About this interview
In a 2009 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Rody Walker of Protest the Hero shares his brutally honest thoughts on the music industry, MySpace-era bands, and why he prefers to stay detached from the business side of things. He reflects on the band’s early years, starting out at 14 as a joke, and how their DIY touring roots shaped their perspective on success. While he appreciates what Protest the Hero has built, he remains disillusioned with the industry, seeing most of it as a cash grab filled with manufactured bands.
Walker doesn’t hold back in criticizing the MySpace generation, calling out the oversaturation of talentless bands who gain instant success through social media instead of grinding their way up. He singles out The Devil Wears Prada, accusing them of lacking musicianship and benefiting from the MySpace hype machine. He expresses frustration at bands that skip the struggle and wake up on tour buses, playing sold-out shows without ever experiencing the grind of small-van tours and empty venues.
On the state of the industry, Walker describes record labels as exploitative, seeing digital downloading as a justified “F* you” to major labels** that have been ripping off artists for years. While he acknowledges the financial challenges of streaming and piracy, he views record labels as the real villains and has little sympathy for their downfall.
Despite his cynicism, Walker still finds meaning in the band’s journey, especially when fans tell him their music changed their lives. However, he takes such statements with a grain of salt, believing that for many young fans, their favorite band is just a phase. He sees deeper significance when older listeners with fully-formed opinions appreciate their work, as it validates their music beyond just fleeting teenage enthusiasm.