Other Record Labels

Feeling like the music industry kinda sucks right now? You’re not alone.
In this episode of Other Record Labels, Scott opens up about the discouraging moments that come with running a label or making music when everything seems down — the numbers, the engagement, the excitement. He shares three powerful ways to push through the slump: reconnecting with your “why,” doing something drastic to reignite your passion, and persevering for the long game.
Whether you’re an artist, label owner, or just someone who loves music, this episode is your reminder that you’re not done yet — and that the work you do still matters.
 
This episode is brought to you by LANDR.You’ve probably heard of LANDR as a mastering service — but it’s so much more now. With LANDR Studio, you get everything you need to make, release, and grow your music — samples, plugins, mastering, distribution, and more — all in one place.A huge thanks to LANDR for supporting the Other Record Labels community and helping make these weekly episodes possible.👉 Check out LANDR Studio and get 20% off at landr.com/otherrecordlabels

Meet Danny in our upcoming Labelmates Group! http://otherrecordlabels.com/register
In this episode, Scott talks with Danny from Hideout Records, a brand new jazz label based in Vienna, Austria. Danny shares how his journey as a bassist, studio owner, and producer led to launching a record label that supports the local jazz community.
They discuss the blurred lines between creativity and entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing multiple musical roles, the story behind Hideout’s unique name, and why collaboration and community are at the heart of every great label.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own label — especially one rooted in passion and purpose — this conversation will inspire you.
👉 Learn more at otherrecordlabels.com
 
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👉 Get 20% off your subscription at landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I want to share my story of how Other Record Labels began — not as a company, but as a podcast born from frustration, burnout, and a desire to connect with other indie label owners. How this rainy day moment in 2017 turned into hundreds of interviews with the world’s most inspiring labels and the creation of a thriving community for label owners.
If you’re feeling stuck or alone in your label journey, you’ll relate to this one — and you’ll want to check out Labelmates, our 6-week group program for indie label owners. Learn, grow, and find your people.👉 Join now at otherrecordlabels.com/register

“Every release is a statement in time — even if people don’t find it now, they might discover it years down the road.”
In this episode of Other Record Labels, I chat with Bryan, the founder of Portal of Eels, a new independent record label from Denver, Colorado.
Presented by LANDR - The Official Digital Distributor of Other Record LabelsSign Up: landr.com/otherrecordlabels
We talk about the label’s origins, what it’s like to release your first vinyl record, and how to stay encouraged when promotion feels like a slot machine.
Bryan shares lessons from running a one-person label, the importance of community, and the joy of creating something lasting.
 
Join our upcoming Labelmates: http://otherrecordlabels.com/register
Check out Portal of Eels: https://portalofeels.bandcamp.com

This week, I sit down with Chase and Laura from Sun Records — yes, the Sun Records. The birthplace of rock & roll, where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison first got their start.
Presented by LANDR - Click here for an EXCLUSIVE subscription discount: http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels
We talk about what it means to protect and evolve a label that helped invent modern music. How do you stay true to Sam Phillips’ “perfect imperfection” while still making new records in 2025?
This episode is part music history, part masterclass in legacy label management — and 100% inspiring for anyone running or dreaming of running their own label.
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LABELMATES - Our Fall 2025, 6-week Labelmates Sessions start on October 21st. Tuesdays at 4:30PM Eastern. Grab your spot here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/register

Why do people really start record labels?
For some, it’s not always about money, streams, or press coverage. A lot of times, it’s about fulfillment, legacy, and the simple joy of working with great music.
In this episode of Other Record Labels, I share why I believe labels still matter and why so many indie label owners take the leap. From retirees starting labels as their “second act,” to artists who just want to build community, this conversation is both inspirational and practical.
I also talk about our upcoming Labelmates Core Sessions Cohort, a 6-week program I’m hosting to help indie label owners find clarity, confidence, and fulfillment while building their own version of success.
Register for Labelmates: http://otherrecordlabels.com/register
Labelmates - Fall 2025 Cohort | Oct 21 - Nov 25 | Every Tuesday at 4:00PM Eastern

In this episode, Scott Orr explores The New Record Label Model—a way of running a label that’s actually rooted in the oldest history of the music business.
Presented by LANDR - [landr.com/otherrecordlabels]
From early companies that sold machines first and music second, to today’s indie labels building sustainable, multi-faceted businesses, Scott makes the case for why the healthiest, most innovative labels are no longer “just record labels.”
Based on his new book Why We Still Need Record Labels, this episode is both a celebration and a roadmap for indie label owners who want to thrive in today’s industry.
GRAB THE NEW BOOK: http://geni.us/whyweneedrecordlabels

“Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know the process—just ask questions. That’s how I learned everything.”
Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)
 
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick from A to Z Media, one of the most trusted names in vinyl pressing and packaging.
Patrick pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring music from digital files to a physical record you can hold in your hands.
We talk about sequencing an album for vinyl, the science and craftsmanship behind plating and pressing, and the hundreds of skilled hands that touch a record before it reaches a fan’s turntable.
Patrick also shares his own journey as a lifelong collector, including the wild story of rescuing a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox off a Los Angeles street.

In this episode, I share some updates on the podcast and community, including the release of my new book Why We (Still) Need Record Labels, which explores the value and evolution of indie labels today.
Order Here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/book
 
I also talk about the upcoming Labelmates cohort, a small group program for aspiring label owners. (otherrecordlabels.com/labelmates)
 
Special thanks to our friends at LANDR for partnering with Other Record Labels - Sign up and get 50% OFF your subscription here: http://landr.com/otherrecordlabels
 

Hey friends, Scott here, just wanted to pop on an intro this cool episode of a great podcast you may not be familiar with.
Our friends at A to Z Media – Have a podcast of their own. And if you like Other Record Labels or you like For the Love of Vinyl – you’ll love Bespoken. A podcast by a to Z media that Dives into the world of independent music and physical media culture.
In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack welcomes Ken Shipley, co-founder of the influential reissue label Numero Group. Known for its meticulous packaging, deep archival research, and genre-spanning catalog, Numero has spent over two decades preserving overlooked artists and forgotten underground music scenes, from soul and funk to punk, post-hardcore, early emo, and beyond.
This conversation centers on Sequoia, Numero’s ambitious new 7-inch box set documenting the first decade of American emo. Described by Ken as a “30-year sequel” to his 1995 compilation Eucalyptus, Sequoia is both a love letter and historical archive, featuring 27 vinyl records, a 136-page hardcover book, and packaging that faithfully recreates the tactile, handmade spirit of ’90s DIY culture.
Ken shares insights into Numero’s creative process, how physical media becomes a vehicle for storytelling, and why their mission goes beyond nostalgia—it's about preserving cultural memory. This rare behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the values, vision, and detail-driven ethos of one of the most respected archival labels in the industry. 
A to Z Media is proud to have worked with Numero Group on countless vinyl releases, boxed sets, merch, and, of course, Sequoia. Whether you're a fan of emo, punk, or the art of vinyl packaging, this episode is a must-listen.
Learn more or order Sequoia: https://numerogroup.com/products/sequoia
For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels (major and independent) producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BESPOKEN PODCAST: https://bespokenpodcast.podbean.com/
BESPOKEN PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@AtoZMediaInc