I Hate Simkin
by604 Podcast Network
InterviewsMusicCommentary
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 Buy your 'I Hate...
Episodes(40 episodes)
Season 1 - Episode 19
Theory of a Deadman part 1: The Record Deal that Launched the Band & 604, Surviving Napster & More
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...
Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 45m 57s
Season 1 - Episode 18
Crash Test Dummies vs Carly Rae Jespen, MTV/SNL/Letterman changed everything & more with Jeff Rogers
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...
Published: Dec 31, 2025Duration: 1h 22m 45s
Season 1 - Episode 17
Steve Jordan on Founding Polaris, Why Genres No Longer Create Barriers, Quitting A&R & More
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...
Published: Dec 17, 2025Duration: 54m 43s
Season 1 - Episode 16
Grant Lawrence on 28 years inside the CBC, why 54-40 get snubbed by the Junos and more
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...
Published: Dec 3, 2025Duration: 1h 7m 24s
Season 1 - Episode 15
Louise Burns on Signing for Madonna, Early Stardom, & Major Label Exploitation of Teenagers
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. <p...
Published: Nov 19, 2025Duration: 1h 20m 28s
Season 1 - Episode 14
The Dave Genn Interview Part 2: The Experience of a Band Collapsing, Canada's 90s Rock Explosion & Holly McNarland's Era
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...
Published: Nov 12, 2025Duration: 49m 32s
Season 1 - Episode 13
The Dave Genn interview part 1: The Matthew Good Band implosion, Reflections on The Armchair Cynics and more
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...
Published: Nov 5, 2025Duration: 41m 1s
Season 1 - Episode 12
Todd Hancock on Being Fired from CFOX for Making too Much Money, Being on Air Every Day with his Ex-Fiancé & More on I Hate Simkin
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...
Published: Oct 22, 2025Duration: 1h 1m 33s
Season 1 - Episode 11
Dallas Smith on Why he Took the Solo Country Gamble, The Manager that Nearly Bankrupted Him & More on I Hate Simkin
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...
Published: Oct 8, 2025Duration: 54m 15s
Season 1 - Episode 10
Gaye Delorme's Untold Story of Novelty Music & Cheech & Chong Collabs, And Behind The Scenes Of Nickelback's Biggest Album: All The Right Reasons
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...
Published: Sep 24, 2025Duration: 31m 52s
Season 1 - Episode 9
I Hate Simkin Plaque Series Vol. 2 | Behind The Rise & Fall of Holly McNarland And How LEN Went from Underground Toronto Band to Global One-Hit Wonder
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...
Published: Sep 10, 2025Duration: 32m 8s
Season 1 - Episode 8
I Hate Simkin Plaque Series Vol. 1 | Carly Rae Jepsen's Secret Album & The Gamble That Made Matthew Good
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...
Published: Aug 27, 2025Duration: 34m 20s
Season 1 - Episode 7
Uncovering The Darkest Side Of The Canadian Music Industry | Karen Bliss on I Hate Simkin #7
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<...
Published: Aug 8, 2025Duration: 45m 52s
Season 1 - Episode 6
The Wild Story Behind Len, Lawsuits & The Fall of Song Corp | I Hate Simkin X Mark DiPietro #6
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...
Published: Jul 25, 2025Duration: 1h 12m 2s
Season 1 - Episode 5
Canadian Music Legend on Nickelback, Marianas Trench & the Real Music Biz | I Hate Simkin X Ralph James #5
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...
Published: Jul 11, 2025Duration: 56m 8s
Season 1 - Episode 3
How the Music Industry Changed: Publishing, Sync, and Artist Freedom | Jodie Ferneyhough x I Hate Simkin #3
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...
Published: Jun 27, 2025Duration: 1h 19m 57s
Season 1 - Episode 3
From Guns N' Roses to Holly McNarland: The Real Story of Canada's Music Industry | I Hate Simkin #3 w/ Brian Hetherman
Brian Hetherman joins Jonathan Simkin for an unfiltered dive into the chaos, quirks, and culture of the Canadian music industry through the '90s and early 2000s. This is unfiltered, behind-the-scenes storytelling from two people who've seen it all. 🎧 Subscribe & follow I Hate Simkin wherever you get your podcasts. 📌 New episodes every second Friday. Chapters 03:10 The Much Music Video Awards and Industry Politics 06:05 A&R Experiences and Band Signings 08:51 The Evolution of Age of Electric and Static in Stereo 15:00 Early Career Experiences in the Music...
Published: Jun 13, 2025Duration: 1h 8m 40s
Season 1 - Episode 2
One-Hit Wonders, Creative Control & the Chaos of Artist Development | I Hate Simkin X Michael McCarty #2
🎙 EPISODE 2 — I HATE SIMKIN ft. MICHAEL MCCARTY Michael McCarty (former SOCAN exec and publishing legend) joins Jonathan Simkin to talk about the realities of working with artists — from spotting talent early to surviving the music industry long term. They dive into: The rise of Steal My Sunshine and Call Me Maybe Creative control in music videos vs. major label expectations What artist development actually means behind the scenes Why songwriting still trumps hype One-hit wonders and what defines "lasting" success The Wild West era of...
Published: May 30, 2025Duration: 1h 16m 14s
Season 1 - Episode 1
Why Nickelback Got Hate for Being Too Popular | Mike Kroeger x I Hate Simkin #1
🎙 EPISODE 1 — I HATE SIMKIN ft. MIKE KROEGER (Nickelback) Nickelback's Mike Kroeger joins longtime friend and 604 Records co-founder Jonathan Simkin to kick off the first episode of I Hate Simkin. They dive into the real story behind the iconic "I Hate Simkin" T-shirt Why fans seem to punish success and love their artists tormented Three Doors Down vs. Nickelback: The rise, the resentment, and the industry's double standard Label politics, Twitter pile-ons, and the truth about staying normal in a chaotic business 🎧 Subscribe & follow I Hate Simkin wherever you get your podcasts. 📌 New episodes every second...
Published: May 16, 2025Duration: 47m 48s
I Hate Simkin: The Stories They Don't Tell in Music Docs
🎙 Welcome to I Hate Simkin — the unfiltered podcast hosted by 604 Records co-founder Jonathan Simkin. You've heard the music. Now hear the chaos behind it. Every episode, Simkin sits down with the artists, agents, and music lifers who've helped shape 604 Records — and survived him in the process. No PR polish. No soft edits. Just the real stories about fame, failure, label politics, and the stuff that never makes the press releases. 📌 New episodes drop every second Friday. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more. #IHateSimkin #604Records #MusicPodcast #JonathanSimkin #PodcastTrailer #MusicIndustryU
Published: May 14, 2025Duration: 56s