Major Label Debut

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.

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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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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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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.

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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)
...

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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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 the cancellation of Future Ruins and the new Taylor Swift record.

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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.

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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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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 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.

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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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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 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"

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“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)

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 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.

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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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