# Theory of a Deadman pt.2: The Nickelback Relationship & The New Sound in Upcoming Music

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/i-hate-simkin-7337655/theory-of-a-deadman-pt-2-the-nickelback-relationship-the-new-sound-in-upcoming-music
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/i-hate-simkin-7337655/theory-of-a-deadman-pt-2-the-nickelback-relationship-the-new-sound-in-upcoming-music.md
Podcast: [I Hate Simkin](https://stenobird.com/podcast/i-hate-simkin-7337655)
Published: 2026-01-21T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://3b54cd92-d36d-4435-aa90-79f3f823bb32.libsyn.com/theory-of-a-deadman-pt2-the-nickelback-relationship-the-new-sound-in-upcoming-music
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/3b54cd92-d36d-4435-aa90-79f3f823bb32/Theory_MP3_part_2.mp3?dest-id=4100463
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/i-hate-simkin-7337655/episodes/theory-of-a-deadman-pt-2-the-nickelback-relationship-the-new-sound-in-upcoming-music
Duration seconds: 2319

## Resource

In this episode of I Hate Simkin , Jonathan Simkin sits down with Tyler Connolly and Dean Back of Theory of a Deadman for a brutally honest conversation about record labels, ownership, and what it actually means to be a rock band in today's music industry . They break down why major label deals stopped making sense , the most exciting moments of their career, and the "old-but-new" sound they're chasing in their next chapter. From masters and short-term deals to cancel culture, social media backlash, and the illusion of success , this episode pulls back the curtain on what longevity in modern rock really looks like. The conversation also dives into early Vancouver days , Greenhouse Studios , Juno politics , international touring, and why simplifying the business side of the band became the key to staying sane — and independent — after 25 years . Timestamps 00:00 – The tweet controversy and why they left 604 Records 05:25 – Why they'll never sign to a label again 09:57 – How Nickelback changed their perspective 13:09 – Chris Baseford, production, and the direction of the new music 18:46 – The most exciting days of Theory of a Deadman 23:25 – What their kids listen to and getting in "under the wire" 32:40 – Why touring is better than ever and what's next This episode is available on all audio podcast platforms . Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly, behind-the-scenes conversations with iconic rock artists , industry veterans, and the people who shaped Canadian music. Likes, comments, and feedback help the show massively — thank you for supporting.

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## Transcript

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