In this episode of I Hate Simkin, music industry legend Ralph James sits down with Jonathan Simkin to pull back the curtain on the real business behind the bands.

They dive into Ralph’s wild journey from rock musician to booking agent to industry gatekeeper — and the crucial role he played in the rise of bands like Nickelback and Marianas Trench. From Canadian touring nightmares to artist reinvention, from merit-based representation to the chaos of live shows, Ralph shares hard-earned truths about the ever-changing music industry.

Plus: industry controversies, substance abuse, gambling, and what success really looks like after decades in the game.

🎙 Whether you're a die-hard music fan or just industry-curious, this one’s packed with unfiltered insights and backstage stories.

Chapters:

02:00 Ralph’s musical past & Harlequin

04:59 Touring Canada & artist management

10:05 Marianas Trench: evolution & strategy

15:02 Nickelback’s early struggles

19:56 Controversies & misunderstandings in music

24:54 Merit, representation & fairness

31:08 Early career challenges

32:04 How the live music business changed

34:38 Reinvigorating a career

36:26 Passion for the job

37:18 Listening properly

39:13 Relationship-building in the industry

40:31 Reflections on success

42:00 Gambling & substance abuse

43:21 The future of the biz

51:17 Indie artist hustle

53:40 Creative freedom in production