Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com

In this episode, Scott sits down with Cory Giordano of Inner Ocean Records to explore what independent labels can learn from today's vinyl market. Together they discuss why records continue to thrive, why customers are buying more physical music than ever, and how running a record store has completely changed Cory's approach to running a record label.

They dive into hype stickers, packaging, collectability, reissues, inventory strategy, long-tail sales, bundle economics, and why indie labels often make better vinyl releases than the major labels. They also tackle one of the biggest questions facing independent labels today: should you sell out quickly, or build a catalogue that continues selling for years?

Download my FREE Toolkit for making vinyl records: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

Vinyl isn't making a comeback anymore.

It already came back.

Welcome to the very first episode of our For the Love of Vinyl Summer Series—a nine-part deep dive into everything independent record labels need to know about making, selling, collecting, designing, and celebrating vinyl records.

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://www.hellbendervinyl.com

In this opening episode, I make the case for why every indie label should seriously consider pressing vinyl.

Download my FREE Vinyl Toolkit - http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

What happens when you build a record label around a single idea—and commit to it for years?

This week I'm joined by Spencer Zahn, founder of Sudden Quarterly, one of the most thoughtfully designed new labels I've come across.

🚨 Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - http://hellbendervinyl.com

Every year follows a different creative theme. Every release is visually connected. Every record is a brand-new collaboration between artists who have never made an album together before.

We dive deep into why constraints can actually create more freedom, how Spencer plans years in advance, the challenge of balancing artistic vision with sustainability, and why he believes record labels should be experiences—not just distribution companies.

SUDDEN QUARTERLY: https://suddenquarterly.com/

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**Use my Groover Promo Code to get 10% OFF your first campaign: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP at www.groover.co

We're officially halfway through 2026, and before you start planning the next release, stressing about Q4, or comparing yourself to other labels, let's take a moment to celebrate something far more important:

You're still here.

Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com

In this episode, Scott reflects on the most admirable quality shared by the best independent labels and artists—not streams, sales, playlists, tours, or sold-out vinyl runs—but persistence.

Drawing inspiration from recent guests including Kou Records, Alt Dub, Crestfallen, We All Speak In Poems, and others, this episode explores why the labels making the biggest impact aren't necessarily the biggest labels—they're the ones willing to keep showing up, taking risks, and committing to their vision year after year.

The future of your label starts with what you do next.

Our biggest discount ever is happening this week on The Record Label Academy - http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

This week, Scott sits down with Enrico, founder of Inertial Music, an independent label based in Italy specializing in progressive metal, ambient, electronic, and atmospheric music.

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - www.hellbendervinyl.com

In just two years, Enrico has built a catalog of physical releases, secured international distribution, and developed a reputation for thoughtful curation and transparency.

http://inertial-music.com/

They discuss the realities of launching a label, balancing a full-time career while running a growing music business, the enduring importance of vinyl and CDs, and why physical media remains a powerful way to deepen the connection between artists and listeners.

Get 10% OFF your first GROOVER campaign by using the code OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP -- otherrecordlabels.com/groover

There’s a lot to keep track of when you're releasing music.

Release dates. ISRCs. Lyrics. Artwork. Press photos. Streaming links. Download links. Metadata. Songwriter information. And somehow, years later, you still need to find all of it again.

In this episode, I share one of the most useful systems I've ever created for managing releases: Release Central.

PRESENTED BY HELLBENDER VINYL - www.hellbendervinyl.com

Release Central is a simple Google Sheet that acts as a centralized home base for every album, EP, or single you release. It's where I keep all the important information related to a project—from metadata and promotional assets to release schedules and private links. I've used this system for years across my own releases and recently started teaching it to my Labelmates VIP coaching clients, who have found it incredibly helpful.

Download your copy: 👉 otherrecordlabels.com/releasecentral

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What Release Central is
• Why every artist and label should have one
• How centralized metadata can save you time and headaches
• What information to include in your document
• How I use it during release campaigns and years later
• How to collaborate with artists, managers, publicists, and other team members using a shared release document

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Check our Groover to help you promote your next release. http://otherrecordlabels.com/groover USE CODE: OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP for 10% off your next campaign!

In this episode, Scott sits down with Groover co-founder Dorian Perron to discuss how artists and record labels can get their music heard in an increasingly crowded music landscape.

Presented by: Hellbender Vinyl (www.hellbendervinyl.com

They explore the evolution of playlist pitching, why streaming numbers have become such a powerful metric, the role of blogs and tastemakers today, and how Groover grew from a simple Google Form into one of the most widely used music promotion platforms for independent artists and labels.

Dorian also shares practical advice on selecting the right curators, understanding rejection, positioning your music effectively, running successful Groover campaigns, and why many artists focus on the wrong metrics when promoting their releases.

If you're an independent label owner, artist, or music marketer trying to get more traction for your releases, this conversation is packed with useful insights.

Learn more about Groover and get 10% off your Groover credits using code OTHERRECORDLABELSVIP at:

otherrecordlabels.com/groover

Presented by: Hellbender Vinyl (www.hellbendervinyl.com

PLAYBACK EPISODE!

Let's revisit one of my favorite interviews of all time, Terry Cole of Colemine Records!

Presented by HELLBENDER VINYL - hellbendervinyl.com