For WATMMers who run labels

We all know that the easy and fun part of running a label is the creation and releasing of music. But then there is the other side, the more business side. Promotion, getting the word out, reaching out to blogs and reviewers, distribution, etc. I co-run a label and that is the side that we have the most trouble with. We normally build a lot of momentum from time to time, but then we have dry spells.

I was wondering what do you guys (who run labels) do to keep traction and interest in your labels?

sometimes a dry spell just happens and there is really nothing you can do about it. It's one of the trials and tribulations of being an artist or an indie label. What i've found helps me keep my mojo the most is identifying which artists or styles of music garner the label the most attention, and take comfort in that knowledge if a particular release isn't doing very well. I have the tendency to put out records very slowly, so if there is a 6 month period where my new releases aren't getting much attention i usually don't sweat it too much knowing that other releases i've put out and will continue to put out will get me press/radio/blog writeups. Over time i've been able to identify which artists, formats, music genres are stronger in terms of gaining traction than others. Sometimes though and very often great music gets totally overlooked. This is a part of being an indie musician or an indie label i think most outsiders don't understand. IS that it takes luck and the universe to randomly align itself for a release to get a lot of attention. Even if the music is incredibly strong and would appeal to a lot of people and you hire a company to promote it to the hilt, one always has to remember that sometimes shit just doesn't work out. It's easy to get daunted in this world of ours, i hope some of this advice helps