“Mean World is about being a light in the darkness — a haven for artists in a tough industry.”

Interview with Hunter Bates of Mean World Records.

Presented by LANDR - (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr)

Denver-based indie label Mean World Records joins the show to talk about building a label that’s equal parts DIY spirit and community hub. We get into Denver’s unique music scene, why design and merch matter, and how selling coffee can actually help fund records. This is what running a modern indie label looks like.

Are Crosley turntables bad?

They’re a gateway for new vinyl fans—and that’s a win for indie artists! Sure, audiophiles might warn about record wear on lower-priced turntables, but music is meant to be enjoyed. If you love how your Crosley looks and feels, spin those records!

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

SUBSCRIBE TO FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

#VinylLife #CrosleyTurntable #IndieMusic #VinylCommunity #MusicIsLife

Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you're running a record label with limited time and resources.

Presented by LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr)

In this episode, we break down the five most common social media struggles indie label owners face—from not knowing what to post, to questioning if any of it even matters.

You'll also learn a simple, repeatable system to help you overcome each roadblock, stay consistent, and build meaningful engagement with your audience. Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to get back on track, this episode will give you a clear path forward.

Learn More & Grab The FREE Worksheet: http://otherrecordlabels.com/social-media-roadblocks

Today, I speak with Jamie of Hotham Sound, an experimental cassette label based in Vancouver, BC.

Hotham Sound is a home for the weird and wonderful edges of electronic music—think forest electro, field recordings, bent circuits, ambient malcontents, and musicians and non-musicians alike.

Presented by LANDR - http://geni.us/trylandr

We talk about the label’s roots in the Pacific Northwest, its love for outdated tech and homemade aesthetics, and what it means to build a label that thrives on artistic curiosity and sonic exploration.

Learn More about Hotham Sound: http://hothamsound.com

If you’re into experimental music, cassette culture, or just passionate about niche record labels doing things their own way, this one’s for you.

Getting ready to release new music? In this episode, we walk through a simple, practical 10-step checklist to help you prepare for your next release like a pro.

From defining the release's role in your bigger plan to creating a promotional strategy and updating your web presence, this checklist covers everything indie artists and labels need to maximize the impact of a new single, EP, or album.

Presented by LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr)

Learn how to build momentum, stay organized, and create a campaign that gets your music heard!

“Getting a record into a store is only half the job. You need to make sure there’s an audience there to buy it.”

A Peek Inside Physical Distribution (Replay with Abby Goldsmith of Secretly Distribution)

Presented by LANDR – http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr

In this special replay episode, we revisit a timeless conversation with Abby Goldsmith, label rep at Secretly Distribution, one of the most respected physical and digital distribution companies in the indie music scene. This interview originally aired in 2023, but its insights are more relevant than ever for indie record labels navigating the world of vinyl, retail, and physical sales strategies.

Whether you missed it the first time or need a refresher on how physical distribution actually works (and when your label is ready for it), this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes context, and real talk about what it takes to get your records in stores.

You'll hear us dive into:

• What physical distribution really means for indie labels today

• Why some stores are moving beyond “the dusty record shop” model

• How to build meaningful retail relationships, even before you're ready to distribute

• Why pressing vinyl isn't just about the format, it's about legitimacy and strategy

• How labels can know when they’re truly “ready” for physical distribution

Still a must-listen for anyone growing a record label in 2025.

“We’re not just selling music. We’re selling stories, connection, and discovery.”

In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr sits down with Terry Cole—co-owner of Plaid Room Records in Loveland, OH — for a candid and insightful look at what it takes to run a successful record store in 2025.

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

From customer buying trends and pricing strategies to the legacy of “dollar bin” records and the reality of managing inventory, Terry shares it all.

They also dive into the emotional connection people have with their collections, what records fly off the shelves (spoiler: Rumors still rules), and how Plaid Room blends in-store charm with a robust national web store.

A must-listen for vinyl lovers, record store dreamers, and indie label nerds alike.

Subscribe to FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

Want to get your records into indie record stores?

In this episode, we walk through how to approach local shops, what to bring with you, how to structure consignment deals, and how to turn record stores into long-term supporters of your label.

Thanks to our sponsor LANDR (http://otherrecordlabels.com/landr) for making this episode possible.

👉 Learn more about getting your records in stores at otherrecordlabels.com/recordstores