Major Label Debut

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul return from the field to discuss the many sights, record stores, and bars of Montreal.

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul return to answer a hefty sack of your questions!

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss Ella Langley's all-time record breaking #1 "Choosin' Texas".

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul weigh in on Stella Lefty and nepotism in the music business.

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Graham and John Paul talk about the debut record "Little Brain" from Nashville band Bleary.
Check out their page and grab a copy for yourself!

📻🎚️
Bleary “Soft and Rotten” (8:34)
“Little Brain”  (15:36)
“Sugar Splint” (18:38)
Fastboy” (26:16) 
* times probably inaccurate because of ads :(

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul delve into the recent conflict between Ellie Goulding and her former management team, and discuss the unique role of managers in the music business.
And don't forget to check out "Fully Slow" by So Faint

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss the evolving music news landscape.

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul talk music festivals. From the Polo Grounds big ones to the condemned hotel small ones, there's a festival out there for everyone.

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Josh is on vacation so Graham and John Paul run wild!

Graham downloads his experience seeing Angine de Poitrine and Jack White rock Toronto. Also: Canadian guitar legend Brendan Dean, Charley Crockett kicking Twin Temple off his tour, and a very special DC Talk review that 11 year-old Graham wrote for his church newsletter.

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Go see a show:
Angine de Poitrine - https://anginedepoitrine.com/
Jack White - https://jackwhiteiii.com
Gutvoid - h...

Graham is joined by Rollum Haas, drummer of The Features, to discuss the band's 2004 major label debut "Exhibit A". They also talk about the recent release of "Exhibit A (Original Sweat Tea Mix)" on YK Records and the differences between the original recording and the "polished" major label version. Also, steamed broccolini and pole caught salmon.

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The Features “Blow It Out” (1:17)
“Million Ways To Sing The Blues” (22:06)
* times probably inaccurate because of ads :(

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss the details and fallout of the copyright lawsuit won by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul delve into another edition of Major Label Debut's Music Related Auction Spectacular and break down the top items they'd appreciate being gifted to them.

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Graham is joined by veteran arts journalist and host of the critically acclaimed MUBI Podcast, Rico Gagliano. They discuss needle drops in movies, what they are, why we love them, and the power they hold to elevate a movie moment to a phenomenon. Also, buttered or unbuttered movie popcorn.
Check out the current season of Rico’s MUBI Podcast all about the most culture-defining needle drops of the last 40 years.

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Donovan “Atlantis” (28:10)
Queen and David Bowie “Under Pressure” ( 29:45)
Gary Jules “Mad World” (35:10)
LL Cool J “Deepest Bluest (Shark’s Fin)” (48:09)
Green Day “Brain Stew ft. Godzilla” (51:30...

Standing at the usual Major Label Debut intersection of art and commerce, Graham is joined by musician and composer Sam Kogon to discuss the darkening sky in the shadow of the rapidly expanding “AI overpass” and how to cope with the slop dripping down from above. As a leading voice in intellectual property litigation and advocate for the protection of music creators, Sam shares his perspective on the generative AI landscape and what we lose when we abdicate creative expression to technology. Also, mock duck.

📻🎚️
Sam Kogon “I Could Never” (2:35)
“America” (1:13:03)

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In Major Label Debut - MLD News: Record Club III, Graham and John Paul discuss "Mutiny After Midnight", the physical only release from Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds.

📻🎚️
No song clips - go get it!

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Graham is joined by accomplished singer-songwriter Lenka. They discuss her first record "Lenka", her new record "Good Days" (out today - listen now!), as well as the sometimes paradoxical intersection of authentic songwriting and commercial sync licensing. Also, tortilla bowl salads. 

📻🎚️
Lenka “The Show” (1:36)
“Long Way Home” (17:56 )
“Unique” (18:30 )
“Good Days” (23:02)
* times probably inaccurate because of ads :(

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In the second installment of the Major Label Debut Music Movie Club, Graham and John Paul are once again joined by the inimitable Bret Berg of Museum of Home Video. They discuss a trio of vanity movie projects from Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, and Bob Dylan.

Check out the trailer for Boomer Rats in the '80s!!
Tune in to the MoHV livestream tomorrow May 19th at 7:30pm PDT (10:30pm EDT)!

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Graham is joined by Anne Richmond Boston of The Swimming Pool Q's to discuss not just the Q's time on A&M records but also the puzzling story of Anne's second solo record. That album, titled "I Should Be Happy" and recorded in the early 90s, was finally released just last year after spending more than thirty years stuck on the proverbial shelf. Anne talks about rediscovering her creativity as a songwriter and musician as well as the joy of live performance. Also, water. And healthy food.

Check out Anne’s album I Should Be Happy

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Swimm...

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul wade into the world of fashion and discuss the Tom Petty collaboration with John Varvatos.

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Graham is joined Greg Norton, founding member of Hüsker Dü, to discuss the band’s album Candy Apple Grey, released in 1986 on Warner Brothers. They talk about the major label forces that pulled the band apart as well as what brought Greg back to playing music. Also, noodles, banh mi, and lots of coffee.

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Hüsker Dü “Don’t Want to Know If You Are Lonely” (1:17)
The Suicide Commandos “Attacking The Beat” (14:54)
The Bad Plus “Smells Like Teen Spirit (36:13)
The Gang Font “You Haven’t Lived Until You Have Had To Have Read Beowulf” (37:41)
UltraBom...

In the second installment of the Major Label Debut [News]:- Record Club, Graham and John Paul discuss Charli xcx's "Wuthering Heights".

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Charli xcx “Out Of Myself” (8:38)
“Chains of Love”  (11:41)
"House featuring John Cale” (14:37)
“Eyes Of The World featuring Sky Ferreira” (14:45)
“My Reminder” (16: 39)
 *times probably inaccurate because of ads

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Graham is joined by Bill Baird to discuss what he calls the "major label cautionary tale" that is Sound Team's "Movie Monster". Released on Capitol Records in 2006, the expectations for Sound Team's major label debut were big, but creative issues with the album, questionable spending by the label, and critical reception from one particular outlet doomed not only the album, but the entire band.  
Also, weird theories about eggs.

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Sound Team “Your Eyes Are Liars” (1:13)
Spoon “The Agony of Lafitte” (7:02)
Sound Team “Born To Please” (26:30)
The Walkmen “We’ve Been Had” (30:05)
Mazarin “For Energy Infinite” (30:31)

Intrepid auction-watchers Graham and John Paul each discuss their top three picks from Jim Irsay's collection - exploring iconic music memorabilia, rare guitars, and a bunch of other cool stuff. Also, John Paul attempts to understand Graham's distaste for Pink Floyd.

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In a Major Label Debut first, Graham is joined by returning guests Colin Newman and Malka Spigel. They talk shady labels, artist advocacy and the importance of maintaining (or fighting to regain) artistic control of work, as well as their love of cats. Also, don't eat in the studio.

Buy Immersion’s new record WTF?? as well as Colin and Malka’s weekly radio show swimming in sound

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Immersion  “Use It Don’t Lose It” (1:02)
Modern Nature “Pharaoh” (90:55)
AK/DK “Nobody Shouts (feat. Thick Richard)” (91:56)
Anna Erhard “Hot Family” (92:39)
Holiday Ghosts “Sublime Disconnect” (93:18)
...

In this inaugural episode of Major Label Debut Podcast Network’s Record Club, Graham and John Paul discuss Dry Cleaning’s lastest record “Secret Love”.

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Dry Cleaning “Scratchcard Lanyard” (2:43)
Sparklehorse “Piano Fire” (3:12)
Dry Cleaning “Joy” (18:02)
“Let Me Grow and You’ll See the Fruit” (19:30)
“Evil Evil Idiot” (22:06)

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Joining Graham this week is Ramesh Srivastava to discuss Voxtrot's self-titled 2007 debut - the only full length the band would make before breaking up in 2010. They discuss the challenges of album leaks, the significance of reviews, the journey of self-discovery in the music industry, and the impact of audience perception on artistic growth. Ramesh also shares his insights on finding purpose in creative work and the importance of showing up for the craft, regardless of inspiration. Also, breakfast tacos. 

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Foxtrot “Kid Gloves” (2:14)
“The Start of Something” (13:30)

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul investigate theories about Radiohead's newly formed company and discuss if it means new music from the band is on the horizon.

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Graham is joined by YK Records founder, fellow podcast host, and pioneer of the intersection of music and the early internet, Michael Eades. Michael shares his passion for building and fostering creative communities outside of the mainstream music industry silo. They discuss how the dial-up modem days compare with the current internet landscape, the need for conscious engagement in discovering new music and about starting probably the first internet beard growing contest. Also, cheap cigarettes, hamburgers, and tofu banh mi.

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Bleary "Sugar Splint" (2:35)
Detachment Kit “Ted The Electric” (17:05)
sElf “Cannon” (17:30)
Call Florence Pow “Periodic Table” (47:38)

Intrepid correspdondents Graham and John Paul discuss the Super Bowl's pregame and halftime shows.

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Joining Graham this week is Steve Bays of Hot Hot Heat to discuss the band's 2005 album, Elevator.
Graham and Steve talk about the realities of touring, the impact of mental health on musicians, and the value of passion projects. Also, pad thai and California gas station wine.

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Hot Hot Heat “Goodnight Goodnight” (1:32)
Liars “Mr You’re On Fire Mr” (7:02)
Hot Hot Heat “Bandages” (12:42)
“Middle Of Nowhere” (16:20)
The Walkmen “The Rat” (49:19)
“You Owe Me An IOU” (54:42)

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Intrepid correspdondents Graham and John Paul discuss Pitchfork's pivot to a subscription model as well as an exciting announcement from the MLD Podcast Network.

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Graham is joined by Greta Morgan to discuss her memoir, The Lost Voice. Greta shares the evolution of her musical identity after being diagnosed with a disorder that robbed her of her voice. They also talk about the complexities of band dynamics, the impact of COVID-19 on creativity, and the transformative journey of writing a memoir. Also, homemade cinnabons and superfood lattes, or celery and burnt nachos.

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Hush Sound “Wine Red” (2:30)
Gold Motel “Don’t Send The Searchlights” (8:35)
Greta Morgan “White Sands” (27:15)

Check out Greta's website!

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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul celebrate the life and legacy of Bob Weir and offer a guided introduction to the Grateful Dead.

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Grateful Dead “St. Steven” (5:30)
“Truckin’” (8:07)
Bob Weir “Cassidy” (10:22)
Grateful Dead “Althea” (13:22)
“Touch Of Grey” (15:10)

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Picture this: you are standing at the intersection of Art and Commerce. It is a hectic crossing; a convoluted tangle with countless voices offering advice anywhere on the scale from utterly awful to actually useful but no easy way to discern which is which. Here to clear a path is Randy Ojeda, manager and music lawyer but for purpose of continuing the mind illustration, a crossing guard the traffic actually stops for. Not only do Graham and Randy talk about bad deals and shady accounting, but also about Randy's unique approach to helping new and indie artists navigate the intersection...

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul talk about the future - Happy New Year!

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In this spirit of the season we reflect on the support of our dearest friends with this rebroadcast. From all of us at MLD, take care and Happy Holidays!

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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Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul are bringing you season's greetings with the official MLD 2025 Gift Guide.

🎁📻
Girlfriend Material's Hyped For The Holidays
Dan Mangan's New Album Natural Light
We Are Scientists / Keith Murray's 20th Anniversary of With Love And Squalor
Chris Stamey's New Album Anything is Possible
Morgan Nagler's New Single “Cradle the Pain"
The Blasters / Dave Alvin's New Album with The Third Mind Right Now! and the first vinyl pressing of his Merle Haggard tribute Tulare Dust
Save Ferris / Monique Powell's New Single "Get Dancing"
Nels Cline's Ne...

Graham is joined by Dan Mangan, singer/songwriting icon of the Canadian music scene, to discuss his 2015 album Club Meds. Dan candidly shares what happened when the record he took a big swing on didn't quite connect, and how hard lessons learned during that experience led him down a new path. They also talk about hanging with Paul McCartney, turning down a drum feature from Dave Grohl, and the mid 00's fascination with robots. Also, sausage breakfast wraps.

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Dan Mangan + Blacksmith “Vessel” (2:47)
“Offred” (8:30)
Dan Mangan “So Much For Everyone” (19:09)
“Robots” (28:30)
Bon Iver “Skinny Love” (34:27)
Dan Man...

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul talk about Jack White and Eminem's performance at the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving halftime show. 

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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.

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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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