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  “U...

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 every...

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 c...

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...

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...

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 bu...

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 traffi...

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, music...

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 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 A...

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 mi...

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...

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 !

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. 📻🎚️...

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

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! 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 offer their cold takes on Taylor Swift's "The Life Of A Showgirl". Wanna watch MLD on YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from Major Label Debut !

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. 📻🎚️ Morgan Nagler “Cradle The Pain”...

Graham and John Paul talk about the cancellation of Future Ruins and the new Taylor Swift record. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube ? Need an MLD  t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

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. 📻🎚️ 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) Wa...