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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 [email protected]
find us on Facebook search mandatory music
Instagram: mandatory_music1
Twitter(X) @mandatory_music

Thanks for listening and keep on rocking