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
Buy your ‘I Hate Simkin’ shirt here: https://604shop.com/products/i-hate-simkin-tee
In this episode of I Hate Simkin, Jonathan Simkin sits down with Tyler Connolly and Dean Back of Theory of a Deadman for a brutally honest conversation about record labels, ownership, and what it actually means to be a rock band in today’s music industry.
They break down why major label deals stopped making sense, the most exciting moments of their career, and the “old-but-new” sound they’re chasing in their next chapter. From masters and short-term deals to cancel culture, social media backlash, and the illusion of success, this episode pulls back the curtain on what longevity in modern rock really looks like.
The conversation also dives into early Vancouver days, Greenhouse Studios, Juno politics, international touring, and why simplifying the business side of the band became the key to staying sane — and independent — after 25 years.
Timestamps
00:00 – The tweet controversy and why they left 604 Records 05:25 – Why they’ll never sign to a label again 09:57 – How Nickelback changed their perspective 13:09 – Chris Baseford, production, and the direction of the new music 18:46 – The most exciting days of Theory of a Deadman 23:25 – What their kids listen to and getting in “under the wire” 32:40 – Why touring is better than ever and what’s next
This episode is available on all audio podcast platforms.
Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly, behind-the-scenes conversations with iconic rock artists, industry veterans, and the people who shaped Canadian music. Likes, comments, and feedback help the show massively — thank you for supporting.

Disclaimer
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