# Theory of a Deadman part 1: The Record Deal that Launched the Band & 604, Surviving Napster & More

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/i-hate-simkin-7337655/theory-of-a-deadman-part-1-the-record-deal-that-launched-the-band-604-surviving-napster-more
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/i-hate-simkin-7337655/theory-of-a-deadman-part-1-the-record-deal-that-launched-the-band-604-surviving-napster-more.md
Podcast: [I Hate Simkin](https://stenobird.com/podcast/i-hate-simkin-7337655)
Published: 2026-01-14T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://3b54cd92-d36d-4435-aa90-79f3f823bb32.libsyn.com/theory-of-a-deadman-pt1-the-record-deal-that-launched-the-band-604-surviving-napster-more
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/3b54cd92-d36d-4435-aa90-79f3f823bb32/Theory_part_1_mp3_fixed.mp3?dest-id=4100463
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/i-hate-simkin-7337655/episodes/theory-of-a-deadman-part-1-the-record-deal-that-launched-the-band-604-surviving-napster-more
Duration seconds: 2757

## Resource

In this episode of I Hate Simkin , Jonathan Simkin sits down with Tyler Connolly and Dean Back of Theory of a Deadman to tell the full, unfiltered origin story of the band — from basement showcases and water delivery jobs to label bidding wars, major record deals, and multi-platinum hits . They break down the exact moments that changed everything: how Default and Nickelback unexpectedly shaped Theory's early trajectory , the chaos of early music videos, recording Gasoline with Howard Benson , navigating label politics , surviving the Napster era , and the creative risks that helped Theory of a Deadman outlast an entire generation of rock bands . This is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about longevity, mistakes, and why playing the long game in the music industry actually works. They talk through (in order): – "I was actually nervous about this one" – How the band got signed and launched 604 as a record label – All or Nothing nostalgia – How RX & Napster changed everything for Theory – Being drawn into the Nickelback push back – Gasoline & the big change in Theory's tunes & lyrics – The complicated relationship with drummers & managing money early on – Why the long game works in music Part 2 drops January 21. This episode is also available on all audio podcast platforms and YouTube in video . Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories , behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

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