Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

On this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we meet The Family, a Muscle Shoals supergroup featuring acclaimed singer-songwriters Dylan LeBlanc, James LeBlanc, Angela Hacker, and Bay Simpson. The band shares how The Family came together, the musical chemistry behind the group, and the lasting influence of the legendary Muscle Shoals sound. We also dive into their individual careers...

In this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, Darrell sits down with Craig A. Meyer, acclaimed Elton John tribute artist and founder of the GigLogic app. Craig shares his journey as a performer, the art of bringing the music and energy of Elton John to audiences, and the experiences that have shaped his career on stage. The conversation also explores the creation of GigLogic, an inno...

Grammy Award-winning blues artist Ruthie Foster joins Darrell Craig Harris on Music Matters for an inspiring conversation about her extraordinary musical journey, unmistakable voice, and the life experiences that continue to shape her music. A multiple Grammy nominee, Ruthie earned her first Grammy Award in 2025 for Best Contemporary Blues Album. She is also a Sun Records recording artist, proudly...

What inspires an artist to transform a blank canvas into a powerful work of art? In this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, acclaimed contemporary artist Alyssa Moslander Sgro shares the story behind her rapidly growing career, her creative process, and the experiences that continue to shape her work. From developing her distinctive artistic style to preparing for international ex...

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with actress, singer, voiceover artist, and television host Porscha Coleman for an inspiring conversation about her remarkable career in the entertainment industry. Porscha shares what it was like growing up in Hollywood, breaking into the business at a young age, and building a successful career across television, film, music,...

Few groups defined the sound of the late-'80s like "Cult Jam" formerly known as "Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam"  R&B and pop quite like Cult Jam. In this special episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we explore the remarkable journey of the iconic group-from chart-topping hits and platinum success to their exciting return to the music scene with original co founder Mike Hughes and new v...

On this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we welcome Grammy-winning drummer, composer, producer, educator, and social activist Terri Lyne Carrington.   A pioneering force in contemporary jazz and beyond, Terri shares insights into her remarkable career, her passion for music education, and her commitment to using art as a catalyst for positive social change. We also discuss her h...

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with actor, choreographer, singer, and songwriter Shedrack Anderson to discuss his exciting new album "Let It Fall" (available now) growing up with his legendary musician father, and his journey through a successful career in entertainment. From acting being directed by Steven Spielberg to music and longevity in the industry, Sh...

In this special edition of our Everyday Heroes series, Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with longtime friend Nicole Kavanaugh—an inspiring advocate whose life has been defined by compassion, service, and giving back. Nicole shares her remarkable journey as an organ donor advocate and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Ambassador, discussing the profound impact that organ donati...

The Germany based duo HackedePicciotto with Alexander and Danielle join Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris to talk about their latest album and a new path moving forward!  About the Duo Hackedepicciotto is an experimental duo consisting of longtime partners Alexander Hacke (of Einstürzende Neubauten) and Danielle de Picciotto, an American-born musician, artist, author, and filmmaker. Their wo...

Mist's story tends to stop people in their tracks: abandoned at five, given weeks to live in her late 20s, and then discovering songwriting in her 30s with no formal training - a turning point that changed the course of her life and shaped her belief that even the smallest moments of connection can carry real meaning. Within just a few years, she wrote over 100 songs and became the first native Ch...

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with acclaimed artist manager, coach, and "Be Your Own Star" founder Christina Baur, joining us from her offices in Munich, Germany, for an inspiring conversation about music, artist development, and building success in today's industry. About Christina Christina is an artist manager, coach and mentor and has been working with m...

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with Sacha Mattey, Head of Business Partnerships at Darkroom Records, the powerhouse label behind global superstar Billie Eilish. Tune in for an inside look at the business of modern music, strategic artist partnerships, and the inner workings of one of today's most influential record labels. About Sacha Sacha Mattey is the Lead...

In this episode of Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris speaks with percussion outlaw and influential creative Bob Bert, a veteran of Sonic Youth and Pussy Galore among many other determinedly button-pushing ensembles with an interview. Venerable indie label Bar/None Records is releasing his LONG overdue solo album Beach Bongo Bloodbath which was recorded at Deepsea Studios in Bert's hometown H...

In this Music Matters episode host Darrell Craig Harris speaks with The Claudettes prolific bandleader, composer, and producer Johnny Iguana from his home in Chicago. Johnny has toured and recorded with a long list of legends in the blues and rock world including members of The Rolling Stones!  The Claudettes: Six albums into their lauded career, the Claudettes (of Chicago) continue to put a fasci...

n this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with top jam band festival promoter and Dark Star Orchestra manager Tim Walther. Tim shares his journey through the world of live music, including his deep connection to the Grateful Dead, managing iconic jam bands, and producing some of the genre's biggest festivals. From behind-the-scenes stories to insights on what it takes to...

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down for an engaging and insightful conversation with Dr. Janice McLean DeLoatch to discuss the mission of the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. Dr. Janice McLean DeLoatch is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs and women in the entertainment industry. As an entrepreneur and songwriter herself, Janice realized tha...

On this episode of the MusicMatters Podcast, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, and indie rock artist Ali Handal for an in-depth conversation on creativity, tone, and the modern music journey. Ali shares insights into her approach to songwriting, developing a signature guitar sound, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the independent music scene. Th...

In this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we sit down with music industry powerhouse Laura B Whitmore founder of the She Rocks Awards, and Senior Marketing Director for Positive Grid. Laura is a highly respected marketing executive who has worked with some of the biggest brands in music. Laura shares her incredible journey through the music business, offering insight into what it...

Indie artist Michael Isaak joins Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris to talk about his unique Arabesque folk sound, blending cultural influences with modern songwriting. In this episode, Michael shares insights into his musical journey, creative process, and how he developed a distinctive style that sets him apart in today's indie music scene. From inspiration to production, this is a must-lis...

About our guests Jake and Shelby Jake & Shelby write songs about love in all its forms: falling in, falling out, chasing it, questioning it, and learning to let go. Their music blends the intimacy of heartfelt storytelling with the pull of hook-driven pop, layering rich harmonies over a sound that feels both organic and elevated. The duo began by sharing simple acoustic covers online, and what...

Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris interviews The Builders and The Butchers frontman/lead vocalist Ryan Sollee from his home in Portland Oregon to talk about the bands new releases, upcoming shows, and more in this new interview! About the band  The Builders and the Butchers were formed in the fall of 2005 in Portland, Oregon. The band's first two years consisted of busking, playing house sho...

Popular “Garage Country” singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers joins Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris for an engaging conversation about her new single and upcoming album Attachment Theory in this fun new episode! About Aubrie Sellers  "I feel like I'm film in a digital world," says 27-year-old singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers. "There are so many slick, clean-sounding records that are designed f...

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with Mr. Lordi, the iconic frontman of Finland's Eurovision-winning rock band LORDI, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their historic Eurovision victory. Mr. Lordi takes us behind the scenes of LORD's groundbreaking 2006 win with "Hard Rock Hallelujah," a moment that changed the trajectory of hard rock on a global stage and m...

Long recognized as one of the most thrilling and thoughtful guitarists of his generation, Matthew Stevens has built an elite reputation in music, touring, and recording with a "who's who" of modern icons, including Esperanza Spalding, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Harvey Mason, and Walter Smith Ill. He has also made a splash outside of jazz, having produced the tribute album I Am A Pilgrim - Doc Watso...