Best Major Label Debut Podcasts (2025)

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Save Ferris - "It Means Everything" with Monique Powell 1:04:52

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5d ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Joining MLD from a New England hotel lobby in the middle of tour, Monique Powell of Save Ferris talks with Graham about the band's 1997 album, It Means Everything. They discuss questionable major label expectations in the 90s, being dropped from that label, and perseverance through a spinal condition prognosis which threatened Monique's ability to …

1
MLD News - The MTV VMA MLD GWTs* 16:15

5h ago16:15

16:15

*The Music Television Video Video Music Awards Major Label Debut Graham Wright Thoughts (Graham talks VMAs and the space awards shows occupy in the industry landscape) Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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"Lovers" with Nels Cline 1:14:50

19d ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Graham is joined by composer and true guitar polymath, Nels Cline. Through his 2016 mood music album "Lovers" released on Blue Note records, they discuss creativity and explore the abstract nature of inspiration. 📻🎚️ Nels Cline “Glad To Be Unhappy” (2:53) “The Night Porter” (7:56) “Cry, Want” (9:15) “So Hard It Hurts” (10:22 ) “Secret Love” (35:55)…

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Oliver Stone's "The Doors" with Bret Berg of Museum of Home Video 1:20:52

23d ago1:20:52

1:20:52

Surprise! In this bonus episode Graham is joined by Bret Berg of Museum of Home Video to discuss Oliver Stone’s 1991 film “The Doors”. MLD is honored to collaborate with MoHV and present Bret’s edit as the inaugural entry in the long awaited MLDMMC (Major Label Debut Music Movie Club). Join us and tune in to the stream on Museum of Home Video Tuesd…

1
MLD News - Oasis Review 16:39

13d ago16:39

16:39

Graham saw Oasis aand he's gonna tell you about it! Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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"The Simpsons Sing The Blues" with Alan Siegel 1:14:34

1M ago1:14:34

1:14:34

Graham is joined by Alan Siegel, fellow Simpsons fan and author of "Stupid TV, Be More Funny", to discuss the 1990 album, "The Simpsons Sing The Blues". They talk about the album as well as the early years of the show, and why The Simpsons holds such a massive space in our hearts. Also, Ye Rustic Inn's buffalo wings. Check out Alan's book "Stupid T…

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MLD News - Border Disorder 14:06

28d ago14:06

14:06

Intrepid correspondent Graham discusses an issue from the front lines of Canadian indie band touring: the current situation of US work visas. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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Music Publicity with Brendan Bourke of The Syndicate 1:11:04

2M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

Graham is joined by veteran music industry publicity wizard, Brendan Bourke. They discuss his work with a seemingly endless list of artists including Elliott Smith, Broken Social Scene, Interpol, Clinic, and Tegan and Sara to name just a few. Word has it Brendan is probably solely responsible for Feist's "Let It Die" getting released in the US as w…

1
MLD News - Ozzy, Lucy and Hulk...y 10:15

1M ago10:15

10:15

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul pay homage to Hulk and Ozzy and discuss what Lacy Dacus is up to. Also, Graham's ranking of Coldplay albums. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

1
"Tearing Down The Orange Curtain" with Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn 1:07:02

2M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Graham is joined by Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn, authors of Tearing Down The Orange Curtain, to talk about the history and legacy of Orange County's explosive punk scene. 📻🎚️ Social Distortion “Mommy’s Little Monster” (7:06) Agent Orange “Bloodstains” (7:22) T.S.O.L. “Sounds Of Laughter” (8:02) China White “Dangerzone” (8:14) The Vandals “Wanna Be…

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A Major Label Debut Midsummer Manifesto 16:43

2M ago16:43

16:43

Graham Wright is here and he's never wrong. Welcome to Wednesdays! Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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Green Day - "Dookie" with Rob Cavallo 1:24:40

3M ago1:24:40

1:24:40

Do you have the time, To listen to me pod? Graham is joined by music production legend Rob Cavallo to discuss his role in Green Day's 1994 album, Dookie. Rob shares his perspective on production, Green Day's rise through the realms of rock stardom, and the superior way to tune your guitar. Also bagels. 📻🎚️ Green Day "When I Come Around" (2:50) The …

1
MLD Announcement - Wednesdays 4:53

2M ago4:53

4:53

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul deliver breaking news about Wednesday on Monday. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

1
Guster - "Lost And Gone Forever" with Ryan Miller (Pt. 2) 1:03:24

3M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Ryan Miller of Guster returns and talks with Graham about more insider tales of the music industry. 📻🎚️ Cameron Winter “Love Takes Miles” (23:25) Waxahatchee “Right Back To It (ft. MJ Lenderman)” (25:10) Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!…

1
Guster - "Lost And Gone Forever" with Ryan Miller (Pt. 1) 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

Graham is joined by Ryan Miller of Guster to discuss the band's 1996 album "Lost And Gone Forever". They talk about creative evolution, great producers, and maintaining genuine connection with their audience over the last 30 years. 📻🎚️ "Barrel of a Gun" (0:51) "Rainy Day" (21:18) "Satellite" (42:17) Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt o…

1
MLD News - God Only Knows What Taylor Swift Will Do Next 26:54

3M ago26:54

26:54

Intrepid correspdonents Graham and John Paul return to reflect on the legacy of Brian Wilson and what could possibly remain for Taylor Swift to accomplish. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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Independent Label Life with Lisa Fancher of Frontier Records 1:19:21

4M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

For the very first time on Major Label Debut Graham is joined by someone from a record label! Lisa Fancher of Frontier Records talks good taste, distributer disasters, and many other realities of running an independant label. Frontier Records on Bandcamp 📻🎚️ Flyboys “Picture Perfect” (1:57) Runaways “Cherry Bomb” (16:09) Circle Jerks “Live Fast Die…

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MLD News - The David Lynch Auctions 23:11

3M ago23:11

23:11

Intrepid correspondents and estate sale enthusiasts Graham and John Paul dive into the auction lots of the inimitable David Lynch. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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The Bongos - "Numbers With Wings" with Richard Barone 1:24:52

4M ago1:24:52

1:24:52

Graham is joined by Richard Barone of The Bongos to discuss the band's 1983 album, Numbers With Wings. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

1
MLD Annoucement - Music Movie Club 6:33

4M ago6:33

6:33

From the collective desk in the shared work space that is the Major Label Debut Podcast Network comes an exciting non-pope related announcement. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!By Major Label Debut

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Tokyo Police Club (and beyond!) with Greg Alsop 1:26:58

4M ago1:26:58

1:26:58

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 o…

1
MLD News - If AI Writes a Song, Does Anyone Care? 16:52

5M ago16:52

16:52

Musician and YouTuber Benn Jordan has devised a novel way to foil AIs attempting to train on his songs. Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul take sides in the dawning cyber war between musicians and their robot replacements. Wanna watch MLD on YouTube? Need an MLD t-shirt or mug? And everything else from Major Label Debut!…

1
Let’s Talk About It? Exploitation Sexuality Industry Artist Professionalism & Miki Howard 6:03

5M ago6:03

6:03

By beeloloco

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Claw Hammer - "Thank The Holder Uppers" with Bob Lee 1:07:33

5M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Graham is joined by Bob Lee, drummer of Claw Hammer and roughly 99 others bands, to discuss the 1995 album Thank The Holder Uppers. Bob shares his unique perspective about the practical aspects of being a drummer, navigating the complexities of major label dynamics, and also the value of creative collaboration and what it truly means to live the dr…

1
MLD News - Coachella Forever (or Coachella Never?) 11:39

5M ago11:39

11:39

Intrepid correspondents Graham and John Paul return to discuss the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and what it may mean about the US festival landscape. Wanna watch on YouTube? Need a t-shirt or a mug? And everything else from Major Label DebutBy Major Label Debut

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The Surfaris - "Play" with Bob Berryhill 1:21:08

5M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

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 co…

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MLD News - Return of the King (of Piracy) 13:11

6M ago13:11

13:11

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 Debu…

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moe. - "No Doy" with Rob Derhak 1:04:52

6M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

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 watc…

1
MLD News - The End Of SXSW? 13:45

6M ago13:45

13:45

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…

1
Wire - "Pink Flag" with Colin Newman and Malka Spigel 1:18:03

6M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

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 …

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The Watchmen - "In The Trees" with Sammy Kohn 1:23:01

7M ago1:23:01

1:23:01

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 YouTub…

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Vashti Bunyan - "Just Another Diamond Day" with Vashti Bunyan 58:00

7M ago58:00

58:00

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 o…

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Rooney - "Rooney" with Ned Brower 1:06:45

8M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

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…

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Season 1 Wrap-Up and Season 2 Preview 57:27

8M ago57:27

57:27

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…

1
Soul Asylum - "Hang Time" with Dave Pirner 34:49

9M ago34:49

34:49

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!By Major Label Debut

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The Feelies - "Only Life" with Brenda Sauter 39:18

9M ago39:18

39:18

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!By Major Label Debut

1
Mudhoney - "Piece of Cake" with Mark Arm and Steve Turner 37:19

10M ago37:19

37:19

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!By Major Label Debut

1
The Replacements - "Tim" with Bob Mehr 1:13:42

10M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

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!By Major Label Debut

1
Toad the Wet Sprocket - "fear" with Glen Phillips 1:01:27

11M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

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 e…

1
Elliott Smith - "XO" with Rob Schnapf 46:17

11M ago46:17

46:17

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!By Major Label Debut

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Welcome to Major Label Debut 0:42

11M ago0:42

0:42

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 DebutBy Major Label Debut