Mandatory Music

Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich
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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. - PlatoSo, come for the ride.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 89: Metallica Sphere Residency

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Sebastian and Mandatory Music discuss the 40th anniversary of Metallica's Master Puppets album, with Sebastian noting the album's significance and Mandatory Music agreeing it is the greatest metal album of all time. They compare it to other influential metal albums like Paranoid by Black Sabbath. Robbie Williams' Ozzy Osbourne tribute @ 2:37 Mandatory Music mentions a recent Brit Awards performance where Robbie Williams sang Ozzy Osbourne's "No More Tears", though he struggled with the high vocals. They discuss Robbie Williams' career and persona, noting his unique style and charisma. Metallica's upcoming Las Vegas residency @ 5:00 The discussion turns to Metallica's upcoming residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, with Mandatory Music sharing details on the exorbitant ticket prices, which start at over $1,100 USD for the cheapest option. They lament the high costs and lack of affordable options for fans. Reflections on the Megadeth concert @ 13:06 Sebastian and Mandatory Music share their thoughts and critiques on the recent Megadeth concert they attended. They discuss the opening acts Exodus and Anthrax, as well as Megadeth's setlist and performance, noting areas for improvement such as a more diverse song selection. Encore trends and concert etiquette @ 22:51 The two discuss their views on the encore trend at concerts, with Mandatory Music appreciating Megadeth's decision to simply end their set without an encore. They also touch on their annoyance with audience members leaving shows early to beat traffic. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    34 min

  2. FEB 18

    Episode 88: Pmad- Blood

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text I sincerely apologize with the coughing and rough voice, Mike New Music Discovery: P-Mad Artist: P-Mad (Paul Dillon), an independent artist from Ireland.Genre: Dark fusion of post-punk, darkwave, and industrial rock.Influences: Depeche Mode, The Cure, Joy Division.Sound: Haunting, chuggy pace distinct from heavier industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails.Album: One Plus One Equals One (available on Bandcamp).Track Reviewed: "Blood," an intense single with militaristic lyrics on war and survival. Megadeth & Anthrax Concert Venue: Kelowna Rockets arena (~5k capacity), chosen for its smaller, more intimate feel over larger venues.Megadeth:Setlist: Career-spanning, opening with "Tipping Point" and including "Symphony of Destruction."Context: Dave Mustaine is in his 60s; the physical demands of metal touring are becoming unsustainable.Anthrax:Setlist: 9 songs + 2 covers, all pre-John Bush material. Artist Empowerment & AI Core Idea: Modern tech significantly lowers the barrier to entry for artists, enabling global self-expression without corporate backing.AI in Music: Mike is using AI for instrumentation in personal songwriting projects.Process: Records guitar riffs → uses AI to generate full band arrangements → iterates through versions like a producer.Rationale: Acknowledged as a key technology to adapt to, similar to the internet or smartphones. Personal Updates & Travel Vancouver Fan Expo:Highlights: 25th anniversary of Lord of the Rings, panels with The Goonies cast.Personal: Photo op with Kerri Green; daughter met Broadway star Christian Borle.Purchases: Narsil sword replica and a Sauron figurine by Weta Workshop.Vancouver Food:Space Chicken: Kingsway restaurant with a bright, space-themed aesthetic.Big Mama and Papa's Pizza: Features a 4.5' x 4.5' pizza ($350, feeds 50).Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    27 min

  3. FEB 10

    From Kickoff to Curtain Call: Our Super Bowl Breakdown

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we talked all things Super Bowl! 🏈🎶 We shared our candid thoughts on the game, broke down the halftime performance, and debated where it ranks among the greatest halftime shows of all time. We also speculated on who could headline next year’s show—and of course, dove into the biggest moments from the game itself. Tune in for a fun, honest, and entertaining breakdown! Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    38 min

  4. FEB 10

    Grammys 2026

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Next up, we dive into our Grammys review! 🎶🏆 In this episode, we break down everything about the awards show—the good, the bad, and the frustrating lack of rock and metal representation on the main stage. We also question one of the night’s biggest head-scratchers: how did the Best Metal category go to a band that isn’t even metal? 🤔 Join us for an honest, passionate, and no-holds-barred discussion about the state of rock and metal in today’s music industry. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    28 min

  5. JAN 27

    Episode 85: "Megadeth" Review

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and I dive headfirst into the brand-new Megadeth album! 🤘 We take you track by track through the high points, the mid moments, and of course… that Ride the Lightning cover, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. We’re blunt, honest, and completely candid as we share our real thoughts on the album as a whole. No hype, no filters—just two longtime fans giving you their genuine reactions. As one of our favorite bands releases what could be their final record, we ask the big question: Did it live up to our expectations? From songwriting and production to legacy and impact, we cover it all in this deep-dive discussion. Whether you’re a lifelong Megadeth fan or just curious about the latest chapter in their story, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in, turn it up, and join the conversation! 🤘 Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    55 min

  6. JAN 20

    Episode 85: Black Label Society: Name In Blood

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Review Black Label Society's new single and discuss related music news. Key Takeaways "Name in Blood" is a 9/10 classic BLS track. Its monster riff, tasteful solos, and "chug-and-groove" pace make it the band's best single in a decade.A BLS show is set for March 17 at the Orpheum. The lineup includes Dario's Dark Chapel and Zakk Sabbath, with tickets at ~$72–$100.Megadeth's new album is the next review topic. The single "Puppet Parade" has a classic '90s thrash tone, but the band's 2001 acoustic album was deemed a failure. Topics Black Label Society: "Name in Blood" Review The single is a standout track, embodying the classic BLS sound.Key Elements:Riff: A "monster" chug-and-groove riff that "swims around the root note."Intro: An ACDC-style clean guitar intro, reminiscent of "Who Made Who."Chorus: A powerful, descending vocal melody with a massive instrumental resolution.Solos: Tasteful and song-serving, featuring Zakk Wylde's signature shred and tasteful double-guitar harmonies.Rating: 9/10.Rationale: A near-perfect track, but a 10/10 is reserved for masterpieces like Metallica's "Master of Puppets."Concern: The track is so strong it may overshadow the rest of the album, a pattern seen with past singles like "Set You Free." BLS Live Show & Album Details Event: Black Label Society at the Orpheum in Vancouver, BC.Date: March 17, 2026.Lineup:Dark Chapel (Dario's band)Zakk Sabbath (Zakk Wylde's Black Sabbath cover set)Black Label SocietyAlbum Release: The new album drops March 27, 2026, ten days after the show. Music News & General Discussion Metallica: 25th anniversary of Jason Newsted's departure.Rumor: A Vegas Sphere residency is planned for late 2026/early 2027.Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson Tour: An East Coast/Southern US tour was announced.Manson's Early Philosophy: His '90s interviews revealed a sharp intellect and a belief that music reflects, rather than causes, societal issues like poor parenting.Megadeth: The new self-titled album is out this Friday.Single "Puppet Parade": Features a classic '90s thrash tone."Unplugged in Boston" (2001): The acoustic album was criticized for awkwardly translating thrash songs like "Symphony of Destruction" without proper re-arrangement. Next Steps Mike & Sebastian: Decide whether to attend the March 17 BLS show.Mike & Sebastian: Review Megadeth's new album for next week's episode.Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    40 min

  7. JAN 14

    Episode 84: "AlterBridge" New Album Review

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text Alter Bridge - Alter BridgeThe band's 8th studio album is a "grower" that improves with repeated listens.Vocal Performance (Miles Kennedy):Critique: Most tracks feature a "showing off" style that lacks authenticity and makes songs sound interchangeable.Exception: "Slave to Master" is raw and emotional, with vocals perfectly serving the song's narrative.Guitar Performance (Mark Tremonti):Praise: Top-tier riff-making with unique, nuanced phrasing (slides, bends) that avoids straight-ahead clichés."Scales Are Falling":The vocal cadence in the chorus is nearly identical to Judas Priest's "Turbo Lover.""Slave to Master" (9-minute epic):Praise: A career-best song with a powerful, emotional solo compared to David Gilmour's work.Rationale: The solo is purpose-driven, not just flashy, making it the song's "emotional heartbeat."Self-Titled Album:Interpretation: A statement of confidence, declaring "this is who we are" eight albums in, rather than a debut.Other Metal Bands:Gojira: New album rumored for 2026 release.Angus McSix: New album coming with a new singer after Thomas Winkler's departure.Amon Amarth: Praised for their unique blend of power and death metal, and their impressive live show (Viking boat).Sabaton: Also praised; the drummer is partnered with singer Floor Jansen. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    46 min

  8. JAN 7

    Episode 83: Days of the New: A Footnote in time

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text This week on Mandatory Music, we dive deep into the fascinating and often tragic story of Days of the New—one of the most eccentric and misunderstood bands to emerge from the ’90s alternative scene. From their explosive debut and unique acoustic-driven sound to internal turmoil, creative brilliance, and a heartbreaking unraveling, we trace the band’s journey from promising beginnings to a bitter end. It’s a story of talent, tension, and what happens when success collides with instability. If you remember the music—or want to understand what really happened—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Mandatory Music is proudly hosted and produced by Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich Contact Mandatory Music: email us at mandatorymusicshow@gmail.com find us on Facebook search mandatory music Instagram: mandatory_music1 Twitter(X) @mandatory_music Thanks for listening and keep on rocking

    30 min
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About

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. - PlatoSo, come for the ride.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mandatory Music
  • Show Website
    Mandatory Music