Other Record Labels Blog

Weekly episodes to help you build and grow your record label.

Our record label blog features podcast interviews with some of the best independent record labels, quick tips for record labels, and other helpful resources to help you make your record label more effective and efficient!

Interview with Stereo Ferment
Interviews Scott Orr Interviews Scott Orr

Interview with Stereo Ferment

Did you know that YouTube started out as a dating website? And so did Instagramm! In fact, there are tons of odd origin stories out there…. Pixar made computers, Dyson made wheelbarrows, and The Beatles were a cover band…

These giants pivoted their way to becoming global phenomena, proving that adaptation can be the key to success.

This week, we bring you a real-life story of transformation - Stereo Ferment, a Canadian record label. Initially, they set out to host DJ parties with a twist – fermenting food. However, as you might guess, that plan didn't quite hit the right note. But like many great businesses, they didn't give up; they pivoted on the fly, evolving into one of my favorite record labels today!

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Interview with Skyline Records
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Interview with Skyline Records

Join host Scott Orr on this episode of Other Record Labels as he chats with Will from Skyline Records, a Nashville-based record label. They dive into the world of modern bluegrass and music law. Discover the backstory of Skyline Records and how they navigate the competitive Nashville scene. Will shares insights into the label's genre preferences and his role as an advocate for bluegrass. The episode also explores the challenges and opportunities of promoting historical genres, and Will's dual roles as a lawyer and label owner. Tune in for valuable advice on legal aspects in the music industry and cost-efficient solutions for indie labels. Don't miss this enlightening discussion about music and the law in the heart of Nashville.

Presented by Squarespace. http://otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace

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Interview with Bud Tapes
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Interview with Bud Tapes

In this episode of Other Record Labels, Scott shares in an insightful conversation with Emmet, the mastermind behind BudTapes, a record label based in the Pacific Northwest city of Portland, Oregon. 

Scott and Emmet explore the intriguing history of BudTapes, tracing its evolution from a mere idea to a thriving and influential label. Discover the label's distinct criteria for selecting releases that earn the "Bud Tape" distinction, and explore whether the label consciously encapsulates the essence of the Pacific Northwest in its music.

 This episode is presented by Hypeddit - Learn more at http://otherrecordlabels.com/hypeddit

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Interview with ProgRock.com Essentials
Interviews Scott Orr Interviews Scott Orr

Interview with ProgRock.com Essentials

In this episode, we're diving into the world of record labels with a unique focus. Our guest, Mark from ProgRock.com Essentials, takes us through the evolution of their label, from a blog and radio show to a full-fledged record label dedicated to celebrating progressive rock. We discuss the power and responsibility of genre-centric labels, explore the history of progressive rock, and uncover the passionate community that surrounds it. Tune in to discover the magic behind ProgRock.com Essentials and the captivating genre it represents. Available now on your favorite podcast platform!

Presented by Hypeddit (http://otherrecordlabels.com/hypeddit

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Interview with Winspear Records
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Interview with Winspear Records

In this interview with Winspear Records, an indie record label, we discuss their unique approach to releasing a label compilation record and the strategy behind it. They share how they prioritize the aesthetic and design of their releases, including the decision to press the compilation to black vinyl to complement the artwork.

We delve into the history of Winspear Records, which dates back to 2015, and explore the label's guiding principles and curatorial process. The label's meticulous art direction and overall aesthetic are a deliberate choice, reflecting their commitment to high-quality design.

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Interview with Stereofox
Interviews Scott Orr Interviews Scott Orr

Interview with Stereofox

In this episode, Scott interviews the indie record label, Stereofox. While the label is known for its curated Spotify playlists, Scott discovers there's more to the company than just curation.

The interview delves into various topics such as the label's perspective on SubmitHub, the challenges of providing feedback, the label's origin story, and their unique approach to revenue streams. Listeners will learn about the various services Stereofox offers, including publishing and agency services, as well as their decision to produce 10" vinyl.

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Interview with Flower Sounds
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Interview with Flower Sounds

The crazy things the record label, Flower Sounds have done to sell records… In this episode, we talk about a dozen unique marketing and promotional ideas that Flower Sounds have experimented with over the years…

Flower Sounds is a boutique music label that only releases runs of 100.

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Interview with OFFAIR Records
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Interview with OFFAIR Records

Join me as I explore how OFFAIR cultivates an intimate, memorable experience for both artists and fans through unique live shows, and their mission to showcase music that goes beyond the familiar sonic territories. This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to discover the power of intentional listening and the art of music curation.

Bringing background music into the foreground with OFFAIR Records!

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Interview with Heart Dance Records
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Interview with Heart Dance Records

Talking about how to sign artists who match your label’s ethos with Heart Dance Records.

Heart Dance Records is a woman-owned and operated instrumental label with a mission to, through their collective artists, create peaceful music for well-being to help listeners relax, reduce stress, focus, inspire, grieve, heal, meditate and calm.

Some of the takeaways from today's interview include how to work with artists who have integrity, who work hard on their careers, and who are in line with your record label’s ethos and mission statement!

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Interview with The Beths
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Interview with The Beths

This month on the podcast we are launching a new series called Artists on Labels, where I talk with indie artists about their experiences with record labels.

Join us for an exciting podcast interview with the indie rock band, The Beths, as they share their experiences as independent musicians and their journey working with indie record labels. The band will discuss the ups and downs of the indie music scene, the challenges they have faced, and the lessons they have learned along the way. They will also share their thoughts on creativity and their writing/recording process. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the indie music scene and the struggles and triumphs of independent artists.

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Interview with Bartees Strange
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Interview with Bartees Strange

This month on the podcast we’re launching a new series called Artists on Labels, where I talk with indie artists about their experiences with record labels.

Exclusive interview with Bartees Strange, talking about how to be an indie artist in the short-form video culture, the labels he grew up with, and how indie record labels can better serve indie artists!

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Interview with Wheatus
Interviews Scott Orr Interviews Scott Orr

Interview with Wheatus

This month on the podcast we’re launching a new series called Artists on Labels, where I talk with indie artists about their experiences with record labels.

This week we talk about how labels should trust, nurture, and evolve their artists’ creativity, with Wheatus.

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Interview with Pictoria Vark
Interviews Scott Orr Interviews Scott Orr

Interview with Pictoria Vark

This month on the podcast we’re launching a new series called Artists on Labels, where I talk with indie artists about their experiences with record labels.

This will be a great opportunity for us to learn about artist’s needs and expectations, and how we as label owners can be more accommodating and empowering!

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Interview with Weird Sister Records
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Interview with Weird Sister Records

Weird Sister is more than just a record label, and in this interview we talk about what it means to be a “collective” and how labels can — and should — work to create a safe space for artists to do their thing.

Some of the takeaways from today's interview include how to establish trust with your artists, how to exhibit transparency, and how to hold yourself accountable as a record label owner…

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Interview with Wicked Opossum Records
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Interview with Wicked Opossum Records

In this episode, I speak with a brand new record label that have yet to release their first album, Wicked Opossum Records. This label decided to undertake the daunting task of putting together a Kinks compilation that features artists like Wheatus, The Operation MD, Riverboat Gamblers, and many more. And they seemed to have pulled it off!

Some of the takeaways from today's interview include the fact that no one’s going to give you permission, "rush into research" and how everything costs more and takes longer than you planned!

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Interview with Warp Records
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Interview with Warp Records

In this week’s interview, I speak with iconic label, Warp Records, home to Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, Flying Lotus, Brian Eno, and tons more!. I talk with Steven Hill who is the head of North America and Global Marketing.

We talk about the role of marketing for indie record labels, including how artists are involved in the campaign in their own special way, what works for smaller indie labels, and how it always starts with the art, the artist, and the music!

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Interview with ATA Records
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Interview with ATA Records

In this week’s interview, I speak with UK label, ATA Records, which stands for All Things Analog. The name of the label is important because it is an expression of Neil’s love of “all things analog”

Plus, Neil talks about his newfound love of email marketing, how he had to take over the business side of running a label, and how he’s building upon the old school record label model of a record label with an in-house recording studio…

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Interview with Catapult Recordings
Interviews Scott Orr Interviews Scott Orr

Interview with Catapult Recordings

In this episode, I speak with Cooper Anderson, who started his record label when he was 14 years old!! 

We talk about how his young age works to his advantage, and how he hopes to make a lasting impact in the Oklahoma City music scene... all while still in high school! 

Learn more: http://catapultrecordings.com

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