Other Record Labels

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 collector, how his collecting habits have evolved, and what inspired him to start broadcasting his records online. We also dig into why people keep showing up to listen together, what he has learned about the audience and community surrounding Vinyl Junkies, and why an old physical format seems to work so well on a platform like Twitch.
 
STREAM VINYL JUNKIES: https://www.twitch.tv/vinyljunkies
 
Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

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
 
 

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.

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.

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.
 

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
 

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 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/

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