Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

ARKAI is a GRAMMY® award-winning electroacoustic duo that has captivated audiences around the world with their creative imagination and cutting-edge string music. Graduates of the famed Juilliard School, ARKAl's signature sound has led them to hundreds of shows around the world that include esteemed performances at GRAMMYs On The Hill and Carnegie Hall, opening for GRAMMY and Oscar-winning musicia...

Breakout indie artist BMT joins the show to talk about her viral single "Vertigo," the song that's capturing attention across the indie music scene. Known for blending vintage aesthetics with a modern pop edge and a touch of rockabilly flair, BMT brings a unique artistic voice that's quickly turning heads. In this episode, BMT shares the story behind "Vertigo," the inspiration that shaped the song...

In this episode of Music Matters, we dive into how Indie X is reshaping the landscape for independent artists. In an industry that often feels stacked against creatives, Indie X is building new pathways for visibility, opportunity, and career growth. We explore how the platform supports emerging musicians, filmmakers, and content creators - from exposure and community to meaningful industry connec...

Veteran New York singer/songwriter George Usher returns to action with a new album that's been some 30 years in the making, Stevensonville. Twelve original songs, each about a citizen of the fictional town of the album is named for. Each is accompanied by a full color illustration and lyrics collected in a 12" x 12" 28-page booklet. This is a limited edition, individually numbered 12" LP vinyl pre...

Tenille Townes is a two-time JUNO Award and 17-time CCMA Award-winning artist whose heartfelt storytelling and soulful vocals have earned her international acclaim. She's toured alongside icons including Stevie Nicks, Shania Twain, George Strait, and Miranda Lambert, and became the first female artist in Mediabase Canada history to score two No. 1 singles. With global tours across Europe, the UK,...

Laura Pochodylo is a music industry professional based in Nashville, Tennessee. She currently works with Sun Records, the historic American label known for launching legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. She serves as a Marketing Manager for Sun Records, where her work focuses on revitalizing the label's presence, planning catalog releases, and shaping how the company connects with...

In this episode of Music Matters, we sit down with acclaimed composer, songwriter, and producer Ben Vaughn, the creative force behind the iconic theme and score for That 70s Show and the music of 3rd Rock from the Sun. Ben shares insights into the art of composing for television, building memorable themes, and navigating the evolving world of music production. From crafting instantly recognizable...

Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris catches up with viral outlaw country artist Travis Bolt from his home in East Texas to talk about his viral country hit "Never Tried Cocaine" and his journey in dealing with Tourettes as a busy recording and touring artist!  About Travis Bolt East Texas-born singer/songwriter Travis Bolt's outlaw country sound isn't just a genre, it's his lifestyle. His musi...

Entertainment attorney and Loyola University New Orleans professor Tim Kappel breaks down his landmark legal victory that allows songwriters to reclaim their music rights worldwide through U.S. copyright termination rights. In this episode, Kappel explains what termination rights are, why this case is a major win for songwriters, composers, and music creators, and how artists may be able to regain...

Canada's Boy Golden (Liam Duncan) has a new album coming in mid February on Six Shooter Records, and he has several new tours in the works! Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris catch's up with him at his home in Winnipeg!  About Boy Golden Who is Boy Golden? On the one hand it is moniker for a mysterious new artist, who is building buzz following major support for track "KD and Lunch Meat" from...

In this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we go inside the creative world of Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Joachim Horsley. Known for his genre-blending approach and deep musical roots, Horsley shares insights into his artistic journey, influences, and the musical philosophy that shapes his work. We discuss the creative process behind his compositions, the importance of r...

We caught up with unique indie artist Robert Deeble to talk about his new release “The Space Between Us” coming out February 6th. Roberts story driven lyrics and production have a classic vibe with a modern twist. Robert Deeble's spirit-infused lyrics are paired with a subtle, minimalist style that echoes old folk heroes like Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake. His first album, released with his band, D...

In this episode of Music Matters (NAMM Show edition) we dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of music industry trademarks and intellectual property. Our guest is internationally recognized entertainment, trademark, and intellectual property attorney-and accomplished musician-Ronald S. Bienstock, joining us from his offices in Morristown, New Jersey. Together, we explore the legal foundati...

Las Vegas-based funky soul favorites Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns make theirNAMM Show debut on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Saturday, January 24 4:30-6 PM in Anaheim, California.  Trumpet player and acclaimed musician Danny Falcone joins the podcast to talk about the band's journey, their upcoming NAMM performance, and his rich family musical legacy that continues to shape his career.  Mor...

Well known concert pianist Kimball Gallagher has made a huge impact on the lives of countless young people through his global non profit "88 International" Kimball Gallagher recently wrapped a two-week U.S. tour with the Tunisia 88 Alumni Choir, a group of young musicians who helped build those clubs from the ground up to what eventually became 88 International. The tour moved through universities...

Rick Morse is a Senior Financial Advisor along with being a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Long Island, NY. In this episode Rick talks about music, your money, and planning your future! Rick graduated from Ithaca College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation at The Wharton School, Uni...

About Michael Hampton  After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name "Kidd Funkadelic". Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countries across 6 continents. Highlights include multip...

Harmony Shay: Inside the Heart and Hustle of a Breakout Las Vegas Singer-Songwriter! Las Vegas singer-songwriter Harmony Shay is quickly emerging as a standout voice in modern alt-country. In her recent Rounder Magazine interview, she shared that her passion for music began at age three, inspired by her father's vocal impersonations and early encouragement with a microphone. Writing all her own so...

The Elvis phenomenon continues to captivate fans around the world, and in this episode we dive deep into its enduring magic with top Elvis festival producer Kurt Brown. From the cultural impact of Elvis Presley to the behind-the-scenes work that brings major tribute festivals to life, Kurt shares rare insights, unforgettable stories, and a firsthand look at why the King's legacy remains stronger t...

Indie singer/songwriter Gregory McLoughlin's new self titled arrives Dec 12th to all streaming platforms!    For years, Gregory McLoughlin has done what most artists won’t – stream every Monday night to a loyal online crowd, play to anyone who’ll listen, and find ways to turn small moments into connection. His debut album carries the weight and warmth of that work, and I'd love to get your thought...

In this fun episode, we chat with Bass Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jon D'Auria about the upcoming Bass Magazine Awards Show, presented in partnership with the 2026 NAMM Show. The Bass Awards will take place at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, on Thursday, January 22nd. The Bass Magazine Awards celebrate outstanding bass players from around the world-recognizing both legendary figures who hav...

About this episode's guest Indie Artist FIREROSE. The definitive version of her album's title track, "Shining Armor (Rise Again)" marks a powerful new chapter - one of independence, renewal, and self-rescue - and anchors the larger story she's finally ready to share publicly for the first time. That story continues next month with her new podcast, No One Asked Her, a series named for how the world...

Grammy Nominated Zydeco Master Corey Ledet On a tour through Russia, Ledet was treated like royalty, complete with his own security detail. Fans rushed to touch the band’s signature zydeco rubboard — the metal, shoulder-slung vest used to scratch out those infectious rhythms. Enthralled by its sound, they nicknamed it the “magic instrument.”Ledet has taken his music everywhere — Hawaii, Canada, Eu...

Viral Indie Artist Elise Trouw Just Dropped A New Single With A New Album To Follow In December!  Elise Trouw - is a viral indie artist, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her mesmerizing live-looping performances and genre-blending sound. Based in California, Elise writes, produces, and performs her own music - fusing pop, rock, and jazz with emotional honesty and technical ma...

About the New Orleans-based group Captain Buckles, a band made up of top A-list musicians who have backed many household names!  The majority of tracks on Hurry Up the debut album from "Captain Buckles" are funky, rockin' instrumentals written by guitarist Alexander Mallet: kickin', and organic. Captain Buckles takes risks, grooves and moves with powerful chemistry and a punk, irreverent attitude...