Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

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
 
 
 
 
 

New Grammy Winning Arkai Duo: Inside Their Big Win

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 musician Jon Batiste, and joint recording projects like ICARUS - Orchestral Version with piano sensation Tony Ann and Decca Records.
They recently opened and performed with Ann at the legendary Troubadour club in LA for back to back sold out shows.
As songwriters & performers, their creative versatility has led to collaborations with GRAMMY-award winning music producers, Hollywood trailer houses, Cirque du Soleil acrobats and olympic gymnasts, contemporary dance companies, chart-topping musicians, and full-scale symphony orchestras.
ARKAl's sophomore album, Brightside, was released in 2025, created in collaboration with producers Jonas W. Karlsson, Donny Bravo, and Charlie Heat. ARKAl is a voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs).
www.ArkaiMusic.com 
www.Instagram.com/arkaimusic 
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/2uKlHTuXAa9qacjncF1s4L?si=n7zTjY1bTzKwjLfdFaCeGg
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
 
 
 
 
 

Viral Indie Artist BMT on the Story Behind Her Hit "Vertigo"

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, and how her Indiana roots and creative influences helped define her sound. We also discuss her journey as an emerging artist, the process of building momentum in today's music industry, and what fans can expect next.
If you love discovering new music and hearing the stories behind breakout songs, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Follow BMT and listen to "Vertigo" wherever you stream music.
links
www.Instagram.com/theofficialbmt
www.tiktok.com/theofficialbmt 
Spotify 
https://open.spotify.com/track/6ca1nlWW5r29k5NHEYKNNB?si=2aa48a33142c47f9 
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
 
 
 
 
 

Indie X: Changing the Game for Independent Artists

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 connections. If you're an independent artist looking to cut through the noise, this conversation highlights real solutions designed to help you thrive in today's evolving music business.
Whether you're a songwriter, producer, performer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on how platforms like Indie X are helping level the playing field.
website www.IndieX.com
Follow Indie X on social media
@indieXOfficial 
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
 
 
 
 
 

NYC Indie Pioneer George Usher I Stevensonville

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 pressing of 200, being released March 20 by Strothard Bulldog Productions.
Stevensonville is a 12-part illustrated song-cycle that delves into the myriad goings on in its namesake locale. Each song and illustration represents a different inhabitant of Stevensonville. They sometimes reference each other in the manner of Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology or Thornton Wilder's Our Town. The characters who people dark, repressed Stevensonville have their own very unusual and pressing issues to cope with, before they can gamble on leaving. George Usher's poetic lyrics and folk-rock and chamber pop musical settings combine with Laurie Webber's colorful, magnetic illustrations for a stunning, unique presentation.
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0t2r3lAo89AALlzzvpmwwr?si=vdtz4wXLRKWdGjaX3IThsg
social media www.Instagram.com/george.usher
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
 
 
 
 
 

Tenille Townes on Songwriting, Grit & Country Fame

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, and North America, Townes continues to connect deeply through her introspective songwriting and powerful live performances.
www.TenilleTownes.com 
www.Instagram.com/tenilletownes 
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.
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
 
 
 
 
 

Inside Sun Records with exec Laura Pochodylo

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 both longtime fans and new audiences.
Founded in 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee by producer Sam Phillips, Sun Records is widely regarded as the birthplace of rock and roll. Phillips set out to capture the raw, emotional sound of Southern blues, gospel, and country music, recording artists with a stripped-down, energetic style that became the label's signature. Sun helped launch the careers of legendary artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, shaping the sound of modern popular music.
Today, Sun Records remains an active label while preserving its iconic legacy. The original recording space, now known as Sun Studio, is a historic landmark and major tourist destination in Memphis. Through catalog reissues, vinyl releases, and carefully selected contemporary artists, Sun continues to celebrate its heritage while influencing new generations of musicians inspired by its groundbreaking sound.
www.sunrecords.com
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.
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
 
 
 
 
 

Ben Vaughn: That '70s Show & 3rd Rock Composer

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 TV music to producing records and hosting his own podcast, Ben discusses the discipline, creativity, and storytelling required to score for screen.
We also explore the intersection of songwriting and composing, the differences between scoring and producing artists, and how television themes become cultural touchstones.
If you're a musician, producer, composer, or fan of great TV music, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft.
website www.benvaughn.org
social media www.Instagram.com/benvaughnmusic 
www.Facebook.com/benvaughnmanymoods
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.
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