Major Label Debut

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.📻🎚️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)<b...

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.Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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📻🎚️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”.📻🎚️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)Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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. 📻🎚️Foxtrot “Kid Gloves” (2:14)“The Start of Something” (13:30)Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mu...

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.Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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

Intrepid correspdondents Graham and John Paul discuss the Super Bowl's pregame and halftime shows.Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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.📻🎚️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)Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label De

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.Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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. 📻🎚️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!Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt...

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul celebrate the life and legacy of Bob Weir and offer a guided introduction to the Grateful Dead.📻🎚️Grateful Dead “St. Steven” (5:30)“Truckin’” (8:07)Bob Weir “Cassidy” (10:22)Grateful Dead “Althea” (13:22)“Touch Of Grey” (15:10)Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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!Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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.Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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 HolidaysDan Mangan's New Album Natural LightWe Are Scientists / Keith Murray's 20th Anniversary of With Love And SqualorChris Stamey's New Album Anything is PossibleMorgan 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 DustSave 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.📻🎚️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. Watch MLD on YouTube!Get an MLD t-shirt or mug!And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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)Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!

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.Wanna watch MLD on YouTube?Need an MLD t-shirt or mug?And everything else from Major Label Debut!