Mandatory Music
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, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. - Plato
So, come for the ride.
Episodes
82 episodes
Episode 81: What If
Ever sit around with friends and start asking, “What if this happened… or what if that had gone differently?” That’s exactly what Sebastian and I dove into this week! We picked a few wild “what if” scenarios and had an absolute blast exploring ...
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Episode 81
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52:55
Episode 80 – Soundtracks That Outshine the Movie 🎬🎶
This week on Mandatory Music, we’re diving into soundtracks that are way better than the movies they came from! From the hard-hitting riffs of Maximum Overdrive and the electronic brilliance of Tron: Legacy, ...
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Episode 80
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37:42
Episode 79: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2025
🎸 This week on Mandatory Music! 🎸We’re diving into the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ahead of the big ceremony on November 8. Mike and Sebastian break down each artist’s well-deserved spot in rock history — ...
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Episode 79
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37:02
Episode 78: Megadeth’s Bold Return — New Album, “Megadeth,” and a Shocking Metallica Cover!
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 ...
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Episode 78
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32:16
Episode 77 Rob Zombie- Punks and Demons
🎧 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 thou...
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Episode 77
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24:38
🎙️ Episode 76: First Listen – Black Label Society “Broken and Blind”
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 rea...
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Episode 76
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28:08
🎙️ Episode 75: Out of Our Comfort Zone — Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl
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 g...
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Episode 75
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30:39
MM74: Yungblud x Aerosmith
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...
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Episode 74
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33:58
MM73: A Retrospective. Nirvana Nevermind
Nirvana's Impact on Grunge MusicMike 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 ...
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Episode 72
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35:23
MM72: Will Smith- Pretty Girls
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 Gi...
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Episode 72
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23:59
Episode 71: Gojira- The Shooting Star
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,...
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Episode 71
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30:36
Album Battle: Megadeth Vs. Metallica
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 ...
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Episode 70
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58:24
Episode 69- Yungblud and other musings
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, explor...
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Episode 69
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26:38
Episode 68: RIP Ozzy
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 ...
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Episode 68
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25:54
Episode 67: Foo Fighters Today's Song
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 ...
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Episode 67
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23:57
Episode 666: A Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne
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 h...
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Episode 666
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1:13:19
Prison, Prairie, Poetry: Wheat Kings by The Hip
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 injust...
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Episode 65
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33:21
To Live Is To Die – A Tribute Etched in Metal
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, t...
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Episode 64
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37:07
Episode 63.5 Top 5 Guitarists Part II
🎸 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 c...
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27:30
Top 5 Guitarists Part 1
🎸 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 ne...
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Episode 63
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25:36
Episode 62- Iron Maiden: Run for your lives tour Review
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 expect...
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Episode 62
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35:06
Range, Grit, Soul: The Voices That Rule Them All
SummaryIn 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 co...
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Episode 61
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49:18
Modern Vibes, Grunge Feels: Slug Comparison Returns
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 tra...
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Episode 60
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24:12
Episode 59 – The Beat Goes Blue: Blue Man Group x After Cooking
This week on Mandatory Music, we dive into an unexpected but seriously cool collaboration — the Blue Man Group is back with a brand-new single, “Things,” featuring the incredibly talented After Cooking. That’s right… Blue Man Group! It...
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Episode 59
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25:01