Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Ali Handal: Crafting Songs, Guitar Tone & Indie Success

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. The discussion also dives into her work with Venus Guitars, exploring how the instrument you choose can shape your voice as an artist and influence your performance both in the studio and on stage.
From touring experiences to artistic inspiration, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a lasting career as a guitarist and songwriter in today's industry.
Website www.alihandal.com
www.instagram.com/alihandalmusic
www.venus-guitars.com 
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JG9RkDazTt64kyVpQDc5N?si=Hb_wHXEWSACf6voEc10shQ
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Sports Illustrated photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Laura B Whitmore on the Music Industry & She Rocks Awards

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 takes to build a lasting career behind the scenes. We dive into her work supporting women in music, the impact of the She Rocks Awards, and how artists and industry professionals can position themselves for success in today's evolving landscape.
From branding and marketing to navigating major industry shifts, this conversation is packed with valuable advice for musicians, creatives, and anyone looking to better understand the business side of music.
• Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion with one of the most influential voices in the music industry today.
www.thewimn.com (She Rocks Awards)
www.positivegrid.com 
www.Instagram.com/laurabwhitmore 
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Sports Illustrated photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 
 

Indie Spotlight: Michael Isaak's Arabesque Folk Release

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-listen for fans of indie, folk, and world-influenced music.
Social Media www.Instagram.com/michaelisaakmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/559rQJZL0GYH9lVU6zi5ey?si=e1mnhy_ZTxSF579uMLpWWg 
Website www.MichaelIsaak.us 
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, 870,000 global downloads in over 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 

Nashville's Viral Indie Duo Jake & Shelby

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 started as a creative experiment quickly turned into a global following. Today, they have surpassed 18 million streams and 1.6 million followers across all socials, with fans drawn to their emotional honesty, dynamic performances, and undeniable chemistry.
jakeandshelby.komi.io
www.instagram.com/jakeandshelbyofficial
On Spoyify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0JdBmLuhVC8l8dE7f0rVjS?si=rQdFT_bhSOyXcFuvLsNp9w
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, 870,000 global downloads in over 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 

The Builders and The Butchers: Portland Indie Rock

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 shows, and showing up unannounced anywhere around Portland where people were gathered.
Folks began to take notice and the band transitioned slowly, going from playing on the floor of venues unplugged to gradually adding a mic here, an amp there, until they organically grew into one of the most exciting live acts in the Pacific Northwest. Even when plugged in, a cornerstone of almost every builders show is playing on the floor at some point during the set.
Touring relentlessly from 2007-2012 The Builders gathered a cult dedicated fan base across the US and Europe. Playing dozens of music festivals like Sasquatch and Lollapalooza, as well as supporting artists like Portugal. The Man, Amanda Palmer, Murder By Death, and Heartless Bastards.
Website www.TheBuildersAndTheButchers.com
Social media www.Instagram.com/thebuildersandthebutchers 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fwCB7lIrdjKWiFN4vz99j?si=M9kPfkDgTQqviA0ihXYe5g
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, 870,000 global downloads in over 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 

Aubrie Sellers on New Music, Songwriting & Country Roots

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 for quick consumption, but that's not me. I make dirty, grungy-sounding records, and the emotions spill all over the place. They're messy at times, but I find beauty in that."
For anybody who's ever felt as if they didn't quite fit in, Sellers' masterful second album, Far From Home, the follow-up to her sensational debut, New City Blues, is essential listening. Sonically, it's a sweeping, epic vision made manifest in crushing, amp-busting guitar rock - Sellers once dubbed this sound "garage country" - and delicate yet shattering widescreen ballads that form compelling frameworks for her angelic voice to take flight.
One might assume that such fulsome musical expressions could only come from a grand extrovert, but Sellers reveals the deep-seated anxieties that lie beneath the surface - and how writing the album proved cathartic.
Website www.AubrieSellers.com
Social Media www.instagram.com/aubriesellers 
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/27IiEYV6p8fs5j8n39Pk1u?si=2TaaaVWpTi2p29BoQ3A4NQ
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, 870,000 global downloads in over 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 

Eurovision Winner Mr. Lordi of LORDI | 20th Anniversary Interview

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 made Eurovision history. From the band's signature monster personas and theatrical stage production to their lasting impact on international rock culture, this conversation dives deep into what makes LORDI truly unique.
We also explore the band's evolution over the past two decades, the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a larger-than-life identity, and what's next for LORDI as they continue to tour and release new music.
If you're a fan of LORDI, Eurovision, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Website www.LORDI.fi
Social www.Instagram.com/lordiofficial
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, 870,000 global downloads in over 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer
 
 
 
 
 

Mathew Stevens, Grammy-Winning Jazz Guitarist, on His New Album

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 Watson at 100, featuring artists such as Valerie June, Steve Earle, Nora Brown, and Dolly Parton (Stevens produced Parton's version of
"The Last Thing on My Mind," which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Solo Performance in 2024). A culmination of 20 years of craft, the eponymous album serves as a mid-career mission statement with Stevens stepping into the spotlight.
Co-produced by Stevens, saxophonist Josh Johnson, and percussionist Eric Doob, the record seamlessly melds acoustic and electric sonics through a mix of genre-blurring originals and deeply personal covers. It features a multigenerational cast of musicians who have had a profound impact on Stevens' journey, including rising visionaries like vibraphonist Joel Ross and vocalists Anna B Savage and Corey King, in addition to his mentor Terri Lyne Carrington and personal guitar hero Jeff Parker. At the album's core is a band of his most trusted collaborators, which also includes keyboardist Chris Fishman and bassist Kyle Miles, with additional contributions from percussionist Paulo Stagnaro and guitarists Dylan Day and Rich Hinman on slide and pedal steel.
Matthew Stevens reflects a period of profound personal and artistic change, ultimately bringing him to "a place of optimism, excitement, and confidence" that signals a bold new chapter for one of jazz's most essential voices and respected players.
website www.mattstevens.com
www.instagram.com/matthewthomaswyatt 
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7z1PSpsIyAeniOOtaQ1iYa?si=cS9P53EIR46Qs9X4YvAd-g
About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Currently, 870,000 global downloads in over 40 countries.
Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com
Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell
 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer