Other Record Labels

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 of creating one unique revenue stream no one else has

Scott explains why diversification—not chasing trends—is what keeps labels alive long-term, and why many of the most inspiring labels succeed by combining music with something bigger: studios, stores, education, events, or entirely new ideas that only they could create.

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 timeline

Why release day is not the finish line—and how to think about the long tail of your music

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 authenticity—not opportunity—is the foundation of long-term trust, sustainable growth, and meaningful releases.

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 pipeline keeps your label from stalling after the excitement of release day and helps you build a healthy, sustainable catalog over time—even when some releases perform better than others.

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 2 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott dives into branding—specifically how to name your label, define your identity, and build a brand that actually connects with the right audience.

If you’ve been stuck obsessing over the perfect label name, this episode is your permission slip to move on. Scott breaks down why your name won’t make or break your label, what does matter when choosing one, and how to avoid common mistakes that can slow you down before you even release music.

This episode covers:

Why most successful labels weren’t built on clever names—but clear identity

Practical rules for choosing a label name (logos, domains, searchability, and social handles)

How niche, taste, and curation form the real foundation of your brand

Using genre, geography, format, and values to “dog-whistle” to your audience

Translating your niche into visual branding, design, and consistency

Branding isn’t just logos and colors—it’s the sum of your taste, your mission, and the community you’re building. When done right, someone should be able to spot one of your records from across the room and know it belongs to your label.