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I Hate Simkin

604 Podcast Network

I Hate Simkin is a no-holds-barred music industry podcast hosted by veteran music executive Jonathan Simkin. With decades in the business, Simkin has seen it all—and now he's telling the stories. Each episode, he sits down with artists, managers, and industry insiders he's crossed paths with over the years to revisit the wild, weird, and game-changing moments that shaped their careers. From behind-the-scenes chaos to untold anecdotes, I Hate Simkin is a deep dive into the music industry like you've never heard before. Unfiltered, insightful, and always entertaining—tune in for the real stories behind the music. 🎙️🎵 #IHateSimkin

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24 episodes
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Avg 54 min
English

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S1 · E36
Today · 57 min· Video
Coleman Hell On His JUNOs Nightmare, Chad Kroeger's Tip That Led To Fireproof & More
Coleman Hell, the Thunder Bay singer-songwriter behind "Two Heads" and "Fireproof," sits down with Jonathan to look back on a wild decade, just as the 10th anniversary edition of Summerland arrives. In this episode Coleman talks: • How his mom sent a rap mixtape to 604 without telling him • Recording "Two Heads" in a single night, then watching it blow up • Writing with Chad Kroeger and the lyric that became "Fireproof" • Signing with Columbia and what happens when your A&R leaves • Touring with Twenty One Pilots and Robert DeLong • The Juno Awards sound disaster, and the comfort Jann Arden gave him backstage • Growing up in Thunder Bay, Supertramp and The Cars • The world-building behind Summerland Stream the Summerland 10th anniversary edition, out now. A karaoke version of "Two Heads" is coming soon. 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.
S1 · E35
October 7 · 1 hr 18 min· Video
Zach Gray and Tom Dobrzanski of The Zolas Reminisce On Swooner, Ancient Mars, Molotov Girls & More
Jonathan gets a little emotional as he reunites with the founding minds behind one of Vancouver's most enduring indie-pop mainstays: Zach Gray and Tom Dobrzanski of The Zolas. In their first-ever podcast appearance together, Zach and Tom help piece together a blurry, 18-year timeline of indie music history. Jonathan tells them that he literally launched an entirely new division of his company, Light Organ Records, as a tactical "white label" maneuver just to make the hipster-leaning band feel comfortable signing with him over the shadow of 604's related commercial acts (Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Marianas Trench etc.). They chat about the early days of Lotus Child, carpooling to choir practice across Prince of Wales and Point Grey high schools, and the agonizing overnight shoots for the "Not In My Heart" stop-motion video. They also reflect on their atmospheric masterpiece Ancient Mars and how a music video inspired by the tragic Elisa Lam case ultimately forced them to change creative direction out of respect for her family. 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.
S1 · E40
September 23 · 1 hr· Video
How The Internet Broke The Music Industry & Where AI Is Taking It With Cam Gordon
Jonathan sits down with music researcher, author, and former Twitter Canada head of communications Cam Gordon to trace 25 years of the music industry going digital — from the early download-store wars with Puretracks, to Napster panic and DRM fights, to the day Spotify changed everything. They dig into 604's early decision to hold onto its digital rights, the disaster of 360 deals, the Marianas Trench "Hot Chocolate" video that changed how the label thought about the internet, Bieber's tweet that helped launch Carly Rae Jepsen, and why Cam thinks the AI moment right now feels a lot like 2001 all over again. Cam's book, Track Changes: The Origin Story of Canadian Music on the Internet, 1990–2010, is out now — find it at your local bookseller or follow @trackchanges_ca on Instagram for the archive of clips and old ads that go with it. 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.
S1 · E39
September 9 · 55 min· Video
The Mailbag Episode - Why Dallas Left Default, Elliot Smith Was Unique, Nickelback's San Quentin & More
Not the Plaque Series — something a bit looser. This week Jonathan digs through everything that's piled up around the 604 offices lately: Plaques, an award, and one very personal autographed CD, going through them one by one as each turns into a story. Jonathan also takes a look at just how much the music business has shifted — Warner Canada's leadership change, mass layoffs across the majors, and SOCAN's move to absorb CMRRA etc., as well as a longer term look at cultural and structural improvements that have happened across the years. The episode includes analysis & stories around: - Elliot Smith's unparalleled lyrics - Where Nickelback's San Quentin idea came from - Receiving Billboard recognition & why people appreciate different characters in music now - Fionn's recent rise and developing teenage artists - A look back on Dallas Smith's decision to go country & why more Default tracks are likely ahead - & Much more! 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.
S1 · E38
August 26 · 1 hr 3 min· Video
Quarterlife Crisis at 20: The Suits XL on Losing Yohann, Disappearing After a Top 10 Hit & More
It's been almost two decades since Jonathan last spoke with Olivier and Sam of The Suits XL — the Quebec City pop act that became 604 Records' first francophone signing and first Top 10 pop hit with "Play." To mark the 20th anniversary reissue of their album Quarterlife Crisis, the trio gets back together (virtually) to trace the band's whole arc: how a manager named Frank connected them with 604, the marathon recording sessions with the Berman Brothers and legendary Quebec engineer Rob Einy, shooting the "Play" video in Cuba, and the stranger, moodier world of the "Low" video shoot in Burnaby. They also talk honestly about how the band quietly wound down, what it's like hearing your own record streamed back at you two decades later, the real (and much darker) meaning behind the lyrics of fan-favorite "Le Plaisir," and they remember bandmate Yohann Gosselin, who passed away a few years ago — his talent, his complicated relationships with the people around him, and the community that rallied for him at the end. Plus: two previously unreleased bonus tracks, an acoustic live take on "Play," and why Jonathan still can't pronounce anybody's last name. You can find the anniversary record here: https://ffm.to/thesuitsxl 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.
August 12 · 56 min· Video
Taron Cochrane on Saskatchewan's Deep, Diverse Range of Music, Northern Pikes, Reviving The Raccoons & More
CBC producer Taron Cochrane has spent years telling stories about Canadian music. In this conversation with Jonathan Simkin they cover everything from championing Saskatchewan artists to helping bring national attention to The Raccoons soundtrack revival. Along the way they discuss Canadian punk legends DOA, The Northern Pikes, Propagandhi, rare vinyl collecting, music journalism, Expo 86, Walter Ostanek, and why Canada has far more musical history than most people realize. The conversation includes: Taron's role at CBC Saskatchewan & Manitoba Championing Saskatchewan artists on national radio The story behind The Raccoons revival Working with Kevin Gillis Northern Pikes history and Saskatchewan music DOA, Joey Shithead and Canadian punk Rare vinyl collecting and music memorabilia Why local music scenes matter The future of Canadian music 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.
S1 · E36
July 29 · 51 min· Video
Ally Baran & Connell Simkin Watt On Marianas/Nickelback Concerts Behind The Scenes, Being Blind In Music & More
This episode is a little different. Jonathan is joined by his son, Connell Simkin Watt, and Connell's girlfriend, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ally, for a conversation about songwriting, music school, and launching a career in today's music industry. Ally shares the story behind her upcoming debut single "Rabbit Hole," how a dream inspired the song, and what it's been like developing her sound while studying music in Toronto. She also opens up about pursuing music as a visually impaired artist and the impact she hopes her work will have. The conversation also covers: The story behind Connell's unusual name Growing up around the music business Jonathan's memories of choosing "Call Me Maybe" as Carly Rae Jepsen's breakthrough single Nickelback concerts, TIFF, and backstage stories Musical influences including Radiohead, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Fionn, Marianas Trench, and more Advice for emerging artists 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.
S1 · E35
July 15 · 59 min· Video
How Nickelback Got Signed: A&R Legend Ron Burman on the Early Days of Nickelback & 604 Records
Jonathan welcomes a true industry titan and longtime friend: Ron Burman, the legendary former A&R executive at Roadrunner Records who famously signed Nickelback. Jonathan and Ron jump into a time capsule to reconstruct the late-'90s grind that launched a multi-platinum powerhouse. They reveal how Chad Kroeger used to prank-call radio stations pretending to be an indie promoter, the exact moment Ron got goosebumps watching the band play "Leader of Men" in a damp Vancouver venue, and the uphill battle of pitching a mainstream rock band to a hardcore metal label. Plus stories like watching a sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom show side-stage with Jay-Z and Lyor Cohen. This episode is available in video on Youtube or Spotify, and in audio form on other 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.
S1 · E34
July 8 · 49 min· Video
The Music Industry Is Rigged? Jo Loewenthal on the Truth Behind Publishing Deals (Part 2)
Jo Loewenthal joins Jonathan Simkin for part 2 of this chat exposing the music industry. Jo explains why he terminated his publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing and why he's now asking the Supreme Court of New South Wales to determine whether that termination was valid. The conversation expands far beyond one contract dispute. Jo and Jonathan discuss publishing deals, royalty collection societies, neighbouring rights, SOCAN, PRS, APRA AMCOS, governance issues, board structures, voting systems, artist representation, transparency, and the growing debate around how music royalties are collected and distributed around the world. Topics Include: Why Jo sued Universal Music Publishing The reality of publishing advances How royalty collection actually works Music industry monopolies Why artists struggle to change industry systems & Much More! This episode is available in video form on YouTube & Spotify, and in audio form on all other pod 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.
S1 · E33
July 1 · 48 min· Video
Jo Loewenthal's Shocking Audit of the Music Industry - Part 1
After seeing Jo Lowenthal publicly question how artists get paid, Jonathan reached out. What followed was a deep conversation about publishing, neighbouring rights, missing data, royalty collection systems, transparency, and why so many artists struggle to understand where their money actually comes from. Jo (lead vocalist of Tora) explains how years of auditing his own catalog led him into a maze of publishing societies, international royalty systems, privacy requests, and millions of lines of data. Along the way he discovered missing registrations, unexplained reporting gaps, and answers from industry organizations that raised even more questions. Jonathan compares Jo's experience to his own investigation into neighboring rights royalties in Canada and the issues that inspired his Billboard article. They chat about: - Why Artists Become Industry Disruptors - The Missing Audience Feedback Problem - Discovering Music Used On TV Without Knowing - Building A Royalty Audit System - Crazy Admissions by Label Execs - Outrageous Incentives, Accountability, And Transparency & Much More! Part 2 will be out this time next week. This episode is available in video on Spotify & YouTube, and in audio format on all other 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.
S1 · E32
June 17 · 42 min
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
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: Chad Kroeger and Joey Moi's influence on modern rock How Theory of a Deadman finally escaped Nickelback comparisons The success and backlash of Porn Star Dancing Why 2000s post-grunge rock is suddenly huge again Carly Rae Jepsen's transition from pop phenomenon to respected songwriter Jonathan & Carly's relationship after Call Me Maybe Featuring discussion around: Theory of a Deadman, Nickelback, My Darkest Days, Carly Rae Jepsen, Three Days Grace, Chad Kroeger, Joey Moi, Faber Drive, Default, Thornley, Morgan Wallen 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!
S1 · E31
June 3 · 48 min
The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 2: Nickelback's The Long Road, Marianas Trench's Astoria, & A Rant On The Organ's Acceptance Speech
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: Why Nickelback became a punching bag online The psychology of rock fans and backlash Marianas Trench's Astoria era pressure How The Organ almost became massive internationally The beginning of 604 studios due to The Organ 'tossing a record in the river' Why some Canada's biggest ever bands never made it out of the country Each segment is also available on Youtube (or soon will be). Like, reviews, shares etc. help us big time. Thank you for listening!
S1 · E30
May 20 · 48 min
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
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: The early Matthew Good Band years CFOX Seeds and Vancouver rock history Why some artists become "one-hit wonders" How losing the person who signed you to a label can put your music career on the shelf The emotional impact of Dancing in the Sky Coleman Hell, Mad Dog Jones, and Thunder Bay's weird creative scene Why some Canadian bands never fully crossed into the US Canadian Live rock scenes in the 90s 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!
S1 · E29
May 6 · 54 min
Ryan Worsley on his Studio Hospitalizing him, The JUNOs Fading, Producing Dear Rouge & More
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.
S1 · E27
April 22 · 1 hr 28 min
Historian Aaron Chapman on Iconic Vancouver Venues, Leaving Live Nation, His Punk Band & More
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.
April 19 · 16 min
The 60420 Special - Music & Marijuana and Our Best Picks for 4/20
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.
S1 · E26
April 8 · 55 min
From PA to Award-Winning Director: Emma Higgins On Her Rise With Kesi Smyth & Jonathan Simkin
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: Starting at the bottom and breaking into directing The collapse of music video budgets (and what replaced them) What it really takes to make a feature film The difference between talent vs confidence in creative careers Industry gatekeeping, funding, and how projects actually get made The reality of touring with major artists like Justin Bieber 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.
S1 · E25
March 25 · 48 min
Kevvy Maher On Co-Writing With Carly Rae Jepsen, Comics vs Musicians, HMV Encounters With Gary Oldman And Tom Green & More
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 • Why "Call Me Maybe" became the single • From working at HMV to quitting for music • Building 604 Records' studio by accident • Sync licensing in NHL and NBA broadcasts • Comedy Here Often and the business of stand-up • Celebrity encounters with Gary Oldman and Tom Green • Why comedians are "the most vicious" industry 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.
S1 · E24
March 11 · 59 min
Steve Bays on Hot Hot Heat's Collapse, AI in Music Is Getting Scary, Latest on Mounties & More
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.
S1 · E23
February 25 · 1 hr 1 min
Kayla Diamond on Leaving Law To Launch a Label, How Spotify Has Made & Erased Careers & More
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.

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