604 Records Presents: Verses

Sam Tonning chats with Vancouver's rising band Chopping Spree at the Railtown Rooftop Party (featuring the Summerlight Stage) to talk about their journey from high school bands and university jazz ensembles to sold-out shows, crowd surfers, and one of the most unique sounds in Canadian music. Junny Chen and Eddie Naranjo (Burrito) discuss the origins of Chopping Spree, their album Anemoia, the Van...

What was it like building a band in Western Canada before streaming, before social media, and before anyone outside your city knew your name? In this episode of Verses, Jonathan Simkin sits down with 64 Funnycars, one of Victoria's underground power-pop bands from the late 80s, to talk about the realities of building a music career in Canada during a completely different era. They share stories ab...

Jonathan Simkin sits down with Dave Faber of Faber Drive to talk through the making of Seven Second Surgery , late-night studio tales, vocal surgery and recovery, why some records break in Canada but not the US, and 604 Records' plan to reissue and upscale videos for the band's 19th anniversary. Dave also walks us through his son's meteoric rise (Powfu / "Coffee For Your Head"), the legal/clearanc...

Kelsey Hamilton sits down with Kevvy Maher who directed her debut comedy special to talk through it as well as a whole bunch of other nonsense. We learn why a lime scooter, then a blooper reel was the only thing that mattered for the special, her mother's obsession with Nate Go Wild the mysterious animal videographer, and why she has the best teeth in the game. Likes/comments/shares help us out bi...

The Jins join Dave Genn on Verses for a chaotic conversation covering their new record, early DIY shows, and their upcoming European tour. From cassette-era gigs in questionable venues to planning a full overseas run, the band commits to 25 minutes of pure sillyness as Dave regrets his choice of a Monday night. The episode is out now in video form on YouTube. Subscribe to Verses for regular artist...

Sister bands Fionn and Vox Rea join the podcast to talk about growing up in the Vancouver music scene, busking at Granville Island as teenagers, and how the some of the weird experiences there shaped their careers. Topics include: Busking at Granville Island Pressure around age in the music industry The value of long-term artistic pursuits Why the Vancouver music scene is slowly becoming cool How...

In this episode of Verses, Jonathan Simkin sits down with Robyn Ottolini for a candid conversation about going viral with "F-150," signing a major deal, walking away from the industry machine, and rebuilding her career on her own terms. Robyn shares her journey from growing up in Uxbridge, Ontario to landing a bidding war, signing with Warner Music Nashville, and learning the realities of major-la...

In this special episode of Verses , Jonathan Simkin sits down with Payton Adler — frontman of Floorplan — to discuss their debut self-titled EP, creative struggles, and building a loyal fanbase. Payton opens up about writing from personal lows, performing with emotional intensity, and what it means to release music through 604 Records. This episode connects to the upcoming film Sweetness , with ac...

Fake Shark frontman Kevvy Maher joins Jonathan Simkin to talk about making ambitious albums, working with Kool Keith, writing on tour, and building a long-term career outside the major label system. The pair also devise a genius strategy to make 0.00006% of a penny by streaming their own songs and lots of other smart people talk. The full episode is available in video form on Youtube. Likes/commen...

Nick and Ally from Sleepy Gonzales join their project manager Joseph for a candid conversation about their new music, creative process, and wildest band stories. They open up about getting in trouble for their "murdery" music videos, Nick's passion for low-level pro wrestling, and how touring shaped their perspective on collaboration and authenticity. From songwriting dynamics to the evolution of...

Kenn and Dave dive deep with Jonathan Simkin into the evolving music industry, exploring the challenges of staying relevant in a fast-changing digital world. They look ahead to the new content coming from Armchair Cynics, insights into the effort to launch the band in the 2000s, and why there is a growing and niche fanbase building for them and other classic rock bands.  Hear candid & funny storie...

Canadian pop duo Fionn (Alanna & Brianne) join  Kevvy Maher (Fake Shark, 604 Records) on Verses to reveal the stories behind their viral single "Blow" and fan favorite "Banshee." They break down their unique 15-minute songwriting rule, share behind-the-scenes moments from recording Everyone's a Critic, and talk about the thrill of hearing their music on Vancouver radio . The trio also dish on prep...

Chase The Bear & Danny Craig of Rock Is Dead sit down with Jonathan Simkin to chat through the band's origin story, adapting to the way music is consumed now, and where Rock music is going now. The band also talk influences from Chad Kroeger to Beethoven & Paganini, and exchange stories with Jonathan and Danny about some of the biggest songs and artists in history. The full ep is also available wh...

Jonathan Simkin of 604 Records sits down with country artist Mitch Zorn to talk about the booming Kelowna music scene, the excitement of signing to a label, and how radio, streaming & viral moments impact artists today. Mitch shares thoughts on his new EP, staying authentic in the digital age, and why AI should enhance—not replace—creativity In this episode they explore: Kelowna's vibrant music sc...

Charlie Kerr of Hotel Mira sits down with Freeze The Fall to talk about the journey from local Kelowna music scenes to creating technically complex, emotionally powerful music. They break down songwriting processes, unexpected influences, and how technicality and creativity collide in the studio. The conversation dives into: How Freeze The Fall members met and started making music together.  The b...

The Armchair Cynics sit down with Jonathan to revisit a wild chapter of Canadian alt-rock: the Killing the Romance era, the story behind "Coal Mine," why "Starting Today" still hits, and the hard drive discovery that unearthed unreleased demos. They break down recording with Dave Genn, sessions with Chad Kroeger & Joey Moi at Mountain View, mixes by Mike Fraser, and why the band passed on a Theory...

After six months without speaking due to a personal and professional dispute, Jonathan Simkin (604 Records founder, music lawyer, and manager) and Andrew Hyatt (award-winning Canadian country artist) reunite for the first time — on Verses . This is more than a standard music industry podcast episode. It's a raw, unfiltered, and often funny conversation between two major voices in the Canadian musi...

Jonathan Simkin sits down with Dave Benedict (Default) and Brett & Nolan from The Vidos to talk new music, their upcoming tour, and the lessons learned from years in the music industry. From high school band days to navigating record labels, the conversation covers authenticity in songwriting, the urgency of career goals, and the bonds that keep musicians going. Plus—stories about hockey, unexpect...

Jonathan Simkin (604 Records) sits down with Nikhil Dwivedi from EYP Creations to discuss the rise of Punjabi music on the global stage, the art of artist management, digital music trends, and how EYP is supporting emerging talent through projects like Your Debut Canada . Learn why perfecting your craft matters more than networking—and why the future of Canadian music looks so bright.  The pair di...

Chevy Beaulieu joins 604 Records President Jonathan Simkin on Verses to discuss his journey as a Métis and First Nations country artist. From his musical roots to his challenges balancing a day job and a rising music career, Chevy's path is one of resilience. Learn about his songwriting process, the importance of mental health, and his aspirations for the future. Don't miss this deep dive into the...

In this episode of 604 Records Presents: Verses, President of 604 Records Jonathan Simkin chats with song writer/producer Alan D Boyd , the creative force behind cult shoegaze band Movieland. The pair reminisce on Music now vs then, how Vancouver, London and other big cities have changed over time, and the launch of 604 Decades! Whether you're an aspiring musician or a fan of Alan, Jonathan, or 60...

Join guest host Wendy Boomer as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Mitch Zorn as he takes us through his journey into country music. From his first gig performing alongside his dad to crafting authentic lyrics that resonate, Mitch shares how his musical upbringing and solo songwriting process shape his artistry. Hear about his transformative experiences in Nashville, the unique inspiratio...

From early opera performances to a dynamic music career, Toddy shares their unique artistic evolution in this episode. They reflect on transitioning from opera to studio albums, navigating imposter syndrome, and blending their drag persona into their work. The conversation covers the impact of stand-up comedy on songwriting, learning to embrace failure, and the freedom of creative expression.  Tun...

In this episode of Verses, Alanna and Brianne of Fionn open up about their first headlining tour across Canada, sharing stories from the road, from driving in unpredictable weather to fueling up on Tim Hortons. The sisters dive into the joys of connecting with new fans, unexpected support at their shows, and what it's like performing live on Breakfast Television after only a few hours of sleep. Th...

Join Matt Webb and Kevvy in this hilarious episode of Verses as they reminisce about their attempts to launch a quirky brand, Mevvy, and the pillowcase prototype that didn't quite take off! They dive into their musical journeys, including Kevvy's upcoming album and tour, and laugh about awkward moments at live shows. From a night of unexpected chaos involving an ambulance to the struggles of watch...