Timcast IRL · February 19, 2023 · 2h 0m
Sunday Uncensored: Tommy Vext Members Only Podcast
Episode Recap
In this Sunday Uncensored episode of Timcast IRL, Tim Pool sits down with musician Tommy Vext for an extensive discussion about the modern music industry, independent artist struggles, and personal experiences in the entertainment business. The conversation opens with congratulations to Tommy Vext on achieving platinum status, leading into a candid discussion about the differences between major label success and independent releases. Tommy reveals that despite losing his major label deal, he has managed to chart three songs on Billboard through independent releases, with one reaching number four on the Billboard rock chart and number 17 in alternative. The discussion explores the challenges of getting music noticed without label support, comparing YouTube's algorithm struggles to music streaming platforms where artists must manually be added to playlists. Tommy shares stories about drummer personnel changes, including a dramatic tale about a former band member who allegedly stole his laptop and changed locks on his storage facility. The conversation also touches on metal music culture, bands like Ghost and In This Moment using masked musicians, and the musicianship required for modern progressive metal. The episode captures Tommy Vext's transition from major label success to independent artist status while discussing industry dynamics and personal experiences within the rock music world.
TL;DR
- →Tommy Vext discusses his transition from major label artist to independent musician, revealing three of his songs charted on Billboard despite being excommunicated from the industry
- →The conversation explores how independent artists struggle with YouTube and streaming algorithms, comparing music promotion challenges to YouTube content creation
- →Tommy shares a dramatic story about former drummer Levine who allegedly stole his laptop and changed locks on his storage facility after being replaced
- →The discussion covers metal music culture, Billboard charting requirements across genres, and how bands like Ghost and In This Moment use masked backing musicians
- →Pete Parada is mentioned as being scheduled to appear on the show on Friday following this episode
- →Tommy reveals he has been working on new music videos and songs, including one that received 1.9 million views before official release
Key Moments
- 0:00Opening and Platinum CongratulationsTim and the co-hosts congratulate Tommy Vext on going platinum and begin discussing his musical achievements
- 30:00Music Industry StrugglesDeep dive into the challenges independent artists face with streaming platforms, YouTube algorithms, and getting music into playlists
- 60:00Billboard Charting DiscussionTommy explains how his music charted on Billboard despite being released independently years earlier, discussing the differences between rock and alternative chart requirements
- 90:00Band Member DramaTommy shares personal stories about drummer changes, including the dramatic situation with former drummer Levine who allegedly changed locks and stole his laptop
- 120:00Metal Music CultureDiscussion about metal music, masked bands like Ghost, and the musicianship required in progressive metal genres
Notable Quotes
“You want to grab your mic, brother? Congratulations on going platinum, by the way, in real life.”
— Tim Pool · opening congratulations
“Unless you have the streaming playlists, unless they put you in rotation, after you hit your marketing, that's it. We get a certain number of plays in the videos, but it's very similar to how it works for YouTube.”
— Tommy Vext · music industry struggles
“I charted at number four on Billboard overall in rock, and I charted at 17 in alternative, which alternative, you have to have like 10 or 20 times the amount. It's higher, right?”
— Tommy Vext · Billboard charting discussion
“Levine proceeded to steal my laptop. He stole my laptop. He changed all the locks on my lockout space in LA and then was like I'm not letting you in your storage facility because he was keeping his drums in my storage.”
— Tommy Vext · band member drama
“The musicianship that bands like that require are, I mean, top tier.”
— Tim Pool · metal musicianship discussion