000 streams and dozens of playlist placements) from CD Baby to LANDR… without losing a single play. I’ll share the simple 4-step process to move your release to a new distributor while keeping your existing ISRCs, metadata, and playlists intact. It’s easier than you think — and yes, I tested it myself so you don’t have to.