You Don't Have to Be a DJ to Build a Label ft. PNK Records | EF EP 159

This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of your career.
Use code ELEVATED for 50% off Pro for 3 months at trackstack.app
---------------------------------------------
You don't have to make music to build a respected underground label. Olivia Mancuso sits down with Nick Alatriste, founder of PNK Records — the Miami minimal/tech house label that grew from an anonymous house-Twitter account into a label, event series, and management company.
Inside: finding his musical obsession at a six-hour PAWSA set at Club Space, signing artists nobody else would, and developing a sound instead of chasing big labels. Plus throwing your first party, Beatport genre boxes, and staying underground as you grow.
Essential for producers, DJs, and anyone building a brand in dance music.
---------------------------------------------
👉 Want personalized guidance on your music career? Book a one-on-one consultation with Olivia on GreenRoom where you can get tailored advice on branding, business strategy, and sustainable career growth: https://greenroomnetwork.com/creator/OliviaMancuso
👉 Instagram: @oliviamancuso__
👉 Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
---------------------------------------------
00:00 - Introduction
00:58 - Sponsor
01:45 - Running a Non-DJ Label
03:25 - From Sports to House Music
04:33 - Discovering House at III Points
05:38 - The PAWSA Set That Clicked
06:37 - Starting an Anonymous Account
07:05 - The Burner: Findom Bresky
08:38 - Rebranding to The Panther
10:15 - From Zero to One
11:07 - Signing a 150-Follower Artist
12:07 - Memes and Valentine's Cards
13:36 - A Pink Show in New York
14:34 - The First Party at Negroni
15:09 - Stickers Everywhere
16:21 - Book Yourself
17:44 - Splitting the First Show
19:04 - Just Do It Imperfectly
19:40 - Underground vs. Expansion
21:08 - Learning to Give Feedback
23:20 - Dance Floor Experience Matters
25:26 - Genres and Beatport
26:31 - What Makes an Artist Signable
27:50 - Only Managing Friends
29:29 - The Slam Case Study
30:46 - Slam's Night-and-Day Growth
32:57 - Develop Sound, Not Resume
33:52 - Create Your Own Box
34:54 - Trends Priming 2027
35:43 - House Music Goes Mainstream
37:17 - Curating for a Feeling
38:38 - How to Start Your Own Thing
39:38 - Take Your Time Branding
40:37 - Build Relationships First
41:38 - Keeping House Music Alive








