Complicated Writing, Concept Albums & Connections Online with Fans | Freeze The Fall & Charlie Kerr
Charlie Kerr of Hotel Mira sits down with Freeze The Fall to talk about the journey from local Kelowna music scenes to creating technically complex, emotionally powerful music. They break down songwriting processes, unexpected influences, and how technicality and creativity collide in the studio. The conversation dives into: How Freeze The Fall members met and started making music together. The balance between melody, technical complexity, and collaborative songwriting. Inspiration from unexpected sources like folklore, ethereal vibes, and contrasting musical styles. Building a fanbase through live shows and the YouTube reactor community. Upcoming concept albums, interactive storytelling, and the joys of creating immersive music experiences. This episode is full of insight on collaboration, originality, and connecting with an audience.
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31:41
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31:41
The Armchair Cynics Return: Lost Demos, Upscaled Videos & Victoria’s 2000s Scene
The Armchair Cynics sit down with Jonathan to revisit a wild chapter of Canadian alt-rock: the Killing the Romance era, the story behind “Coal Mine,” why “Starting Today” still hits, and the hard drive discovery that unearthed unreleased demos. They break down recording with Dave Genn, sessions with Chad Kroeger & Joey Moi at Mountain View, mixes by Mike Fraser, and why the band passed on a Theory of a Deadman tour. They also dive into AI video upscaling (restoring “A Blaze,” “Coal Mine,” and “Bang” from old MuchMusic sources), Victoria, BC music scene of the 2000s, and reuniting at 604’s studio on the legendary Little Mountain Sound console. Plus: life after the band—production, coral farming (Beyond the Reef), and an AC/DC cover band—then back together to record again. 🎧 Listen to Verses on all audio platforms. 📺 Watch the newly upscaled videos soon and follow for 604 Decades releases. Timestamps: 0:12 - Intro 1:38 - How it went for the Armchair Cynics 4:28 - How 604 discovered the band (the Victoria connection) 10:35 - AI upscaling + MuchMusic archives: restoring “A Blaze,” “Coal Mine,” “Bang” 20:28 - The timing in their lives for committing to music 23:35 - Working with Dave Genn, Chad Kroeger & Joey Moi (Mountain View) Mixes by Mike Fraser; studio gear & Little Mountain console 27:28 - Saying no to a Theory of a Deadman tour—what changed 28:47 - Why the island is a weird place 30:22 - Life after the band 36:54 - Reuniting at 604, vinyl ideas & the 604 Decades plan
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40:15
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40:15
Sorting It Out: Andrew Hyatt & Jonathan Simkin Reunite On Verses
After six months without speaking due to a personal and professional dispute, Jonathan Simkin (604 Records founder, music lawyer, and manager) and Andrew Hyatt (award-winning Canadian country artist) reunite for the first time — on Verses. This is more than a standard music industry podcast episode. It’s a raw, unfiltered, and often funny conversation between two major voices in the Canadian music scene with a complicated history. They open up about what caused their falling out, how they’ve changed, and where their relationship — and the industry — is headed. Along the way, Jonathan and Andrew share behind-the-scenes music business stories, lessons learned from decades in the industry, and personal insights into songwriting, divorce, politics, and the realities of navigating both friendship and career in music. If you’re into Canadian music industry stories, artist-manager dynamics, music business conflicts, and authentic artist interviews, this reunion episode delivers it all. 🎧 Available now on YouTube & wherever you get your podcasts. Timestamps: 0:12 – Introduction to the episode & the dispute 14:58 – Jonathan's career as a lawyer & how it shapes conflict resolution today 22:32 – The tweet that landed Jonathan in hot water 25:50 – Andrew on writing music about divorce & fan reactions 44:02 – Political inspiration behind Andrew's new music 57:57 – Jonathan's backstage joke that rattles musicians 59:52 – Why music award shows aren’t as great as they seem #VersesPodcast #JonathanSimkin #AndrewHyatt #MusicIndustryStories #CanadianMusic #BehindTheScenesMusic #ArtistInterview #MusicBusiness #MusicReunion #604Records #CountryMusic #ArtistManagerRelationship #MusicIndustryPodcast #CanadianCountryMusic
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1:07:56
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1:07:56
The Vidos & Dave Benedict on Toilet Emergencies, Songwriting, and Rock’s Evolution
Jonathan Simkin sits down with Dave Benedict (Default) and Brett & Nolan from The Vidos to talk new music, their upcoming tour, and the lessons learned from years in the music industry. From high school band days to navigating record labels, the conversation covers authenticity in songwriting, the urgency of career goals, and the bonds that keep musicians going. Plus—stories about hockey, unexpected inspirations, and why long-lasting industry friendships are rare treasures. #TheVidos #DaveBenedict #VersesPodcast #DefaultBand #CanadianMusic #RockMusic #MusicPodcast #TourLife #Songwriting #BehindTheScenesMusic
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1:03:33
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1:03:33
Punjabi Music, Artist Management & Industry Insights | Jonathan Simkin x Nikhil Dwivedi on Verses
Jonathan Simkin (604 Records) sits down with Nikhil Dwivedi from EYP Creations to discuss the rise of Punjabi music on the global stage, the art of artist management, digital music trends, and how EYP is supporting emerging talent through projects like Your Debut Canada. Learn why perfecting your craft matters more than networking—and why the future of Canadian music looks so bright. The pair discuss: The incredible global rise of Punjabi music 🌍 The challenges and strategies behind artist management & branding How digital platforms, streaming, and satellite radio are reshaping the industry Supporting emerging artists through initiatives like Your Debut Canada Why artists should focus on perfecting their craft over chasing connections Work-life balance while building a music business with family The future of music in Canada and beyond 🇨🇦 The full episode is also available on YouTube.
“604 Records Presents: Verses” is the podcast that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what it really takes to make it in the music industry. Born out of the relentless energy of 604 Records—Canada’s largest independent label that’s been breaking boundaries since 2002—this series goes beyond the surface to explore the unvarnished truths of the music world. Each episode is a raw, unfiltered conversation with the artists who’ve fought their way to the top, supported by a label that knows what it means to hustle.
With 604 Records’ legacy of nurturing groundbreaking talent and challenging the status quo, “Verses” pulls back the curtain on the grind of building a fan base, the daring evolution of sound, and the intense pressure of releasing new music. This is where the stories get real, the insights get deep, and the lessons are hard-earned. If you’re ready to hear from the artists who don’t just follow trends—they set them—subscribe now. “604 Records Presents: Verses” is where the indie spirit lives loud, and the music industry’s toughest truths are revealed.
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