Andrew Browning and the 9 Pound Hammers dive into the raw, gritty landscapes of California with their upcoming album, Love is a Beautiful Thing, set for release on November 22nd. With a sound steeped in the raw energy of ’70s rock and Americana, and storytelling that echoes the messiness of real life, this album brings listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of love, framed by Browning’s distinctly Californian lens. The lead single, “Econoline,” kicks off this journey with...

The Best of HackedePicciotto (Live in Napoli) is Alexander Hacke and Danielle De Pictiotto's newest release showcasing live interpretations of music from across their career. The album includes reinterpretations of tracks from all of their studio albums: Keepsakes (2023), a tender exploration of friendship and loss, The Silver Threshold (2021), their defiant reaction to the pandemic, Perseverantia (2016), which dealt with the artists nomadic lifestyle, Menetekel (2017), which embodies their...

Paula Park is a dynamic music executive who has made her mark not only managing Korean American artist Audrey Nuna but also leading social impact campaigns for major artists like Demi Lovato and Quavo. Paula’s background as a first-generation Korean Brazilian gives her a unique perspective that she’s using to empower artists and drive meaningful change in the industry. Paula began her career at a major label in Brazil before joining Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, where she quickly rose to lead...

Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris speaks with popular ambient/new-age music artist Kevin Keller about the release of his latest album "Evensong" Darrell and Kevin also cover composing, collaboration, and more in this fun and insightful episode!    More on Kevin Keller and his latest release   Evensong is an 8-movement album that not only revives Hildegard’s sacred music but also brings her transcendental visions into the contemporary world, offering an immersive experience that blurs...

Singer songwriter Eric Hirshberg's path is anything but typical. He's a former CEO of Activision and Deutsch LA, where he led record-breaking launches for major franchises like Call of Duty and was named one of the 50 Most Creative People in Business by AdAge. Yet throughout his remarkable career, Eric has always remained deeply connected to music. His songs have been featured in major outlets like People Magazine, American Songwriter, and Relix, and his collaboration with Aloe Blacc on "I...

Rob McNelley, the acclaimed Nashville guitarist known for his collaborations with icons like Bob Seger, Dolly Parton, and Luke Combs, has just released his latest single, “The Other Side.” This slow-burning track, built on a growling bass line and featuring McNelley’s signature guitar prowess, is the newest addition to his series of Americana-flavored singles that have been rolling out throughout the year. “The Other Side” follows the release of McNelley’s two previous singles, “Circus Is...

Bermuda Schwartz, the long-time drummer for ”Weird Al” Yankovic, shares his fascinating journey with me from his early days in Chicago to his successful career in Los Angeles. Starting with drum lessons in Phoenix and transitioning from the accordion to drums, Schwartz’s career took off after meeting Yankovic in 1980. Their partnership has spanned over four decades, marked by iconic recordings like ”Another One Rides the Bus” and numerous live performances. Schwartz emphasizes the importance...

Legendary blues-rock guitarist and vocalist Joe Bonamassa has undeniably left an indelible mark on the music industry. In his recent exclusive interview with the Music Matters podcast, Joe reflects on his journey, highlighting the importance of authenticity and innovation in his illustrious career. With 27 #1 Billboard Blues albums, his success is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for his craft. A Blend of Analog Nostalgia and Digital Consistency Joe discusses recording...

JacQ Becker/Mama B with a new children’s album, and great advice for new artists! ~ EP10 - S07 In this engaging podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mama B, also known as JacQ Becker, a talented children’s music creator, writer, and producer. Mama B recently released her first solo album, ”Imagineology,” a delightful blend of pop, jazz, and hip hop designed to appeal to both children and parents. Mama B’s Background in Music and Transition to Children’s Music Mama B’s love...

As a seasoned music bass guitar player with almost 40 years of experience and the host of the Music Matters Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Rockie Lynne, a talented musician who has overcome adversity to find success in the music industry. In this podcast episode, we’ll delve into Lynne’s inspiring journey, his new Amazon documentary and latest album, as well as his charitable work supporting the families of fallen service members. Early Life and Music Career Lynne’s passion for...

In the latest episode of ”Music Matters Podcast,” Check out Riina Ammesmäki’s musical journey! From singing in choirs as a kid to rocking it out at the Rock School with Pop and Jazz in Helsinki, and then moving to study music at the University of Vaasa, she’s done it all. She even conquered the stage on the Finnish edition of The Voice, sharing the hurdles she faced and the deep emotions of performing live. Riina spills the beans on how Top 40 Lounge came to be, crafting fresh spins on...

The Rumble: A New Orleans Experience Like No Other In the latest episode of ”Music Matters Podcast,” I had the privilege of chatting with two key members of the seven member musical family called ”The Rumble”, being, Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr and Aurélien Barnes. The band  already has a Grammy-nominated debut album: ”Live At The Maple Leaf” (hear it on DistroKid etc). Oh yeah don’t forget to chaeckout the bands new Double (Limited Edition) Vinyl version as well... The bands hometown is New...

Rising Latina pop star Sasha Prendes speaks with Darrell Craig Harris on  Music Matters Podcast - EP06-S07 Welcome, folks, to another electrifying episode of Music Matters Podcast. Today, we have a shining newcomer in the Latino-American realm hailing from Kansas, this Cuban vocalist has quickly become a prominent figure, captivating not just the Latino-American scene but the entire American music landscape. Listen in as Sasha Prendes, shares with me her journey thus far, and how she...

NYC guitarist and bandleader Gideon King of Gideon King and City Blog is my guest on this episode. Gideon on his iPhone in NYC, and myself in a hotel room in Helsinki, Finland while I’m on tour. We chat after trouble getting connected! Chatting about the new EP called ”Splinter.” Plus, Gideon gives his advice on how to approach being an independent artist in 2023.  Gideon has worked for years in establishing a reputation as a rising force in the New York Jazz scene, King has worked with...

On this episode I chat with Mike Watt - what a great guy, a Punk Rock Bass player legend. Mike is a true cultural omnivore, exhibiting an insatiable appetite for diverse musical experiences. This profound openness and eagerness to explore new sounds is evident as he continues to engage in numerous projects, and captivating live performances. Mike’s bio seems almost as thick as a bible, you can read the full bio/discog, on his website link below. here is a quick overview - Mike...played with...

My special guest and fellow bass-player is Robban Hagnäs, a man of many hats - The owner of the Finnish record label - Ramasound Records Scandinavia. Well known Finnish bass player from the Wentus Blues band, show promoter and booking agent, producer, and club owner - phew, busy man! We talk about a lot of things. Robban is a really nice guy, and in fact the band Charlotta Kerbs and the Strays which I am part of, and recently tour Finland with is also on the Ramasound Records label. Robban...

Listen in on this fascinating guest hosted podcast with the two founders of Charlotta Kerbs and the Strays about their new single and upcoming album featuring the Muscle Shoals All Stars ~ new single on Feb 24 and the EP release is in mid-March 2023 both on Ramasound Records Scandinavia!  Charlotta Kerbs & The Strays is a global music project founded by and with Charlotta Kerbs and Darrell Craig Harris.  They recorded their new EP album at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle...

My special guest to kick-off off our new season 07 is Shevy Smith. Amongst her many talents, she is the founder of the new and already popular Ultimate Playlist App. Ultimate Playlist gives you the opportunity to win a minimum of $2k and a chance to win a $20k jackpot each day, simply for listening to, rating, and/or adding songs to your Apple Music playlist. I will add links so you can grab this outstanding app for yourself. The prizes are powered by the Arizona State Lottery, which, like...

I love that technology can allow me to chat in real-time while Alex King, guitarist/vocals with the progressive bluegrass band ~ Alex is on the Sicard Hollow tour bus, and gives insight into the band and their rise to becoming very established while not in anyway taking things for granted...  Sicard Hollows  recent crop of new albums are extremely enjoyable and filled with great and thoughtful lyrics. Short Bio: Sicard Hollow is a four-piece progressive bluegrass band who formed with a...

Listen in on this fascinating chat, and the LIVE 3-Note improvisational piano composition playing that of my special guest William Goldstein kindly created for me. He has been a recording artist for Motown and CBS Masterworks. His own label, distributed worldwide by The Orchard has over 60 albums currently available generating over 3,000,000 streams monthly. He has scored over 50 Movie and Television projects, including Fame & The Miracle Worker. He has written on the arts for The New...

My good friend in London, UK - Fiona Ross, and I had a chance to catch up as we end the summer 2022 break. We chat about Women In Jazz Media ~ founded by Fiona, now with a 22 member female team, and publishing their fourth Women In Jazz Media high-quality digital magazine, with subscribers across the globe.  Fiona Ross is a real joy to know, very caring and I am totally amazed at her multi-talented skills. She tends to rave on about new and upcoming musicians - constantly encouraging and...

I recently chatted with Laura B Whitmore from the company Positive Grid Laura has a long history in the music manufacturing PR world, including working with Marshall, KORG, VOX, and several other well known companies! Laura is also founder of the very popular ”She Rocks Awards”. Checkout more on Laura B. Whitmore with these links below: Checkout more on Laura B. Whitmore with these links below: Websites mad-sun.com  (Company Website) reverbnation.com/laurabwhitmore  (Original...

Country music singer, songwriter & Independent Artist - Troy Bullock chats with Darrell Craig Harris on Music Matters Podcast - EP.09

Listen in on my insight chat with Matt Simons, he has gone way viral with his music with 100’s of millions of downloads on several different platforms including Spotify. He is currently on tour with #2cellos #MattSimons Matt Simons emotional frankness has been a hallmark of his career. His sweet, plaintive, piano-rooted melodies allying themselves to lyrics that speak plainly, sometimes starkly, about important events in his life. I strongly suggest you checkout All things Matt Simons on...