heartdea13r w/ chr1stoph3r g0nda Jonathan Simkin: “I’m Trying to Be Honest in a Dishonest Business”
29 snips
Jul 14, 2025 Jonathan Simkin, founder of 604 Records, has transitioned from a criminal defense lawyer to a music executive. He shares his journey, revealing the stark realities of the music industry, including why authenticity and obsessive focus are keys to success. Jonathan discusses the surprising hit 'Call Me Maybe,' his long-term partnership with Nickelback, and how he manages time amidst a chaotic schedule. He also emphasizes the importance of communication, providing advice on when artists should seek managers versus agents.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Always Reply—Even A Short Response
- Respond to people even if briefly and manage expectations rather than ignoring them.
- Jonathan replies to ~400 emails daily and uses quick responses to show respect and maintain relationships.
Honesty As Competitive Advantage
- Honesty differentiates you in a business full of performative people and politics.
- Jonathan believes being honest builds long-term trust even if it doesn't always make you right.
The Hair Question That Proved Trust
- Chad Kroeger's girlfriend asked Jonathan about Chad's hair because Chad believed Jonathan would be honest.
- Jonathan says that honesty kept him working with Nickelback for over three decades.
