Physical comes with Responsabilities

May 9, 2025 3 Min Read

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Owning a Label and Making Physical Releases: A Matter of Responsibility

Art in your hands — and in the hands of others.

Starting a label is exciting. Pressing physical releases is romantic. But beyond the thrill of vinyl, tapes, CDs, or objects lies a deeper truth: to own a label — especially one that releases physical formats — is to accept real responsibilities.

You’re not just making music available. You’re producing culture, shaping ecosystems, and managing expectations — from the artists you work with, to the people who buy your records, to the planet that bears the weight of your material choices.

1. You’re Responsible to the Artists

When you release someone’s music physically, you’re taking custody of their work. That means:

Communicating clearly about timelines, costs, profits, and rights
Honoring creative vision (artwork, mastering, tracklist) while guiding it toward reality
Making sure they’re paid fairly, or transparently, even if profit is limited
Promoting their work — not just dropping it and moving on
Preserving their voice and dignity in every part of the process

A label is not a favor. It’s a mutual agreement of care.

2. You’re Responsible to the Listeners

When you release physical music, you’re shaping someone’s relationship with sound. You’re delivering more than audio — you’re delivering texture, design, memory, and weight.

That means:

Ensuring quality: mastering, pressing, artwork, packaging
Respecting the buyer: accurate shipping, realistic prices, clear communication
Considering accessibility: not every listener can afford vinyl — are you also offering tapes, digital, pay-what-you-can options?

Physical music is ritual. Don’t treat it like merch. Treat it like presence.

3. You’re Responsible to the Planet

Let’s be honest: physical music has an ecological cost. Vinyl is plastic. Shipping burns fuel. Shrinkwrap and extras can create waste.

That doesn’t mean stop — it means think:

Use recycled sleeves, risograph prints, cardboard packaging
Work with eco-conscious pressing plants (like Deepgrooves, GreenVinyl, or local artisan duplicators)
Limit overproduction — small runs are okay
Offset your carbon footprint (via donations, local action, or digital options)

Each object you press is a gesture of material culture — be aware of what it leaves behind.

4. You’re Responsible to Time

Physical releases take time. Pressing plants have delays. Artwork needs revision. Shipping requires logistics. Don’t rush it.

Also:

Store things properly (vinyl warps, tapes melt)
Keep archives and documentation — tracklists, credits, ISRCs, sales
Budget for mishaps — test pressings might fail, boxes might get lost
Respect the rhythm of physicality — it moves slower than streaming, and that’s okay

A record takes months, but it can last decades. Be patient. Build carefully.

5. You’re Responsible to Yourself

Running a label with physical releases requires emotional labor and financial risk. Don’t overextend. Don’t burn out.

You have the right to:

Set boundaries
Say no to projects that don’t align
Take breaks between releases
Ask for help (from artists, friends, co-curators)

The label is yours, but you are also human. It must serve your vision, not consume your life.

Final Thought: Physical Means Commitment

Owning a label and making physical releases means showing up — fully. For the music. For the artists. For the culture. For the craft. And for the long-term impact of what you put into the world.

It’s heavier than a file. It takes more time than a stream. But it gives back in ways digital can’t: touch, presence, ritual, memory.

So if you choose this path, walk it with care, conviction, and pride.

Because every release is not just a product — it’s a promise.