Major Label Debut

Bob Berryhill, founding member of The Surfaris and surf rock legend, joins Graham to discuss the band's 1963 album "Play". Bob shares insights into the early days of the Surfaris and their influences (6:15), the recording of their first original and iconic songs "Surfer Joe" and "Wipeout" (22:15), as well as the pressure of major label and their conflicts with the unscrupulous industry characters...

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss Napster's return to the forefront of music news. They talk about Napter's evolution (2:09), the future of virtual concerts (4:39), and if anyone actually understands the economics of the metaverse (8:43)... Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut

Rob Derhak, founding member and bassist of moe. , joins Graham to discuss the band's 1996 album "No Doy". They talk about how the tape trading community not only facilitated fan connection but expanded their reach, and how the band pushed back against their record label's attempts to alter their artistic vision. Also strawberry shortcake. Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And ever...

A new feature from Major Label Debut! Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul discuss recent revelations about the future of the iconic South By Southwest music festival, and what it tells us about the state of the biz. Also barbeque. Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut

In a Major Label Debut first, Graham conducts a double feature discussion with partners in art and in life, Colin Newman and Malka Spigel. Colin (founding member, songwriter and guitarist of Wire) talks about the band's 1977 iconic, critically acclaimed debut album "Pink Flag", and Malka (founding member and bassist of Minimal Compact) talks about their 1985 album "Raging Souls", produced by Colin...

Sammy Kohn, drummer of Canadian alt-rock legends The Watchmen, joins Graham to discuss the band's 1994 album, "In The Trees". They discuss the band's origins in the Winnipeg music scene, the impact of external pressures on the band's dynamics, as well as the importance of balancing personal happiness in the pursuit of success. Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else...

Vashti Bunyan joins Graham to share the incredibly unique journey behind her 1970 album, "Just Another Diamond Day". They talk about the songwriting and recording process and how the experience caused her to walk away from the industry completely. However, over the following thirty years her album became a cult classic, inspiring a new generation of songwriters. In turn leading Vashti to not only...

Ned Brower, former drummer for Rooney, joins Graham to talk about the band's debut self titled album, the unique situation of starting their career on a major label record, and the struggle to maintain authenticity and support creative evolution when confronted with major expectations. Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut

Today is something different. Graham is joined by Major Label Debut producers John Paul and Josh. They talk about the origin of Major Label Debut, conduct a Season 1 wrap up, and start previewing upcoming guests! Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut

Dave Pirner, songwriter and lead singer of Soul Asylum, discusses the band's 1988 album "Hang Time". Wanna watch MLD on  YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

Graham is joined by Brenda Sauter, bassist of the The Feelies, to discuss their 1988 album "Only Life". They also talk about historical New Jersey buildings and saag paneer. Wanna watch MLD on  YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

Mark Arm and Steve Turner of Mudhoney join to talk about their 1992 album "Piece of Cake" and when the major labels came for the Seattle grunge scene. Wanna watch MLD on  YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

Acclaimed author and 2x Grammy-winning music critic Bob Mehr joins Graham to discuss his book  Trouble Boys , the definitive biography of the Replacements. Wanna watch MLD on  YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

Glen Phillips, songwriter and lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket, joins Graham to discuss the band's 1991 album "fear". Glen shares his perspective on navigating the turning tides that came with commercial success, and remembering how to make music for the sheer joy of it. Also haggis. Wanna watch MLD on  YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

Rob Schnapf, producer of Elliott Smith's 1998 record "XO", joins Graham to discuss this landmark major label debut, helping Smith continue to expand his sonic palette, and burritos. Wanna watch MLD on  YouTube ? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug ? And everything else from  Major Label Debut !

Host Graham Wright (Tokyo Police Club, CBC Radio) welcomes you to the new podcast Major Label Debut. Launching October 28, 2024 with new episodes every other week! Wanna watch on  YouTube ? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut