I Hate Simkin
Podcast Description
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
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the music industry, exploring topics such as fame, label politics, and lesser-known anecdotes. Example episodes include discussions on why Nickelback faced backlash for their success and the dynamics between Three Doors Down and Nickelback, showcasing the unique pressures in the industry and the chaos behind the scenes.

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
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Steve Bays, singer of Hot Hot Heat, joins I Hate Simkin for an in-depth conversation about the realities of success in the music industry.
From recording DIY demos and signing with Sub Pop and Warner Bros to touring internationally and landing major radio hits, Steve reflects on how fame reshaped his life and career.
They explore why most bands don’t last, how AI is changing music creation, the pressures of major labels, and what it takes to build a sustainable creative life after commercial success.
Steve also discusses Mounties, Left Field Messiah, producing, fatherhood, and why longevity matters more than viral moments.
This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and in video on YouTube. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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