Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast I Hate Simkin
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louise Burns on Signing for Madonna, Early Stardom, & Major Label Exploitation of Teenagers | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:20:28 | |
What really happened behind the scenes of North America's biggest pop wave? Louise reveals never-before-heard stories from the early 2000s pop machine with Lillix, a forgotten album that never came out, and what it was really like to grow up inside the Canadian music industry while the rest of the world was watching. This episode blends nostalgia, insight, and raw honesty about the realities of success, creative control, and the business of making it big in music. 🎧 I Hate Simkin is where 604 Records founder Jonathan Simkin shares unfiltered conversations with the artists who shaped Canadian music — from massive pop moments to the scenes that never made the headlines. The full video episode is available on Youtube too. If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating/review, it helps us big time! | |||
| The Dave Genn Interview Part 2: The Experience of a Band Collapsing, Canada's 90s Rock Explosion & Holly McNarland's Era | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:49:32 | |
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, Jonathan Simkin (604 Records) sits down with Dave Genn (54-40) to look back on the wild early days of Vancouver's rock scene — from Dead Surf Kiss (DSK) and 24 Gone, to Holly McNarland, Matthew Good Band, and beyond. They revisit the chaos, the friendships, and the heartbreak that defined the 90s Vancouver music era — including a Detroit radio hit they never even knew about, record deals that almost happened, and how creative relationships can implode under pressure. 👉 You can watch the full episode now on Youtube (@IHateSimkin) — it's a crash course in Canadian music history, told by two people who lived it. If you're enjoying the podcast please leave a rating/review, it helps us big time! | |||
| Canadian Music Legend on Nickelback, Marianas Trench & the Real Music Biz | I Hate Simkin X Ralph James #5 | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:56:08 | |
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, music industry legend Ralph James sits down with Jonathan Simkin to pull back the curtain on the real business behind the bands. They dive into Ralph's wild journey from rock musician to booking agent to industry gatekeeper — and the crucial role he played in the rise of bands like Nickelback and Marianas Trench. From Canadian touring nightmares to artist reinvention, from merit-based representation to the chaos of live shows, Ralph shares hard-earned truths about the ever-changing music industry. Plus: industry controversies, substance abuse, gambling, and what success really looks like after decades in the game. 🎙 Whether you're a die-hard music fan or just industry-curious, this one's packed with unfiltered insights and backstage stories.
Chapters: 02:00 Ralph's musical past & Harlequin 04:59 Touring Canada & artist management 10:05 Marianas Trench: evolution & strategy 15:02 Nickelback's early struggles 19:56 Controversies & misunderstandings in music 24:54 Merit, representation & fairness 31:08 Early career challenges 32:04 How the live music business changed 34:38 Reinvigorating a career 36:26 Passion for the job 37:18 Listening properly 39:13 Relationship-building in the industry 40:31 Reflections on success 42:00 Gambling & substance abuse 43:21 The future of the biz 51:17 Indie artist hustle 53:40 Creative freedom in production | |||
| How the Music Industry Changed: Publishing, Sync, and Artist Freedom | Jodie Ferneyhough x I Hate Simkin #3 | 27 Jun 2025 | 01:19:57 | |
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, music publisher and rights management expert Jodie Ferneyhough joins host Jonathan Simkin for a deep dive into the evolution of the music industry in Canada and beyond. They cover how artists today are gaining independence from major labels, the growing importance of music publishing and sync licensing, and what it really takes to build a sustainable music career in the streaming age. They share insights from working with legacy estates like Glenn Gould, the rise of ambient music, and what the future looks like for music rights, catalog value, and niche genres. Whether you're a musician, manager, or just love music industry stories, this episode is packed with insider knowledge you won't want to miss. 02:46 The Changing Canadian Music Industry 05:49 Personal Journeys in Music Management 11:54 The Confusing Role of Labels Today 15:10 Artists Taking Control of Their Careers 18:02 Reflections on Major Labels and Their Future 27:36 The State of the Music Industry 30:06 Creating a Hub for Artists 32:29 The Shift to Digital and Niche Markets 36:07 What Is Success in the New Music Landscape 43:48 The Crazy Value of Music Catalogs 55:27 The Mystery of Sync Licensing 01:00:10 Building a Music Rights Management Company 01:04:20 The Glenn Gould Administration 01:07:44 The Rise of Ambient Music | |||
| From Guns N' Roses to Holly McNarland: The Real Story of Canada's Music Industry | I Hate Simkin #3 w/ Brian Hetherman | 13 Jun 2025 | 01:08:40 | |
Brian Hetherman joins Jonathan Simkin for an unfiltered dive into the chaos, quirks, and culture of the Canadian music industry through the '90s and early 2000s. This is unfiltered, behind-the-scenes storytelling from two people who've seen it all. 🎧 Subscribe & follow I Hate Simkin wherever you get your podcasts. Chapters 03:10 The Much Music Video Awards and Industry Politics 06:05 A&R Experiences and Band Signings 08:51 The Evolution of Age of Electric and Static in Stereo 15:00 Early Career Experiences in the Music Business 17:53 Strip Bar Obsessions and Rock Band Culture 20:57 Management Challenges and Artist Relationships 26:55 The Impact of Major Label Mergers 29:49 Holly McNarland and Her Musical Journey 33:35 The Unconventional Approach to Music Business 36:33 Navigating the Challenges of Music Funding 38:39 The Evolution of Indie Labels and Global Reach 40:05 The Impact of Major Labels on Artist Success 43:29 The Rollercoaster of Fame and Its Aftermath 47:57 The Shift from Physical to Digital Music 51:20 The New Dynamics of Touring and Revenue 53:29 The Changing Landscape of Music Videos 56:18 The Role of Canadian Funding in Music Production 01:01:15 Reflections on the Music Industry's Evolution IHateSimkin #BrianHetherman #CanadianMusic #MuchMusic #604Records #MusicIndustry #HollyMcNarland #AgeOfElectric #PodcastFullEpisode #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts | |||
| One-Hit Wonders, Creative Control & the Chaos of Artist Development | I Hate Simkin X Michael McCarty #2 | 30 May 2025 | 01:16:14 | |
🎙 EPISODE 2 — I HATE SIMKIN ft. MICHAEL MCCARTY Michael McCarty (former SOCAN exec and publishing legend) joins Jonathan Simkin to talk about the realities of working with artists — from spotting talent early to surviving the music industry long term. They dive into:
This is unfiltered, behind-the-scenes storytelling from two people who've been in it for decades. 🎧 Subscribe & follow I Hate Simkin wherever you get your podcasts. 01:17 The Origin of 'I Hate Simkin' 03:06 Polarizing Figures in the Music Industry 07:10 Early Career Reflections and Aggression in Law 09:05 The Journey of Matthew Good and Music Publishing 12:46 Artist Development and the Role of Publishers 15:08 The Evolution of Music Videos and Creative Control 20:39 The Impact of 'Steal My Sunshine' and Sampling 32:08 The Enduring Nature of Music and Licensing Trends 34:34 The Impact of 'Call Me Maybe' and the Download Era 37:43 Identifying Talent: The Art of A&R 40:08 The Intrigue of Music Videos and Artist Personas 42:20 The Reality of One-Hit Wonders 43:34 The Craft of Songwriting: More Than Meets the Ear 45:05 The Challenge of Repeated Success in Music 48:39 Green Lighting: The Decision-Making Process in Music 51:32 Lessons from George Lucas and the Beatles 57:06 The Evolution of Music Production and Artist Development 01:06:55 The New Era of Music: Technology and Direct Artist Engagement 01:12:49 The Future of Digital Collectibles in Music #IHateSimkin #MichaelMcCarty #MusicIndustry #604Records #OneHitWonders #ArtistDevelopment #CallMeMaybe #StealMySunshine #MusicVideos #PodcastLaunch #MusicPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #FullEpisode | |||
| Why Nickelback Got Hate for Being Too Popular | Mike Kroeger x I Hate Simkin #1 | 16 May 2025 | 00:47:48 | |
🎙 EPISODE 1 — I HATE SIMKIN ft. MIKE KROEGER (Nickelback) Nickelback's Mike Kroeger joins longtime friend and 604 Records co-founder Jonathan Simkin to kick off the first episode of I Hate Simkin.
🎧 Subscribe & follow I Hate Simkin wherever you get your podcasts. 📌 New episodes every second Friday. | |||
| I Hate Simkin: The Stories They Don't Tell in Music Docs | 14 May 2025 | 00:00:56 | |
🎙 Welcome to I Hate Simkin — the unfiltered podcast hosted by 604 Records co-founder Jonathan Simkin. You've heard the music. Now hear the chaos behind it. Every episode, Simkin sits down with the artists, agents, and music lifers who've helped shape 604 Records — and survived him in the process. No PR polish. No soft edits. Just the real stories about fame, failure, label politics, and the stuff that never makes the press releases. 📌 New episodes drop every second Friday. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more. #IHateSimkin #604Records #MusicPodcast #JonathanSimkin #PodcastTrailer #MusicIndustryUnfiltered | |||
| The Dave Genn interview part 1: The Matthew Good Band implosion, Reflections on The Armchair Cynics and more | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:41:01 | |
This interview went on for a while, so we're doubling up with a part 2 this time next week! Dave gives us the inside track on how one of the biggest bands in Canada was doomed from the start despite so much popularity, why you shouldn't expect your favourite bands to stay together, and a look back on the Armchair Cynics new music 20 years after their big push to make it in the industry. They also reflect on the chaos of Canadian rock in the 2000s, and laugh through stories of the records that almost never saw the light of day. The full episode is available in video on Youtube, and part 2 is out this time next week. If you're enjoying the podcast please leave a rating/review as it helps us reach more people who want insider info on the biggest acts in Canada across the last 30 years! | |||
| Todd Hancock on Being Fired from CFOX for Making too Much Money, Being on Air Every Day with his Ex-Fiancé & More on I Hate Simkin | 22 Oct 2025 | 01:01:33 | |
Canadian Radio personality Todd Hancock sits down with Jonathan to look back on his career. They talk through the real reason CFOX fired him, how he built a better career for himself in podcasting, and his experience spending every morning on TV with his ex-fiancé. Todd & Jonathan also both update listeners requesting Chad Kroeger joins their pods, Jonathan explains why he had hard feelings about Theory of a Deadman leaving 604, and the difference between the likes of Josh Ramsay and Chad in dealing with the public. The full episode is available on Youtube in video also - Please leave a like/rating/comment wherever you watch or listen, it helps us with our reach a lot! | |||
| Dallas Smith on Why he Took the Solo Country Gamble, The Manager that Nearly Bankrupted Him & More on I Hate Simkin | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:54:15 | |
Dallas Smith sits down to trace a remarkable career arc: early club nights (Studebakers), a TVT deal that nearly derailed everything, and the eventual reinvention from rock frontman to platinum country artist. They discuss the business nightmares of label bankruptcy and locked masters, the relationship with Joey Moi & Mountain View, why 604's hands-on model mattered, and how streaming and touring economics now change the way careers are built and paid. Dallas also opens up about the personal cost of touring, family challenges, and the friendships that outlasted it all. The full episode is available in video on Youtube also! | |||
| Gaye Delorme's Untold Story of Novelty Music & Cheech & Chong Collabs, And Behind The Scenes Of Nickelback's Biggest Album: All The Right Reasons | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:31:52 | |
Gaye Delorme was one of Canada's most respected — and underrated — musicians. He never became a household name as a solo artist, but his fingerprints are all over legendary moments in music. From writing The Rodeo Song (a platinum-selling Canadian classic) to collaborating with Cheech & Chong on Earache My Eye, Gaye's career was unconventional, hilarious, and brilliant. In this episode, Jonathan shares personal stories of meeting Gaye near the end of his life and being gifted Gaye's own platinum record. We dive into why musicians revered him, how his larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression, and what it meant to be a "fixer" lawyer in the Canadian music industry. Jonathan also dives deep into the making of Nickelback's blockbuster album All the Right Reasons—from the pressure after The Long Road, to hearing "Photograph" for the first time at 2 a.m., to Daniel Adair joining the band and the wave of online hate that ironically helped them sell out arenas. Hear how late-night phone calls, unexpected country influences, and a medieval castle wedding all tie into the band's most successful era. | |||
| I Hate Simkin Plaque Series Vol. 2 | Behind The Rise & Fall of Holly McNarland And How LEN Went from Underground Toronto Band to Global One-Hit Wonder | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:32:08 | |
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, Jonathan reflects on managing Canadian rock singer Holly McNarland — from her edgy Sour Pie EP to her Juno-winning breakthrough with Stuff. Holly's powerful voice, raw personality, and unforgettable stage presence made her stand out, but timing, life changes, and the harsh realities of the industry shaped her path. Jonathan shares candid stories about touring, the challenges of management, and why talent isn't always enough in the music business, as well as a look at Holly's later work and what she's up to now. He also looks back at the plaque for You Can't Stop the Bum Rush, the album by LEN which included one of the biggest hits of the 90s, Steal My Sunshine - The story of how it came to be is filled with twists, chaos, and unforgettable moments. Jonathan shares his behind-the-scenes perspective on working with Marc & Sharon Costanzo — from early underground albums, to MuchMusic snow jams, to negotiating samples, to the international explosion of Steal My Sunshine. This episode dives into quirky brilliance, lawsuits, budgets blown on partying, and the reality of what happens when one hit song takes a band around the world. 🎙 Hosted by Jonathan Simkin, I Hate Simkin pulls back the curtain on the music industry with raw, unfiltered stories. | |||
| I Hate Simkin Plaque Series Vol. 1 | Carly Rae Jepsen's Secret Album & The Gamble That Made Matthew Good | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:34:20 | |
In this first episode of a brand-new I Hate Simkin mini-series, Jonathan Simkin—President of 604 Records—digs through the plaques he's been given over the years and shares the never-before-heard stories behind them. 🎶 Part One: Carly Rae Jepsen
🎸 Part Two: Matthew Good Band
This episode blends untold stories of Carly Rae Jepsen's rise and Matthew Good's struggles, giving you an unfiltered look at the Canadian music industry—straight from the guy who lived it. 👉 Don't miss this deep dive into Canadian music history. Full episode out now! | |||
| Uncovering The Darkest Side Of The Canadian Music Industry | Karen Bliss on I Hate Simkin #7 | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:45:52 | |
Journalist Karen Bliss joins Jonathan for an unfiltered conversation about the Canadian music industry. They dive into the intimidation of networking and personal insecurities, investigating allegations and the emotional weight of journalism. Chapters: 06:35 Navigating the Music Industry: Personal Experiences 12:48 Mentorship and Community in Music 16:06 Investigating Allegations in the Music Industry 24:44 The Struggles of Investigative Journalism 30:10 The Impact of COVID on Careers 34:31 The State of Canadian Music Industry 39:14 The Shift in Artist Development 44:04 The Changing Landscape of Fame and Success | |||
| The Wild Story Behind Len, Lawsuits & The Fall of Song Corp | I Hate Simkin X Mark DiPietro #6 | 25 Jul 2025 | 01:12:02 | |
From indie cred to legal disasters — this episode goes deep into the real stories behind some of Canada's most iconic music moments. Jonathan sits down with Mark DiPietro (DSK, Teenage USA, Song Corp) to talk about the wild ride of managing artists like Len, dealing with explosive fame, and the career landmines most people never see coming. They unpack: The bizarre rise of Len and what happened after The value and illusion of "indie credibility" How artist relationships can make — or break — your label Why The Weeknd succeeded and Song Corp collapsed The importance of mentorship in a chaotic industry And how some wounds in music take decades to heal It's nostalgic, insightful, and sometimes absurd — a must-listen for anyone trying to understand the Canadian music industry from the inside out. 🎙 Full episode out now on YouTube + all podcast platforms. Chapters: 02:53 The Music Business Journey Begins 06:08 The DSK Connection 08:48 The Rise of Len and 'Steal My Sunshine' 11:59 The Complexities of Artist Relationships 14:48 Navigating the Music Industry's Challenges 18:13 The Impact of Indie Cred 21:13 How Music Consumption has Changed 26:59 The Aftermath of Legal Battles 37:54 The Aftermath of Fame for Artists 41:31 Mentorship and the Journey of Teenage USA 42:57 The Evolution of The Weeknd 44:40 Defining Success in the Music Industry 45:40 Navigating the Challenges of Record Labels 47:39 Lessons from the Fall of Song Corp 51:41 The Journey of Selling and Regaining Control 01:07:44 Reflections on the Music Industry and Personal Growth 01:12:27 The Nickelback Phenomenon and Closing Thoughts #IHateSimkin #MarkDiPietro #Len #StealMySunshine #CanadianMusic #MusicIndustry #IndieMusic #TeenageUSA #TheWeeknd #ArtistRelations #Nickelback #604Records #MusicPodcast | |||
| Grant Lawrence on 28 years inside the CBC, why 54-40 get snubbed by the Junos and more | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:07:24 | |
Grant Lawrence joins Jonathan for one of the most revealing, funny, and brutally honest conversations about the Canadian music industry you'll hear. Grant is a longtime CBC host, author, musician, and one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music culture. He and Jonathan go deep into: | |||
| Steve Jordan on Founding Polaris, Why Genres No Longer Create Barriers, Quitting A&R & More | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:54:43 | |
Jonathan sits down with longtime former CBC Director of Music Steve Jordan to dive into his full journey. • His early days running incorrect weather forecasts on radio • Being the first person to play The Tragically Hip on radio • Launching local Kingston bands and building a true DIY music scene • Crossing paths with Sarah Harmer, The Inbreds, Mahones & more • Everything wrong he saw with award shows that inspired Polaris • What label life was really like in the 90s and 2000s and why his dream was not reality • Why most A&R scouting was painful ("90% of bands you check out aren't good") • The truth about discovering commercial acts vs. music you love • How the industry has completely changed — and why nobody knows what it is anymore You'll hear a ton of behind-the-scenes music industry history, wild anecdotes from the early days of Canadian rock, and honest insight about signing artists, surviving label politics, and building long-term careers. The full episode is available on Youtube if you prefer video. If you enjoy the podcast please rate/review us it helps us a lot! | |||
| Crash Test Dummies vs Carly Rae Jespen, MTV/SNL/Letterman changed everything & more with Jeff Rogers | 31 Dec 2025 | 01:22:45 | |
What really happens when a band suddenly explodes? Jeff dives into: 🎵 How ignoring "industry rules" helped his career Jonathan shares his own parallel experience with Call Me Maybe, comparing the highs, lows, and long-term impact of having a song take over the world. This is a rare, honest look at fame, artist development, radio politics, risk-taking, and the parts of the music industry you never see. Episode out now — hosted by Jonathan Simkin. | |||
| Theory of a Deadman part 1: The Record Deal that Launched the Band & 604, Surviving Napster & More | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:45:57 | |
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, Jonathan Simkin sits down with Tyler Connolly and Dean Back of Theory of a Deadman to tell the full, unfiltered origin story of the band — from basement showcases and water delivery jobs to label bidding wars, major record deals, and multi-platinum hits. They break down the exact moments that changed everything: how Default and Nickelback unexpectedly shaped Theory's early trajectory, the chaos of early music videos, recording Gasoline with Howard Benson, navigating label politics, surviving the Napster era, and the creative risks that helped Theory of a Deadman outlast an entire generation of rock bands. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about longevity, mistakes, and why playing the long game in the music industry actually works. They talk through (in order): – "I was actually nervous about this one" – How the band got signed and launched 604 as a record label – All or Nothing nostalgia – How RX & Napster changed everything for Theory – Being drawn into the Nickelback push back – Gasoline & the big change in Theory's tunes & lyrics – The complicated relationship with drummers & managing money early on – Why the long game works in music Part 2 drops January 21. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. | |||
| Theory of a Deadman pt.2: The Nickelback Relationship & The New Sound in Upcoming Music | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:38:39 | |
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, Jonathan Simkin sits down with Tyler Connolly and Dean Back of Theory of a Deadman for a brutally honest conversation about record labels, ownership, and what it actually means to be a rock band in today's music industry. They break down why major label deals stopped making sense, the most exciting moments of their career, and the "old-but-new" sound they're chasing in their next chapter. From masters and short-term deals to cancel culture, social media backlash, and the illusion of success, this episode pulls back the curtain on what longevity in modern rock really looks like. The conversation also dives into early Vancouver days, Greenhouse Studios, Juno politics, international touring, and why simplifying the business side of the band became the key to staying sane — and independent — after 25 years. Timestamps00:00 – The tweet controversy and why they left 604 Records This episode is available on all audio podcast platforms. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly, behind-the-scenes conversations with iconic rock artists, industry veterans, and the people who shaped Canadian music. | |||
| Dave Benedict & Danny Craig on Default's Rise & Fall, Watching Dallas' Country Career, How TVT Records Failed them & More | 28 Jan 2026 | 01:05:49 | |
Danny Craig and Dave Benedict of Default join Jonathan Simkin for a brutally honest breakdown of how the band really got started — and what almost ended it. From Chad Kroeger discovering the band and early Vancouver showcases, to Greenhouse Studios, Nickelback tours, and the chaotic rise of Wasting My Time, this episode pulls back the curtain on how fast success actually works — and how fragile it is. They break down: • Why TVT Records failed them at distribution • The feeling watching Dallas' success after Default • Radio spins vs real album sales • Touring with Nickelback, Bush, and arena crowds • The financial reality behind "platinum" success • Business mismanagement, unpaid taxes, and lost revenue • Why Default disappeared — and how close they were to staying massive This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and in video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| Fionn On Why People Assume They're Bad Before They Even Play & Humiliation Of Their Early TikToks | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:47:25 | |
Fionn (Alanna & Brianne Finn Morris) sit down for an honest, unfiltered conversation about building a music career from childhood. From nearly losing their first audition to extortion pressure, to busking with their own speakers, to finally earning their first-ever Billboard #1 plaque, this episode breaks down the realities of artists people don't see online. They talk about:
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| Kayla Diamond on Leaving Law To Launch a Label, How Spotify Has Made & Erased Careers & More | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:01:41 | |
Kayla Diamond joins I Hate Simkin to chat about the realities of the modern music industry — the parts that happen after you make it. Kayla shares how she left law school to pursue music, accidentally hung up on the label that signed her, and quickly found herself navigating radio success, touring pressure, and an industry that didn't work the way she was promised. They explore how streaming platforms reshaped careers overnight, the emotional toll of bad management, why Kayla stepped away at her peak — and how she rebuilt her life and career by founding Kolossal Records. This episode is about artist development, control, burnout, and why longevity in music often means redefining success entirely. This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and in video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| Steve Bays on Hot Hot Heat's Collapse, AI in Music Is Getting Scary, Latest on Mounties & More | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:59:52 | |
Steve Bays, singer of Hot Hot Heat, joins I Hate Simkin for an in-depth conversation about the realities of success in the music industry. From recording DIY demos and signing with Sub Pop and Warner Bros to touring internationally and landing major radio hits, Steve reflects on how fame reshaped his life and career. They explore why most bands don't last, how AI is changing music creation, the pressures of major labels, and what it takes to build a sustainable creative life after commercial success. Steve also discusses Mounties, Left Field Messiah, producing, fatherhood, and why longevity matters more than viral moments. This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and in video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| Kevvy Maher On Co-Writing With Carly Rae Jepsen, Comics vs Musicians, HMV Encounters With Gary Oldman And Tom Green & More | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:48:17 | |
Kevvy Maher of Fake Shark joins I Hate Simkin to talk about behind the scenes stories of Canada's music and comedy industry. They cover: • How Carly Rae Jepsen's early album was nearly scrapped And much more! This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and in video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| From PA to Award-Winning Director: Emma Higgins On Her Rise With Kesi Smyth & Jonathan Simkin | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:55:04 | |
Emma Higgins and Kesi Smyth join I Hate Simkin for a full-circle conversation about building careers in music, film, and everything in between. Emma went from PA'ing on music video sets to becoming an award-winning music director with a feature film now streaming. Kesi helped shape 604 Records from the ground up and now runs the label as General Manager. Topics include:
Emma also breaks down how her film Sweetness went from idea to theaters, including funding, casting, and surviving production. This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and in video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| Historian Aaron Chapman on Iconic Vancouver Venues, Leaving Live Nation, His Punk Band & More | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:28:58 | |
Vancouver historian, musician, and author Aaron Chapman joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from punk rock stages to city politics. Aaron spent over 20 years working inside Vancouver's live music world, including at major venues like The Commodore Ballroom during the shift from House of Blues to Live Nation. He shares what changed behind the scenes as the industry became more corporate—and what that meant for musicians, venues, and audiences. The conversation dives into the rise and fall of Vancouver's live music ecosystem, why mid-level bands struggle today, and how licensing laws, rising costs, and shifting nightlife habits reshaped the city's entertainment culture. Aaron also discusses his decision to leave Live Nation after two decades and pursue a run for Vancouver City Council with the OneCity party. He explains what pushed him toward politics, what he believes the city is getting wrong, and the small practical changes he thinks could make a real difference—especially for arts, venues, and local businesses. This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| The 60420 Special - Music & Marijuana and Our Best Picks for 4/20 | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:16:21 | |
We're giving you the ultimate 4/20 guide on 4/19! Jonathan Simkin sits down to chat through the best music you can listen to on 4/20, ranging from trippy Intraset tunes to Peter Tosh to Born Slippy by Underworld. There's chat on why there's such a range of music linked with Cannabis and nostalgia around iconic live performances for stoners. Just search 60420 or Hazy Days for either of the playlists mentioned during the podcast. We'll have a regular episode as usual on Wednesday. This episode is also available on video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| Ryan Worsley on his Studio Hospitalizing him, The JUNOs Fading, Producing Dear Rouge & More | 06 May 2026 | 00:54:59 | |
Ryan is one of Vancouver's most respected producers, mixers, and songwriters. He has worked with artists including Dear Rouge, Fake Shark, The Royal Foundry, and many others across the Canadian music scene. In this episode, Ryan breaks down how he built his studio from the ground up, how it hospitalized him with anxiety, and the art of being a good hang to move up in the music industry. Topics include: - Building Echo Plant Studio - Why he left a heavily religious upbringing - Why mixing, producing, and songwriting require different mindsets - Dear Rouge and Fake Shark - The JUNOs are dwindling into nothingness - Harrowing stories of anti-semites you come across from time to time in Music - And much more! This episode is also available in video form on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show. | |||
| The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 1: Matthew Good's The Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, Coleman Hell's 2 Heads, & Dani & Lizzy's Dancing in the Sky | 20 May 2026 | 00:48:32 | |
We're back with the plaque series for three more episodes! Jonathan Simkin reacts to some of the biggest records and strangest success stories of his career. He breaks down how Matthew Good went from playing small Vancouver cafes to becoming one of the biggest bands in Canada, why Two Heads exploded worldwide, what major labels get wrong after a hit song, and how a funeral ballad quietly became one of 604 Records' most streamed songs ever. The episode also dives into:
Featuring stories about Matthew Good, Coleman Hell, Dani and Lizzy, Nickelback, Mad Dog Jones, 21 Pilots, Carly Rae Jepsen, Pure, Dreamworks Records, Columbia Records and more. Each segment is also available on Youtube (or soon will be). Like, reviews, shares, subscribing etc. help us big time. Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 3: Carly Rae's I Really Like You, My Darkest Days' Pornstar Dancing, & Theory of a Deadman's Scars & Souvenirs | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:42:31 | |
We're back with the last episode of our second plaque series! From Theory of a Deadman fighting the "Nickelback clone" label, to the controversy around My Darkest Days' "Porn Star Dancing," to the emotional fallout after Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" era — this episode dives deep into the music industry politics, artist development, producer influence, and nostalgia resurgence bringing these bands back into the spotlight. Jonathan talks about:
Featuring discussion around: Each segment is also available on Youtube (or soon will be). Like, reviews, shares, subscribing etc. help us big time. Thank you for listening! | |||
| The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 2: Nickelback's The Long Road, Marianas Trench's Astoria, & A Rant On The Organ's Acceptance Speech | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:48:07 | |
Jonathan Simkin breaks down the real story behind Nickelback backlash, internet hate culture, Marianas Trench pressure, and the fallout between 604 Records and The Organ. From The Long Road selling millions while being labeled a "failure," to when Nickelback started to get public abuse, Jonathan explains what was actually happening behind the scenes during one of the biggest backlashes against a rock band. He looks back on giving up creative control on Marianas Trench's This Means War video, and why that song didn't connect commercially. He also responds in detail to comments and narratives surrounding The Organ, their breakup, the Polaris Heritage Award controversy, and why he feels 604's role in the band's success has been erased from the story. The episode also covers:
Each segment is also available on Youtube (or soon will be). Like, reviews, shares etc. help us big time. Thank you for listening! | |||