Helping new artists: mentorship over management

Episode 002 – Ryan McCombs | heartdea13r

“If you’re gonna be stupid, be smart about being stupid.”

SOiL & Drowning Pool front‑man Ryan McCombs reveals “Halo’s” pre‑deal rise, 9/11 album chaos, and survival tips for artists

What you’ll hear:

- How “Halo” lit up U.S. radio before SOiL had a label and triggered a bidding war

 - Dropping Scars on 9/11: releasing an album on the worst‑timed day in rock history 

- Stepping into Dave Williams’ shoes: the call from Dave’s mum that sealed Ryan’s move to Drowning Pool

 - Surviving a massive stroke & throat‑cancer scare—and the fitness regime he wishes he’d started sooner

- Hard‑won advice for artists: money, health, family, and why merch ideas like “Ball Liquors” sometimes pay the bills