In this episode, we dive deep into the pros and cons of pressing vinyl records as an indie artist or label owner. Vinyl can be a stunning, high-ticket item that fans love to collect and display, offering endless creative opportunities—from unique label designs and vibrant vinyl colors to custom jackets and inserts. The resurgence of vinyl suggests it has a bright future, making it an appealing way to connect with fans on a tangible level.

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://geni.us/hellbender

But there’s no denying the challenges that come with vinyl production. Manufacturing costs are high, with minimum order quantities often around 200-300 units to make the economics work. Prices for materials and shipping have surged, meaning a $25 record might now cost $40 or more, squeezing fans’ budgets even further. Plus, boring, uninspired vinyl designs simply don’t sell in today’s competitive market. We’ll also unpack the logistics involved—from audio mastering to artwork design to test pressings—revealing why vinyl is a complex endeavor for any indie artist or label.

If you're considering vinyl for your next release, tune in to hear an honest breakdown of the costs, creative perks, and potential pitfalls, so you can decide if this classic format is the right fit for your music.

RESOURCES FOR VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

In this episode, I chat with Dom, founder of Sunday Dinner Records, about his journey from music fan to label owner.

Presented by Smart Noise (http://geni.us/smartnoise)

Dom shares how he builds a close-knit, family-like community with his artists and the thought process behind his label’s food-inspired name. We dive into his passion for quality over quantity, why he still believes in physical releases like cassettes and vinyl, and his vision for the future of Sunday Dinner.

This episode is all about indie spirit, genuine connections, and the art of creating timeless music.

In this episode, we dive deep into the resurgence of cassette tapes and what they mean for indie artists and record labels. We explore the unique advantages that cassettes bring to the table, including their low production costs, creative potential, and the charm of physical media in an increasingly digital world.

Presented by SMART NOISE - http://geni.us/smartnoise

For labels, cassettes offer a lower barrier to entry, allowing for smaller runs, easier shipping, and a distinct DIY aesthetic with customizable J-cards, colorful tapes, and unique vertical artwork. We also discuss the nostalgia factor, which drives cassette culture, and how even big names like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish have adopted the format.

However, cassettes come with their own challenges. Margins can be tight, as keeping the price below $10 while managing production costs can be tough. Few functional tape players exist, and the format lacks the mainstream retail support enjoyed by vinyl. Moreover, the dual-sided nature of cassettes adds creative hurdles for artists, forcing them to balance song lengths across both sides. While cassettes may not yet have reached vinyl’s level of popularity, they offer a distinct space for collectors and artists alike.

Grab my FREE GUIDE to making cassette tapes: http://otherrecordlabels.com/tapes

Join us as we explore whether cassette tapes are worth the investment for indie artists and labels—and what the future holds for this nostalgic, yet potentially reborn, format.

In this episode, I sit down with Zena, founder of Root Rot Records, an independent label championing community and creativity.

Presented by Smart Noise - http://geni.us/smartnoise

Zena shares their experience navigating vinyl production and how tapes have been a unique and growing part of their label’s offerings. We also dive into the clever marketing tactics like the “try before you buy” QR code stickers on their tapes.

We explore the meaning behind the name Root Rot Records and discuss how the label’s mission is more than just about releasing music—it’s about creating a home for marginalized communities. Zena talks about how fostering compassion, community, and inclusivity is at the heart of the label's ethos.

Rootrotrecords.bandcamp.com

In this episode, we tackle the big question every aspiring indie label owner has asked: "How much does it cost to start a record label?"

Presented by Smart Noise - http://geni.us/smartnoise

Forget the sky-high figures you might find online – we're breaking it down in a realistic, no-nonsense way for one-person operations, DIY labels, and anyone looking to start small. From branding and legal costs to subscriptions and vinyl pressing, we’ll walk you through a practical budget of around $2,650, with tips on how to scale from there.

Whether you're reissuing your own music, releasing a friend's band, or dreaming of creating a community-driven label, this episode gives you a clear path forward. Plus, we share how you can save money without cutting corners – and what you shouldn't skimp on. Listen in and get ready to launch your label the right way!

Grab a budget template here: http://otherrecordlabels.com/budget

This week, it's an INDUSTRY INSIDERS episode! I sit down with Eric Weiner of The Wild Honey Pie, a company renowned for creating video content and music videos for indie artists and labels. Together, we dive into the evolving landscape of music videos in the indie music scene in 2024.

Presented by SMART NOISE - http://smart-noise.com

We explore the apparent contradiction of music videos losing relevance in an era where video content dominates platforms like YouTube, while music videos seem to have become the "unwanted stepchild" of the video content family. Eric shares his thoughts on why streaming giants like Spotify and Apple haven't pushed music videos as aggressively as they've embraced video content for podcasts.

We also address the practical side of video creation, including the high costs and challenges indie labels face in producing them. Eric shares insights into how some genres—like alternative rock and punk—thrive visually, while others may struggle to translate their sound into a visual medium.

Check out The Wild Honey Pie: http://thewildhoneypie.com

10 Tips for Running a Successful Record Label Sale

In this episode, we dive into why regular sales on platforms like Bandcamp and your label’s webstore are more than just a way to make a quick buck—they’re an essential tool for keeping your label top-of-mind with fans.

Presented by Infinite Catalog - http://geni.us/infinitecatalog

We share 10 actionable tips on how to plan, promote, and execute a successful record label sale, from setting up your strategy to offering exclusive perks and creating an irresistible campaign.

Whether you’re gearing up for a New Year sale or planning ahead for the next season, this episode will help you boost engagement, build your brand, and generate revenue.

Tune in and get ready to maximize your next sale!

In this episode, Scott sits down with Harry Towell, the creative force behind Whitelabrecs, to explore the art of running an indie record label with a unique approach.

Harry shares the inspiration behind his label’s name and its focus on blending vintage vinyl aesthetics with modern CD formats. From hand-burning early releases to creating beautifully packaged vinyl-style CDs, Harry has built a label that values both music and physical media as collectible art.

Join us as we discuss the challenges of producing physical releases, the resurgence of CDs in the ambient music world, and Harry's philosophy of supporting emerging artists with lower-risk formats.

Presented by Infinite Catalog - http://geni.us/infinitecatalog