Starting a Record Label in 2026 - "Making Money in Music" - Part 6

You should download my free TOOLKIT for new record labels... http://otherrecordlabels.com/toolkit

 

Thanks to LANDR for sponsoring this episode. landr.com/otherrecordlabels

 

People love to say there’s no money in the music industry. And honestly? It can feel that way—especially when you’re just getting started.

In Episode 6 of How to Start a Record Label This Year, Scott tackles this myth head-on and shares what he’s seen firsthand after nearly a decade of working with independent labels across every genre imaginable. Not major labels. Not household names. Real, niche, often obscure labels that are quietly building sustainable, profitable businesses.

This episode breaks down:

• Why some indie labels are thriving while others stay stuck

• The difference between struggling revenue streams and sustainable ones

• Traditional label income (streaming, physical sales, sync, merch)

• Why the healthiest labels rely on multiple revenue streams

• How predictable income and release cycles balance each other

• The power of creating one unique revenue stream no one else has

Scott explains why diversification—not chasing trends—is what keeps labels alive long-term, and why many of the most inspiring labels succeed by combining music with something bigger: studios, stores, education, events, or entirely new ideas that only they could create.