I Hate Simkin

Streaming services hand labels a spreadsheet with a number in a cell and no receipts. Andrew Beatty built the technology to check it, and found a fraud problem nobody knew existed.

Jonathan sits down with Andrew, co-founder of Vancouver's BeatDapp, to explain how a real-time audit tool for streaming counts turned into one of the music industry's biggest fraud-fighting operations. They cover why audits can miss 20–35% of plays, how fraudsters hide behind unsuspecting artists (34,000 flagged, only 3 actually guilty), the landmark US streaming fraud case, and the hacked prison tablets that became a fraud machine.

They al...

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

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...

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 ov...

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 arou...

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 Bu...

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

W...

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:

...

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...

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...

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.

...

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:

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...

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:

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 r...

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, ri...

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...

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:

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 epis...

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...

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 Reco...

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: 

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

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 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 en...

What really happens when a band suddenly explodes?
Jonathan Simkin sits down with legendary Canadian manager Jeff Rogers (Crash Test Dummies, The Pursuit of Happiness, Rusty) to break it down.

Jeff dives into:

🎵 How ignoring "industry rules" helped his career
🎵 Why Canada's music scene pushes bands coast-to-coast instead of down to New York
🎵 Booking DIY tours before social media
🎵 The moment Crash Test Dummies started selling 80,000 albums a week
🎵 How MTV, Letterman, SNL, and KROQ changed everything
🎵 The wild truth about sudden success: new relationships, burned bridges, and massive pressure
🎵 To...

Jonathan sits down with longtime former CBC Director of Music Steve Jordan to dive into his full journey.

Steve tells never-before-shared stories about:

• 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 no...

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:

CBC's Top 20 and how radio formats keep mutating
28 years inside the CBC and surviving the chaos of the music industry
Mint Records stories from the Dominion Building days
The ugliest parts of award-show politics
The truth about diversity optics at award shows
Why 54-40 has...

What really happened behind the scenes of North America's biggest pop wave?
Jonathan Simkin sits down with Louise Burns to unpack her journey being thrown in the deep end of the music industry as a teenager — from being signed by Madonna to navigating the intense experience of record labels pressuring teenagers to lose weight.

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.

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...

This interview went on for a while, so we're doubling up with a part 2 this time next week!

Dave Genn of 54-40, formerly of Matthew Good Band, and producer of many albums including Marianas Trench's Fix Me sits down with Jonathan Simkin to look back on decades shared in the Canadian music industry.

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...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 th...

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

The untold story of her unreleased album that almost changed everything

Why her admiration of Marianas Trench drew her to 604 Records

The surprising ambition she had early on: starting her own label

Her unique "listening party" feedback method that shaped her music

The making of Tug of War and how Jon...

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<...

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 C...

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 lo...

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...