Rob Schnapf, producer of Elliott Smith's 1998 record "XO", joins Graham to discuss this landmark major label debut, helping Smith continue to expand his sonic palette, and burritos.

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Host Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club, CBC Radio) welcomes you to the new podcast Major Label Debut. Launching October 28, 2024 with new episodes every other week!

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Glen Phillips, songwriter and lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket, joins Graham to discuss the band's 1991 album "fear". Glen shares his perspective on navigating the turning tides that came with commercial success, and remembering how to make music for the sheer joy of it. Also haggis.

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Acclaimed author and 2x Grammy-winning music critic Bob Mehr joins Graham to discuss his book Trouble Boys, the definitive biography of the Replacements.

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Mark Arm and Steve Turner of Mudhoney join to talk about their 1992 album "Piece of Cake" and when the major labels came for the Seattle grunge scene.

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Graham is joined by Brenda Sauter, bassist of the The Feelies, to discuss their 1988 album "Only Life". They also talk about historical New Jersey buildings and saag paneer.

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Today is something different. Graham is joined by Major Label Debut producers John Paul and Josh. They talk about the origin of Major Label Debut, conduct a Season 1 wrap up, and start previewing upcoming guests!

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Dave Pirner, songwriter and lead singer of Soul Asylum, discusses the band's 1988 album "Hang Time".

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Ned Brower, former drummer for Rooney, joins Graham to talk about the band's debut self titled album, the unique situation of starting their career on a major label record, and the struggle to maintain authenticity and support creative evolution when confronted with major expectations.

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Vashti Bunyan joins Graham to share the incredibly unique journey behind her 1970 album, "Just Another Diamond Day". They talk about the songwriting and recording process and how the experience caused her to walk away from the industry completely. However, over the following thirty years her album became a cult classic, inspiring a new generation of songwriters. In turn leading Vashti to not only regain control of her music, but also rediscover her joy of songwriting.

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Sammy Kohn, drummer of Canadian alt-rock legends The Watchmen, joins Graham to discuss the band's 1994 album, "In The Trees". They discuss the band's origins in the Winnipeg music scene, the impact of external pressures on the band's dynamics, as well as the importance of balancing personal happiness in the pursuit of success.

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In a Major Label Debut first, Graham conducts a double feature discussion with partners in art and in life, Colin Newman and Malka Spigel. Colin (founding member, songwriter and guitarist of Wire) talks about the band's 1977 iconic, critically acclaimed debut album "Pink Flag", and Malka (founding member and bassist of Minimal Compact) talks about their 1985 album "Raging Souls", produced by Colin Newman.

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A new feature from Major Label Debut! Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss recent revelations about the future of the iconic South By Southwest music festival, and what it tells us about the state of the biz. Also barbeque.

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Rob Derhak, founding member and bassist of moe., joins Graham to discuss the band's 1996 album "No Doy". They talk about how the tape trading community not only facilitated fan connection but expanded their reach, and how the band pushed back against their record label's attempts to alter their artistic vision. Also strawberry shortcake.

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss Napster's return to the forefront of music news. They talk about Napter's evolution (2:09), the future of virtual concerts (4:39), and if anyone actually understands the economics of the metaverse (8:43)...

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Bob Berryhill, founding member of The Surfaris and surf rock legend, joins Graham to discuss the band's 1963 album "Play". Bob shares insights into the early days of the Surfaris and their influences (6:15), the recording of their first original and iconic songs "Surfer Joe" and "Wipeout" (22:15), as well as the pressure of major label and their conflicts with the unscrupulous industry characters around them (41:20). Also turkey sandwiches.

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul return to discuss the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and what it may mean about the US festival landscape.

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Graham is joined by Bob Lee, drummer of Claw Hammer and roughly 99 others bands, to discuss the 1995 album Thank The Holder Uppers. Bob shares his unique perspective about the practical aspects of being a drummer, navigating the complexities of major label dynamics, and also the value of creative collaboration and what it truly means to live the dream of being a musician. Also pizza and pasta carb-loading.

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Musician and YouTuber Benn Jordan has devised a novel way to foil AIs attempting to train on his songs. Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul take sides in the dawning cyber war between musicians and their robot replacements.

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Graham is joined by drummer, composer, songwriter, long-time friend and grilled cheese wizard, Greg Alsop to discuss the industry through the lens of their band, Tokyo Police Club. A candid conversation between two friends about creativity, musicianship, and the end of a nearly twenty year old band.

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For the very first time on Major Label Debut Graham is joined by someone from a record label!
Lisa Fancher of Frontier Records talks good taste, distributer disasters, and many other realities of running an independant label.

Frontier Records on Bandcamp

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Flyboys “Picture Perfect” (1:57)
Runaways “Cherry Bomb” (16:09)
Circle Jerks “Live Fast Die Young” (25:17)
Adolescents “Rip It Up” (28:20)
Christian Death “Romeo’s Distress” (34:25)
Suicidal Tendencies “Institutionalized” (40:07)
Thin White Rope “Americana” (48:23)
Naked Prey “Dirt” (59:31)

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Intrepid correspondents and estate sale enthusiasts Graham and John Paul dive into the auction lots of the inimitable David Lynch.

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Graham is joined by Richard Barone of The Bongos to discuss the band's 1983 album, Numbers With Wings.

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From the collective desk in the shared work space that is the Major Label Debut Podcast Network comes an exciting non-pope related announcement.

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Do you have the time,
To listen to me pod?
Graham is joined by music production legend Rob Cavallo to discuss his role in Green Day's 1994 album, Dookie. Rob shares his perspective on production, Green Day's rise through the realms of rock stardom, and the superior way to tune your guitar. Also bagels.

📻🎚️
Green Day "When I Come Around" (2:50)
The Muffs “Big Mouth” (11:21)
Green Day “She (4-Track Demo)” (12:35)
“Chump/Longview” (44:52)
“Basket Case”  (45:49)
“She” (46:45)
“Basket Case (Demo)” (52:18)

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul deliver breaking news about Wednesday on Monday.

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Ryan Miller of Guster returns and talks with Graham about more insider tales of the music industry.

📻🎚️
Cameron Winter “Love Takes Miles” (23:25)
Waxahatchee “Right Back To It (ft. MJ Lenderman)” (25:10)

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Graham is joined by Ryan Miller of Guster to discuss the band's 1996 album "Lost And Gone Forever". They talk about creative evolution, great producers, and maintaining genuine connection with their audience over the last 30 years.

📻🎚️
"Barrel of a Gun" (0:51)
"Rainy Day" (21:18)
"Satellite" (42:17)


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Intrepid correspdonents Graham and John Paul return to reflect on the legacy of Brian Wilson and what could possibly remain for Taylor Swift to accomplish.

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Graham Wright is here and he's never wrong.
Welcome to Wednesdays!

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Graham is joined by veteran music industry publicity wizard, Brendan Bourke. They discuss his work with a seemingly endless list of artists including Elliott Smith, Broken Social Scene, Interpol, Clinic, and Tegan and Sara to name just a few. Word has it Brendan is probably solely responsible for Feist's "Let It Die" getting released in the US as well...
Also, Jerquee and Bob's Texas Jalapeno Chips.

📻🎚️
Check out Bodega, Big Special, Dead Tooth, Nancy Ajram, Autoheart, and Weakened Friends.

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul pay homage to Hulk and Ozzy and discuss what Lacy Dacus is up to. Also, Graham's ranking of Coldplay albums.

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Graham is joined by Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn, authors of Tearing Down The Orange Curtain, to talk about the history and legacy of Orange County's explosive punk scene.

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Social Distortion “Mommy’s Little Monster” (7:06)
Agent Orange  “Bloodstains” (7:22)
T.S.O.L. “Sounds Of Laughter” (8:02)
China White “Dangerzone” (8:14)
The Vandals “Wanna Be Manor” (8:21)
Pennywise “Bro Hymn” (15:20)
Millencolin “Lozin’ Must” (15:34)
The Offspring “Bad Habit” (16:35)
Adolescents “Amoeba”  (17:11)
Social Distortion “Story Of My Life” (19:53)
Ink & Lead “So Drunk, So Many Hotdogs” (21:02)
The Mechanics “No Brakes” (47:44)

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Intrepid correspondent Graham discusses an issue from the front lines of Canadian indie band touring: the current situation of US work visas.

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Graham saw Oasis aand he's gonna tell you about it!

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Graham is joined by Alan Siegel, fellow Simpsons fan and author of "Stupid TV, Be More Funny", to discuss the 1990 album, "The Simpsons Sing The Blues". They talk about the album as well as the early years of the show, and why The Simpsons holds such a massive space in our hearts. Also, Ye Rustic Inn's buffalo wings.
Check out Alan's book "Stupid TV, Be More Funny"

📻🎚️
“Moaning’ Lisa Blues” (1:47)
“Born Under A Bad Sign” (15:35)
“Bartman” (18:55)
“Deep Deep Trouble” (22:40)
“Look At All Those Idiots” (26:20)
“See You Smile” (34:10)
“The Monorail Song” (39:14)
“It Was A Very Good Beer” (42:00)
“Baby On Board” (58:00)

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Surprise! In this bonus episode Graham is joined by Bret Berg of Museum of Home Video to discuss Oliver Stone’s 1991 film “The Doors”. MLD is honored to collaborate with MoHV and present Bret’s edit as the inaugural entry in the long awaited MLDMMC (Major Label Debut Music Movie Club).
Join us and tune in to the stream on Museum of Home Video Tuesday, September 2 at 7:30pm PST (10:30pm EST)

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Graham is joined by composer and true guitar polymath, Nels Cline. Through his 2016 mood music album "Lovers" released on Blue Note records, they discuss creativity and explore the abstract nature of inspiration.

📻🎚️
Nels Cline “Glad To Be Unhappy” (2:53)
“The Night Porter” (7:56)
“Cry, Want” (9:15)
“So Hard It Hurts” (10:22 )
“Secret Love” (35:55)
“It Only Has To Happen Once” (37:16)
“Max, Mon Amour” (46:01)
Victor Young Orchestra “Beautiful Love” (48:55)
Nels Cline “Beautiful Love” (50:05)
“Introduction / Diaphanous” (54:58)
“The Bond” (56:10)
“The Search For Cat” (58:15)
“Snare, Girl” (63:49)
Sonic Youth “Snare, Girl” (64:40)

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Joining MLD from a New England hotel lobby in the middle of tour, Monique Powell of Save Ferris talks with Graham about the band's 1997 album, It Means Everything. They discuss questionable major label expectations in the 90s, being dropped from that label, and perseverance through a spinal condition prognosis which threatened Monique's ability to perform.
Also, clam pizza.

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“Come On Eileen”  (1:08)
“Spam” (21:50)
The Specials “Ghost Town” (22:54)
Save Ferris “New Sound” (24:11)
“Goodbye” (24:57)
“The World Is New” (27:00)

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*The Music Television Video Video Music Awards Major Label Debut Graham Wright Thoughts
(Graham talks VMAs and the space awards shows occupy in the industry landscape)

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Graham is joined by Dave Alvin to discuss The Blaster’s 1981 self-titled album. Dave also shares his perspective on labels, creative control, and loving what you do. Also, beer and BBQ.

📻🎚️
The Blasters “Marie Marie” (3:02)
Carole King “Up On The Roof” (32:04)
The Germs “What We Do Is Secret” (45:35)
X “Los Angeles” (46:01)
Los Lobos “Walking Song” (46:37)
Shakin’ Stevens “Marie Marie” (55:26)

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Graham is reunited with John Paul who shares his concert review of Nine Inch Nails.

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Graham and John Paul talk about the cancellation of Future Ruins and the new Taylor Swift record.

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It's been one year of MLD! We discuss lessons learned, our fav highlights from interviews, and dive in to our very first mailbag for some listener questions! Thanks for joining us on this journey and hope you enjoy the next year of MLD!

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul offer their cold takes on Taylor Swift's "The Life Of A Showgirl".

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Graham is joined by Grammy nominated songwriter Morgan Nagler to discuss her career as one of the most sought after co-writers in indie music. In addition to perspectives on songwriting, Morgan talks about navigating creative working relationships, the magic of Kim Deal, and why AI will never replace the human connection at the heart of music. Also, Spindrift.

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Morgan Nagler “Cradle The Pain” (4:09)
Kim Deal and Morgan Nagler “Range On Castle” (21:33)
Phoebe Bridgers “Kyoto” (22:48)
Kim Deal and Morgan Nagler “The Root” (27:33)

Check out Morgan on Bandcamp!

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Graham and John Paul talk about songs and records and songs vs records and also what is in the pipeline for Year Two of Major Label Debut.

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Graham is joined by musician and producer Chris Stamey to discuss his 1987 record It's Alright and the experience with A&M Records. But as you know by now the conversation also wanders into his formative years in the New York City scene, the process behind his latest release Anything Is Possible, and how even with extensive sonic knowledge Chris is still surprised by the magic of music.

📻🎚️
Chris Stamey “Of Time and All She Brings To Mind” (1:24 )
DNA “Egomaniac’s Kiss” (23:07)
Lydia Lunch “Ran Away Dark” (23:36)
Chris Stamey “Cara Lee” (29:19)
Chris Bell “I Am The Cosmos” (34:35)
Chris Stamey  “I’d Be Lost Without You (feat. The Lemon Twigs)” (43:00)
“Meet Me In Midtown (feat Marshall Crenshaw)” (45:26)
“Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder) (feat. The Lemon Twigs)” (52:45)

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Graham is joined by Keith Murray of We Are Scientists to discuss the band's 2005 major label debut, With Love And Squalor. They also talk about the journey from major label to self-releasing records, as well as autobahn toilets and country pubs. Also, burritos and margaritas.

📻🎚️
We Are Scientists “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt” (2:20)
Art Brut “Formed A Band” (20:15)
We Are Scientists “The Great Escape” (24:55 )
Ambulance Ltd. “Primitive (The Way I Treat You)” (51:45)

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul dive into the gear and belongings of Kraftwerk's Florain Schneider up for auction - from Volks-Trautoniums to Volkswagons and everything in between.

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