“DIY shouldn’t mean being ashamed of excellence.”

In this episode, I sit down with the founders of http://hellbendervinyl.com

We talk about the modern Seattle music scene, DIY culture, youth creativity, recording music with teenagers, physical media, and why “real life experiences” still matter in a hyper-online world.

Check out The Big Dark Records - http://thebigdarkrecords.com

Support provided by Squarespace - Get 10% OFF by using the code ORL10 at http://otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace

If you’re an artist or running a label, is CD actually the smartest physical format right now? If you’re a fan, is it worth collecting, or just nostalgia?

We’re digging into the real pros and cons on both sides—no hype, no nostalgia bias.

Because this isn’t just about a format… It’s about understanding where the next opportunity might be hiding.

Get Books for Record Labels: http://otherrecordlabels.com/books

Learn more about managing your label's royalties: http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I sit down with Brady (Alaskan Tapes), the artist and mind behind We All Speak In Poems—a project that exists somewhere between a label, a creative platform, and a philosophy.

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

We talk about the quiet power of ambient music, building a world around your art, and what it really means to create without chasing numbers. Brady shares how his journey evolved from early experimentation to a more intentional, emotionally-driven practice—and how that same mindset shapes the artists and releases he supports.

This conversation goes deep into independence, creative identity, and the tension between art and algorithms.

If you’re running a label, releasing music, or just trying to stay grounded in your creativity… this one’s for you.

Supported by Infinite Catalog - http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels

Learn more about We All Speak in Poems: http://weallspeakinpoems.com

Most music releases fail before they even come out.

Not because the music isn’t good — but because there’s no real strategy behind it.

Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

In this episode, I walk through 5 essential principles every artist should follow when preparing a new release. These are simple, practical shifts that turn scattered “drops” into focused campaigns that build real momentum over time.

You’ll learn how to think beyond release day, create clarity around your music, and use each release to grow your audience and your catalog.

If you want your next release to actually do something — start here.

Special thanks to Infinite Catalog - www.infinitecatalog.com

Grab more record label resources here: www.otherrecordlabels.com

“How you present something affects how you hear it.”

Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbenderviny.com

In this episode, I sit down with Charmaine and Randall of Kou Records — one of the most ambitious and creative indie labels I’ve come across — to break down their “cohort” model: multiple records released together as a unified body of work.

We talk about:

• Why they reject genre, algorithms, and streaming-first thinking
• How they combine music + visual art into a single experience
• The philosophy behind releasing 4–5 records at once
• Why physical products matter more than ever in the age of AI and “content”
• How constraints (like recording an album in 4–5 days) actually unlock creativity

This is a masterclass in thinking differently about what a record label can be — and why the future might belong to labels willing to take creative risks.

Kou Records: www.KouRecords.com

Proudly Supported by Infinite Catalog: www.infinitecatalog.com

Does the music you release actually need to be good?

Not just “good enough.” Not just “interesting.” But truly great?

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

In this episode, we unpack a question that sits right at the heart of indie music—but often goes unspoken. If DIY culture is about freedom and expression, does quality even matter? Or are we sometimes hiding behind “lo-fi” and “experimental” as an excuse not to push ourselves?

This is a challenging conversation—for you, and for me.

We’ll explore:

• Whether indie labels should have standards (and how high they should be)
• Why great music is actually harder to find than you think
• How to curate your catalog with intention
• The role of taste, accountability, and creative pressure
• Practical ways to raise your bar as a label owner

This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty.

And asking yourself: are you doing your best work?

Learn More at OtherRecordLabels.com

Get Easy Royalty Management with Infinite Catalog - http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels

What does it actually look like to take over a legendary indie label?

In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Black, the new owner of Bar/None Records—a label with nearly 40 years of history and a roster that helped launch artists like They Might Be Giants and Yo La Tengo.

PRESENTED BY LANDR - get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels

We talk about what it means to inherit a legacy, how to modernize an indie label without losing its identity, and the real, behind-the-scenes work of running a record label in 2026.

This is a conversation about stewardship, taste, relationships, and the long game of building something that lasts.

If you’re running (or dreaming of running) a record label, this episode is essential listening.

Social media feels like a necessary evil for most indie artists and label owners.

You know you should be posting… but what’s actually working? What matters? And is any of it even worth your time?

*PRESENTED BY LANDR* get.landr.com/otherrecordlabels

In this episode, I’m not coming to you as an expert—I’m coming to you as someone figuring it out alongside you.

I break down 5 things I’ve personally noticed about social media that have helped me make sense of it all—from short form vs long form, to why quantity might matter more than quality, to why curation could be the most important skill moving forward.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or just completely uninterested in playing the social media game… this episode is for you.