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Mandatory Music

Mandatory Music

By: Michael Heide and Sebastian Kwapich
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 Mandatory Music
Music
Episodes
  • Episode 89: Metallica Sphere Residency
    Mar 4 2026

    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

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    34 mins
  • Episode 88: Pmad- Blood
    Feb 18 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Grammys 2026
    Feb 10 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

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
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