The Inner Sleeve Podcast
Your backstage pass to the unfiltered world of independent music
Welcome to The Inner Sleeve where we pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to run an independent record label.
There’s a lot of noise in the music industry (see what we did there!). We created The Inner Sleeve to try and cut through some of that noise with an honest look at what this world looks like from the inside.
We try to share what we’re learning as we go, and to give independent artists and fans a clearer picture of how it all works.
Each episode dives into the real-life chaos, creativity, and challenges of making music and running a DIY label outside the mainstream.
From creative highs to industry challenges, this is a raw, honest look at the independent music scene, with stories, insights, and the occasional rant from deep inside the label.
Search ‘The Inner Sleeve on a podcast app near you, or listen below.
Latest episodes…
Introducing your hosts
The Inner Sleeve is hosted by the people behind Lights And Lines.
Mike Five
Lights And Lines founder, steering the ship, looking for artists, packs a lot of envelopes. trying to keep everything moving in the right direction. Mike has been part of the independent music scene for over 20 years as a touring musician, recording artist, promoter, festival curator, and more. Now he spends most of his time talking to bands, planning releases and figuring out how to make an independent label actually work.
Gozer Goodspeed
Gozer was the first artist ever signed to Lights And Lines. From the beginning his vision, creativity and ideas have helped form the backbone of what the label is today. When it comes to writing, recording, experimenting, and sometimes overthinking it all, Gozer is your go to man! A lot of the conversation around creativity, sound, and pushing ideas forward starts here.
GRIM17
Artist, producer, collaborator, and winner of the best haircut on the label award GRIM17 has a sharp eye (and ear) on what cuts through and what doesn’t. GRIM’s unique perspective, honesty, and a willingness to say what others often won’t are all good reasons to listen to what he has to say - plus he sometimes goes off on a rant which is great fun, honestly.. Whether it’s calling out industry nonsense or breaking down what actually connects with listeners, this is where things get real.