#158: Nick Sadler on Launching Never Say Die, Disciple & The Label Machine

The EDM Prodcast

Our courses → https://edmprod.com/courses This week, Nick Sadler sat down to chat for the EDM Prodcast. Nick is best known as the co-founder of labels such as Never Say Die & Disciple Recordings, but is also known for his work with his company The Label Machine. After writing a book on helping people start-up labels, he turned it into a fully-fledged business where he coaches people along the process. In the interview, we dive into his background and how he transitioned from being an artist into the marketing side of things. We discuss how this came about through being open to the opportunities around him. Later on, we talk about problems that the modern artist faces, and why working with others is key to growing in your music, branding, and promotional skills. Nick also covers what makes an ideal candidate for a producer who's thinking of starting a label - that you have to be entrepreneurial, people-focussed, and dedicated. Links: Trial The Label Machine for $1 → https://thelabelmachine.com/trial The Label Machine Book → https://velocitypress.uk/product/label-machine-book/ Never Say Die → https://wewillneversaydie.com/ Disciple → https://www.disciplerecs.com/ First Flights → https://www.first-flights.com/ Connect with Nick Sadler: Instagram → https://instagram.com/nicksadlernsdmt The Label Machine → https://thelabelmachine.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:56 Interview start 4:36 Nick's background in music 7:03 When he decided to pursue music 10:40 Transitioning to starting a record label 12:10 Moving from NZ to the UK 13:51 Early dubstep with Never Say Die 15:13 Helping label owners with The Label Machine 17:24 The accidental transition into marketing 19:04 Create your own opportunities 23:17 Self-releasing and DIY culture 29:03 Getting feedback on your music and marketing 32:08 Labels as just distribution and admin 35:00 Visuals and the future of artist branding 37:20 Sharing your face 39:07 Find a scene and imitate 41:28 Launching Disciple Recordings with Dodge & Fuski 44:33 Labels as a community 46:05 Running The Label Machine 49:07 What qualifies an artist to start a label? 52:05 Labels as a passive income stream 54:45 Monetize around your music, not just your music 55:25 Why design is a key skill for label owners 57:25 What's coming up next? 59:50 If you had a time machine, what would you change? 01:02:14 Wrapping up EDMProd: Website → https://edmprod.com Instagram → https://instagram.com/edmprodgram Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/EDMPsite Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/edmprod Spotify → https://sptfy.com/edmprod Aden Russell (Artsea): Instagram → https://instagram.com/iamartsea Facebook → https://facebook.com/iamartsea Spotify → https://sptfy.com/iamartsea Soundcloud → https://soundcloud.com/iamartsea