Why I’m Optimistic About The Music Industry

Times are tough in the music industry—and there’s no point pretending otherwise. Streaming payouts are shrinking, costs are rising, the economy is squeezing fans, and AI plus the distraction economy are reshaping how people engage with music.

In this episode of Other Record Labels, I acknowledge the very real challenges indie labels and musicians are facing right now—and then I make the case for optimism.

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I share five reasons why, despite everything working against us, I genuinely believe the future still holds opportunity for independent artists and labels. From the quiet resurgence of physical media, to the power of human connection, to why your unique label path may actually be the solution—not the problem—this episode is about perspective, resilience, and rebellion.

If you’ve been feeling discouraged, burned out, or close to giving up, this conversation is for you.

Because even when it doesn’t make sense, we’re still here—and that matters.

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Bonus Release Questions You’re Probably Asking Right Now

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This episode is a rapid-fire support library for all the extra stuff that can trip up a release if you’re DIY. Think of it as your “release survival guide” for the details that matter once the plan is in motion. Plus we look at the big macro picture of staying in the game long enough to see success happen for you and your releases!

This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL Presented by A to Z Media (atozmedia.com)

What makes a Christmas record timeless? Why do holiday albums outsell almost everything else on vinyl every December? And which Christmas records are actually worth owning?

In this festive episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr is joined by Terry Cole of Colemine Records and Plaid Room Records (Loveland, Ohio) for a deep dive into the world of Christmas records. From Vince Guaraldi and Bing Crosby to Michael Bublé, Phil Spector, and soul Christmas classics, Scott and Terry unpack why holiday records remain one of the most powerful rituals in vinyl culture.

They explore:

• Why Christmas records sell at a completely different scale than regular vinyl

• The best-selling Christmas albums of all time (and the surprises)

• Underrated holiday records every collector should know

• Original vs. traditional Christmas songs—and why originals are so hard to pull off

• Whether Christmas albums are a smart investment for indie artists and labels

• How record stores prepare all year for a few short weeks of holiday madness

Along the way, you’ll hear personal favorites, controversial takes (yes, Wonderful Christmastime comes up), behind-the-scenes retail data, and why Christmas music might be the most “evergreen” genre of them all.

Presented by A to Z Media — your go-to partner for custom vinyl pressing and physical media manufacturing.

Learn more at atozmedia.com

Order the new Cher Xmas Album here: plaidroomrecords.com

How to Promote a Release Without Losing Your Mind

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Promotion doesn’t have to mean gimmicks, burnout, or spending money you don’t have. In this episode, you’ll learn how to pitch your release to press and playlists, create real marketing opportunities, find your unique angle, and make release day count. We’ll also dig into what a smart post-release campaign looks like so your music keeps moving long after launch day.

This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

The Release Prep Checklist: Dates, Goals, Lead Time, and Distribution

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Before you promote anything, you need a real plan. We’ll walk through how to know when your music is actually ready, how to pick a strategic release date, and how to build a workback schedule that keeps you on track. Plus we’ll cover setting measurable goals, organizing your assets, and choosing the right distributor so your release is built to succeed.

This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

Why Great Music Gets Ignored (And How to Fix It)

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You can make an amazing record and still have it flop if the release plan isn’t there. In this episode, we break down the real reasons new music gets ignored—low effort, no lead time, weak post-release follow-through, bad luck, and even the hard truth about quality. Consider this your mindset reset before you plan your next release.

This episode is taken from the masterclass, New Release Blueprint, available exclusively in The Record Label Academy. Get lifetime access today: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy

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Learn more about The Record Label Academy: http://otherrecordlabels.com/academy