Other Record Labels

The Big Dark Records - (Record Label Interview)

“DIY shouldn’t mean being ashamed of excellence.” In this episode, I sit down with the founders of http://hellbendervinyl.com [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 [http://thebigdarkrecords.com] Support provided by Squarespace - Get 10% OFF by using the code ORL10 at http://otherrecordlabels.com/squarespace

The Return of the CD

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

We All Speak in Poems - (Record Label Interview)

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 [http://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 [http://infinitecatalog.com/otherrecordlabels]   Learn more about We All Speak in Poems: http://weallspeakinpoems.com [http://weallspeakinpoems.com]

How Great Record Labels Release New Music

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 [http://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 [http://www.infinitecatalog.com] Grab more record label resources here: www.otherrecordlabels.com [http://www.otherrecordlabels.com]

Kou Records - (Record Label Interview)

“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 [http://www.KouRecords.com]   Proudly Supported by Infinite Catalog: www.infinitecatalog.com [http://www.infinitecatalog.com]