This week, Jamie sits down with Martyn and Christine Armstrong, two of the three founders (alongside Scott Simpson) behind the record label Blackhall Records. Together they explore the ins and outs of running an indie label in today’s ever-changing music landscape, from supporting artists like Dictator, Midnight Ambulance and Waverley, to navigating the challenges of a constantly shifting industry.
They chat about:
🎶 The realities of running an independent record label in the age of streaming
🌱 The importance of discovering and nurturing new music talent
🎵 The current state of the Scottish music industry and the pressures artists face within it
🏟️ Why we desperately need more grassroots music venues
🫶 How Blackhall Records supports the bands on their label
🎨 Why quality production and artwork matter more than ever
🤖 The rise of AI in music, its pros, cons, and what it means for artists
👩🎤 The ongoing need for better representation and mentorship for women in the music industry
🤝 The delicate balance between artist freedom and label guidance
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about music, resilience and the power of collaboration perfect for anyone curious about how the music industry really works behind the scenes, and especially for music lovers.
Links:
🏆 Vote for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, including Wavelry for best live track:
https://www.officialsama.com/vote
🎵 Blackhall Records:
https://blackhallrecords.com/
📸 Blackhall Records on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/blackhall_records/?hl=en
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