Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

About Gerry  At the age of 60, I find myself standing at a crossroads-a place where reflection meets purpose. After years of meaningful work, I've begun asking myself: How can I make a difference that truly matters, not someday, but today!  For nearly 30 years, my career has been about protecting people's most cherished assets— their families, their futures, their legacies. It's work I've taken gr...

Successful indie artist and podcaster Andy Frasco speaks with MMP host Darrell Craig Harris from his hotel room in Tennessee about his current tour, new album release, his World Saving Podcast show, and so much more!  Andy Frasco & The U.N. have long been the high-flying DIY renegades of the touring scene known and loved for their kaleidoscopic musical fusion, one-of-a-kind onstage audacity, a...

Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris speaks with Monique Powell long-time lead vocalist for the popular ska/rock band “Save Ferris” from her home in Garden Grove, California! #saveferris #skaband #podcast WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Save Ferris is a ska-punk band formed in Orange County, California circa 1995. Their name is a reference to the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Lead by the inimitable fr...

Nikki Camilleri is a music industry executive, mentor, speaker, arts and social rights advocate and founder of Mana (from the maltese word ‘magħna’ meaning ‘with us’ or ‘as a collective’). Noting so many artists to be underserved in an increasingly difficult and changing industry, she started Mana to create direct impact leveraging over 10 years experience across leading music companies (Warner Mu...

Aanika Pai has become an extremely viral (popular) online guitarist on several social media platforms! Her soulful and amazing guitar-playing is extremely impressive considering that she is only 11 years old. She is in Anaheim California for her first experience playing at and attending the international music convention the NAMM show! #nammshow #namm2025 #guitar Social media: https://www.instagra...

Ralphi Rosario has been an electronic/dance/house music veteran & Icon since the early 80's. His DJ history has earned him legendary status. His involvement in the world renowned 'Hot Mix Five', introduced the world of his legendary status. Rosario is one of the founding fathers & pioneers, introducing house music to the world. His international Hit 'You used to hold me' paved the...

Hailed by American Songwriter for their "mind-bending musicality," moe. is treasured for their mesmerizing musical synergy, unfettered showmanship, and smart, resonant songcraft. For three decades, the band has corralled myriad musical forms on a truly original journey rich with crafty, clever songwriting and astonishing resourcefulness. Fueled by an impassioned fan base, moe. has spent much of th...

Guitarist Steve Stevens is one of the most original guitarists to emerge from the ’80s rock scene, best known for his 30 year partnership with Billy Idol, his work on Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, his Grammy Award winning performance on “Top Gun Anthem” and his work with Vince Neil on “Exposed”. Stevens catalog of hit songs that he co-wrote & performed alongside Idol include “Rebel Yell”, “...

Finnish/Swedish artist Eva-Lott L.J Björklund is a very well known artist based in the small village of Kronoby Finland (Swedish speaking area). She is a choir director, music teachers, and music therapist as well as a busy gigging/recording artist who has made a large impact in her small country way up north in Scandinavia! Her new album "Built On Love" is a heart felt tribute recording featuring...

Kiko Loureiro is a Brazilian Grammy award winning heavy metal guitarist, best known as a member of the bands Angra and Megadeth. His new solo album "Theory Of Mind" is a tour de force of strong melodies, incendiary guitar playing, and great arrangements!  Alongside his band Angra, he has released eight studio albums, received two gold records, and is considered one of the most important Brazilian...

Leevi Toponen also known as "Leevieemili" is a viral TikTok star, singer-songwriter, content creator for many well-known Finnish bands, and music video director!  We got together with Leevi (Leevieemeli) and our long-time friend producer, songwriter, and well-known vocal coach Tracy Lipp at the Helsinki Records Studios in Helsinki Finland to talk about Leevi's rise to fame in Finland and beyond, t...

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 lik...

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 throughou...

Bermuda Schwartz Reflects on Four Decades of Drumming with 'Weird Al' Yankovic and the Power of Online Presence"  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 of...

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 under his belt, his success is a testament to his unwavering dedic...

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 f...

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 supp...

Riina Ammesmaki, (between Jukka Heikkinen & Darrell Craig Harris) the voice behind the viral Finnish duo Top 40 Lounge 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...

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 ", those two band members 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 y...

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...

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 e...