Indie Labels ft Awon and The Other Guys

On this episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Awon, and Joe Miles of The Other Guys for a conversation about independent hip-hop, running record labels, vinyl culture, and the realities of building sustainable careers outside the major label system. Awon is the founder of Don't Sleep Records, while Joe Miles runs HipNott Records, home to artists including Skyzoo, Tanya Morgan, and Shay Noir. Together, they discuss their new collaborative project Solidified, the years-long friendship that led to the album, and what it takes to balance artistry with entrepreneurship.  Awon and Joe break down: The challenges of operating independent labels in today's music landscape  from pressing vinyl and managing distribution to navigating shipping costs, manufacturing delays, and maintaining direct relationships with fans.  Lessons learned from years of self-releasing music, retaining ownership of their catalogs, and building businesses rooted in community rather than competition. Mentorship, family life, touring, jazz influences in hip-hop, and why ownership remains one of the most important principles for artists seeking longevity. 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Follow Donwill for fun hip-hop history, cultural commentary, and more. Substack: New Music Tuesdays Instagram/Threads: @donwill Mixcloud: Donwill Website: Donwill.me Follow: The Other Guys Instagram:  @otherguysmusic    Website:  HipNott Records   Follow:  Awon Instagram:  @awon1988 Website: Dontsleeprecords.com Created and hosted by two time Webby Award-winning host Donwill, The Almanac of Rap is produced by Okayplayer, a division of AREYA MEDIA Inc. Originally launched in 1999, Okayplayer is the original progressive music site and maintains its position as the premier digital destination for music and culture connoisseurs worldwide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices