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Mandatory Music

Mandatory Music

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.

© 2025 Mandatory Music
Music
Episodes
  • Episode 78: Megadeth’s Bold Return — New Album, “Megadeth,” and a Shocking Metallica Cover!
    Oct 31 2025

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

    This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive headfirst into the massive news from Megadeth — their upcoming album, simply titled “Megadeth.” We break down the tracklist (for better or worse), give our first impressions of the lead single “Tipping Point,” and debate what it says about the band’s direction in 2025.

    But that’s not all — Megadeth just dropped a bombshell bonus track: a cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning.” Yep, Dave Mustaine revisits a song he helped write decades ago, putting his own spin on one of metal’s most iconic riffs. You do not want to miss this episode — it’s part nostalgia trip, part breakdown, and 100% metal!

    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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    32 mins
  • Episode 77 Rob Zombie- Punks and Demons
    Oct 25 2025

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

    🎧 Episode 77 is here!
    This week on Mandatory Music, Mike and Sebastian dive into Rob Zombie’s brand new track “Punks and Demons.” 👹🔥

    We do a first-listen reaction, giving our raw and unfiltered thoughts on the song — no edits, no filters, just pure chaos. 😈

    Oh, and there’s a hilarious audio glitch somewhere in the episode… can you spot it? 👀😂

    Tune in, crank it up, and join the madness! 🎶
    #MandatoryMusic #RobZombie #PunksAndDemons #MusicPodcast #FirstReaction #MetalHeads #PodcastLife #NewMusicFriday

    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
    25 mins
  • 🎙️ Episode 76: First Listen – Black Label Society “Broken and Blind”
    Oct 15 2025

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

    This week on Mandatory Music, Sebastian and Mike try something a little different — their (sort of) first reaction episode! The guys hit play on Black Label Society’s “Broken and Blind” and share their unfiltered thoughts in real time as the song unfolds. From Zakk Wylde’s signature riffs to the moments that hit hard — and the ones that didn’t — it’s an honest, off-the-cuff breakdown you don’t want to miss.

    Tune in for laughs, gut reactions, and a fresh take on one of metal’s modern legends. 🤘

    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
    28 mins
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