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Mandatory Music

Mandatory Music

Written 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
  • RRHOF 2026
    Apr 18 2026

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    This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike dive headfirst into the latest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. It’s a lively, no-holds-barred discussion as they break down every name on the list—celebrating the legends who were long overdue while also questioning a few picks that didn’t quite hit the mark. Who made the cut? Who sparked debate? And which inductee had one of them shaking their head? Tune in and find out.

    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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    49 mins
  • Outliers & Overlords: COC Strikes Back
    Apr 10 2026

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    This week on Mandatory Music, we stepped outside our comfort zone and discovered some new sounds that caught us completely off guard. Sebastian brought in Wet Leg and shared why their quirky, offbeat style has been hitting all the right notes lately. He also introduced the wildly unconventional Angine de Poitrine—a strange but oddly captivating listen that sparked some great conversation.

    For the main event, we dove headfirst into the long-awaited return of Corrosion of Conformity. After 8 years, lineup changes, and real-life adversity, they’ve come roaring back with a massive double album that demands attention. We break it all down—the sound, the evolution, and whether it lives up to the legacy.

    Tune in, turn it up, and discover something new.

    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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    37 mins
  • Ep93:Black Label Society New Album Review
    Mar 31 2026

    We would love to hear from you!! Send us a text

    This week we get down and dirty and review the new Black Label Society album Engines of Domination. We dig into everything the album has to offer and more!! We also talk a little GnR and their most recent set list.


    Review Black Label Society's new album and discuss recent music news.


    Key Takeaways

    • BLS Album Review: Black Label Society's new album, Engines of Demolition, is a raw, mid-tempo record with a "greasy" production style, a stark contrast to the polished sound of its predecessor.
    • Divergent Ratings: The album received a 4/5 rating for its raw energy and mid-tempo groove, but a 3.5/5 for its lack of dynamic song structure and vocal variation.
    • Guns N' Roses Tour: GNR's new tour features a 26-song setlist, including deep cuts and covers, with The Black Crowes opening.
    • Next Week's Album: The next review will be Corrosion of Conformity's new double album, Good God, Bad Man, their first release since 2018.



    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
    37 mins
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