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PODCAST

Mandatory Music

Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich

Welcome to Mandatory Music! A podcast about the craft of music.Join Mike and Sebastian as they unravel the depths of song writing, musicianship and great artists. Each season centres on one particular band, with a deep dive into specific songs that delve into their creation, sound and complexity. It is within song and harmony, melody and rhythm that our emotional heartbeat echos.It has been said that "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination,

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All Episodes

32:16

Episode 78: Megadeth’s Bold Return — New Album,...

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/31

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive headfirst into the massive news from Megadeth — their upcoming album, simply titled “Megadeth.” We break down the tracklist (for better or worse), give our first impressions of the lead single “Tipping Point,” and debate what it says about the band’s direction in 2025. But that’s not all — Megadeth just dropped a bombshell bonus track: a cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning.” Yep, Dave Mu...

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24:38

Episode 77 Rob Zombie- Punks and Demons

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/25

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎧 Episode 77 is here! This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive into Rob Zombie’s brand new track “Punks and Demons.” 👹🔥 We do a first-listen reaction, giving our raw and unfiltered thoughts on the song — no edits, no filters, just pure chaos. 😈 Oh, and there’s a hilarious audio glitch somewhere in the episode… can you spot it? 👀😂 Tune in, crank it up, and join the madness! 🎶 #MandatoryMusic #RobZombie #PunksAndDemons #MusicPodcast

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28:08

🎙️ Episode 76: First Listen – Black Label Society...

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/15

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike try something a little different — their (sort of) first reaction episode! The guys hit play on Black Label Society’s “Broken and Blind” and share their unfiltered thoughts in real time as the song unfolds. From Zakk Wylde’s signature riffs to the moments that hit hard — and the ones that didn’t — it’s an honest, off-the-cuff breakdown you don’t want to miss. Tune in for laughs, gut reactions, and...

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30:39

🎙️ Episode 75: Out of Our Comfort Zone — Taylor...

Mandatory Music ·

2025/10/07

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Michael do the unthinkable — we step way outside our hard rock comfort zone and dive headfirst into Taylor Swift’s brand-new album, Life of a Showgirl. 🤯 From guitar riffs to glitter, we break down the songwriting, production, and emotional storytelling behind one of the world’s biggest pop icons. Can two rock guys find common ground in the world of pop perfection? Tune in to find out — this is an

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33:58

MM74: Yungblud x Aerosmith

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/30

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Sebastian and Michael break down the brand-new collaboration between YUNGBLUD and Aerosmith, a track that bridges generations and genres in one explosive package. From its composition and production choices to the energy and vibe it carries, we explore how the past meets the future in this unexpected pairing. Tune in as we unpack what makes this song tick, why it works (or doesn’t), and what it could mean for the future of rock and pop collabora...

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35:23

MM73: A Retrospective. Nirvana Nevermind

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/27

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Nirvana's Impact on Grunge Music Mike and Sebastian discussed the impact of Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, released on September 24, 1991, and its role in the grunge music movement. They noted the significant influence of the album and its lead singer, Kurt Cobain, on the music landscape and youth culture of the time. They also reflected on the contrast between the superficial themes of 1980s rock music and the more authentic, relatable content of...

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23:59

MM72: Will Smith- Pretty Girls

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/18

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Sebastian and Michael dive into the perplexing world of Will Smith's recent musical endeavors. They explore the challenges of staying relevant in the entertainment industry as one ages, using Will Smith's latest song "Pretty Girls" as a focal point. The discussion touches on themes of authenticity, public perception, and the fine line between staying true to oneself and trying to appeal to a younger audience. Tune in for a candi...

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30:36

Episode 71: Gojira- The Shooting Star

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/11

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Michael and Sebastian explore themes of aging, reflections on the VMAs, the impact of modern rock icons like Youngblood, and the unique sound of Gojira. They delve into the lyrical depth of Gojira's music, sharing personal connections to the themes of loss and resilience. The discussion wraps up with rapid-fire questions, showcasing their dynamic rapport and insights into music and life. Takeaways Aging brings ...

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58:24

Album Battle: Megadeth Vs. Metallica

Mandatory Music ·

2025/09/02

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Michael and Sebastian return from their month-long break to discuss various topics, including their experiences at Burning Man and a detailed comparison of two iconic metal bands: Metallica and Megadeth. They engage in a battle of albums, analyzing songs from both bands, exploring their musical styles, and reflecting on the legacy of Dave Mustaine. The conversation highlights the technical mastery of both bands and culminates ...

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26:38

Episode 69- Yungblud and other musings

Mandatory Music ·

2025/08/01

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Michael and Sebastian discuss a variety of topics ranging from the humor in South Park to the potential of Metallica performing at the Sphere in Las Vegas. They delve into the rise of Yungblud in the music scene, exploring his unique style and the impact he has on fans. The conversation also touches on the importance of affordable music festivals and the nostalgia surrounding classic films like Spaceballs. The hosts share thei...

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25:54

Episode 68: RIP Ozzy

Mandatory Music ·

2025/07/23

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this heartfelt conversation, Michael and Sebastian reflect on the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne following his passing. They discuss his profound impact on the music world, particularly in heavy metal, and share personal anecdotes about their experiences with his music. The conversation touches on themes of life, death, and the community within the rock and metal genres, ultimately celebrating Ozzy's contributions and the memories he leav...

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23:57

Episode 67: Foo Fighters Today's Song

Mandatory Music ·

2025/07/15

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode of Mandatory Music, hosts Michael and Sebastian discuss their personal experiences, including Sebastian's sunburn from playing soccer. They then transition into a conversation about the Foo Fighters, focusing on Dave Grohl's musical talents and the band's sound. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of losing band members, particularly Taylor Hawkins, and how it influences their music. They analyze the latest single...

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73:19

Episode 666: A Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne

Mandatory Music ·

2025/07/09

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text The conversation reviews a monumental tribute concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, discussing the performances of various bands, the dynamics of the lineup, and the overall impact of the event on the heavy metal community. The hosts critique individual performances, highlight standout moments, and reflect on the significance of the concert in the context of rock history. The conversation delves into a detailed review of a significant c...

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33:21

Prison, Prairie, Poetry: Wheat Kings by The Hip

Mandatory Music ·

2025/07/05

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, the hosts celebrate Canada Day by discussing the Tragically Hip's song 'Wheat Kings,' which tells the story of David Milgaard, a man wrongfully convicted of murder. They explore the song's themes of injustice and the poetic nature of Gord Downie's lyrics, emphasizing the band's impact on Canadian culture. The conversation then shifts to the anticipation of Black Sabbath's final concert, reflecting on the significance of the ...

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37:07

To Live Is To Die – A Tribute Etched in Metal

Mandatory Music ·

2025/06/25

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text n this episode, Michael and Sebastian delve into Metallica's iconic song 'To Live Is To Die,' exploring its significance as a tribute to Cliff Burton, its emotional depth, and the intricate musical composition. They discuss the song's lyrics, the guitar techniques used, and the drumming choices that shape its sound. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Metallica's music, the contrasting styles of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, and...

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27:30

Episode 63.5 Top 5 Guitarists Part II

Mandatory Music ·

2025/06/24

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 Part 2 is here! On this episode of Mandatory Music, we reveal the final two picks in our Top 5 Guitarists of All Time. Narrowing it down wasn’t easy — and these top spots sparked some real soul-searching. If you caught Part 1, you already know our #5 through #3… now it’s time to crown the ultimate guitar heroes. 🎖️ Do our top two match yours? Or did we leave out your favorite entirely? Tune in, debate us in the comments, and let us know who

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25:36

Top 5 Guitarists Part 1

Mandatory Music ·

2025/06/11

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 This week on Mandatory Music, we’re diving back into a fan favorite — a Top 5 list! And not just any list… we're tackling our Top 5 Guitarists of All Time. As long-time guitar players ourselves, we knew this was going to be nearly impossible — there’s just too much talent to choose from. We had so much to say that we had to split the episode in two. In this first part, we count down picks #5, #4, and #3, with the top two coming later this

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35:06

Episode 62- Iron Maiden: Run for your lives tour Review

Mandatory Music ·

2025/06/04

We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text In this episode, Sebastian and Michael discuss Iron Maiden's recent 'Run For Your Lives' tour, reflecting on their personal experiences and the setlist choices. They delve into the band's legacy, the significance of their albums, and the expectations fans have for live performances. The conversation highlights the balance between deep cuts and popular songs, as well as the intricacies of Iron Maiden's music and stage presence. In this conversati...

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49:18

Range, Grit, Soul: The Voices That Rule Them All

Mandatory Music ·

2025/05/27

Summary In this episode of Mandatory Music, hosts Michael and Sebastian dive into their top five favorite vocalists across various genres, discussing the impact and unique styles of each singer. They explore the personal connections to these artists, the diversity in vocal abilities, and the cultural significance of Canadian musicians. The conversation highlights the importance of vocalists in music and how their styles resonate with listeners. In this engaging conversation, Sebastian and M...

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24:12

Modern Vibes, Grunge Feels: Slug Comparison Returns

Mandatory Music ·

2025/05/22

This week on Mandatory Music, we're spotlighting some homegrown Canadian talent. Doug Harrison—frontman and guitarist of prog band Fen—returns with his solo project Slug Comparison, and we dive into the opening track of the new album A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife. The song "Wish to Adapt" is a breath of fresh air for us: modern, emotionally rich, and laced with just enough grunge to hit us right in the feels. We break down what makes this track—and Slug Comparison's overal...

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79 results

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