Mandatory Music

Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich
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  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
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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. 4D AGO

    Episode 82: top albums of the Year

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text We are back with our top albums of 2025, you might have heard of a few of our choices and both of Mike's were on the more obscure side. Dig in for a real fun episode 2025 Music Review   Arch Enemy - Blood Dynasty (Sebastian's Pick) Melodic death metal album praised for its classic 90s metal feel.Key Track: "Paper Tiger" → Recalls Metallica's "Spit Out the Bone."Vocals: Alyssa White-Gluz's growls are clear and intelligible, a key factor for Sebastian.Context: White-Gluz departed the band shortly after the album's release, immediately launching a solo single.Nite - Cult of the Serpent's Son (Mike's Pick)Authentic 80s-style metal with influences from Metallica, Tool, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath.Vocals: "Death metal light" growls are clear enough to understand, which was a key requirement for Mandatory Music.Key Tracks: "Crow" (most-played song of the year) and "The Mystic."Yungblud - Yungblud EP (Sebastian's Pick)Six-song EP with Aerosmith, featuring a cover of "Back in the Saddle."Impact: Youngblood's youthful energy revitalized Steven Tyler's performance, making the collaboration a standout.Suggestion: Youngblood needs a dedicated, world-class guitarist (e.g., a modern-day Slash) to form a classic frontman-guitarist duo.Wucan - Axioms (Mike's Pick)German band playing 70s-style psychedelic hard rock.Instrumentation: Features keyboards, theremin, and prominent flute (noted as distinct from Jethro Tull).Vibe: Described as a modern album that could have been released in the 70s.Miss Monique (Sebastian's Pick)Ukrainian DJ playing melodic house/trance.Format: Releases long (1–2 hour) progressive sets on YouTube, often filmed in remote locations.Style: Subtle, wave-like progression creates a mellow, non-lyrical journey.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

    49 min

  2. 11/22/2025

    Episode 81: What If

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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 how things might have turned out. Tune in to hear the twists, turns, laughs, and unexpected answers—we had way too much fun with this one! 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

    53 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    Episode 80 – Soundtracks That Outshine the Movie 🎬🎶

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 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, to Ares, Last Action Hero, Blue Hawaii, and plenty more — we’re breaking down the albums that made mediocre movies unforgettable. Tune in for a fun, nostalgic, and music-filled discussion that proves sometimes the soundtrack steals the show! 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. 11/08/2025

    Episode 79: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees 2025

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text 🎸 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 — from the long-overdue legends to the surprise early entries. Who got in right on time, and who maybe could’ve waited? Tune in, turn it up, and join the debate! 🤘 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

    37 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Episode 78: Megadeth’s Bold Return — New Album, “Megadeth,” and a Shocking Metallica Cover!

    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 Mustaine revisits a song he helped write decades ago, putting his own spin on one of metal’s most iconic riffs. You do not want to miss this episode — it’s part nostalgia trip, part breakdown, and 100% metal! 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

    32 min

  6. 10/25/2025

    Episode 77 Rob Zombie- Punks and Demons

    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 #FirstReaction #MetalHeads #PodcastLife #NewMusicFriday 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

    25 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    🎙️ Episode 76: First Listen – Black Label Society “Broken and Blind”

    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 a fresh take on one of metal’s modern legends. 🤘 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

  8. 10/07/2025

    🎙️ Episode 75: Out of Our Comfort Zone — Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl

    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 episode you don’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

    31 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mandatory Music
  • Show Website
    Mandatory Music