Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Darrell has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, from global rock and pop icons to jazz legends and influential figures in music-related film and TV. Music Matters dives deep into all things music, featuring exclusive conversations with artists, record labels, instrument manufacturers, industry insiders, and more. If it’s part of the music world, it’s part of the conversation!
Episodes
Episodes



Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
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 (2016), which dealt with the artists nomadic lifestyle, Menetekel (2017), which embodies their collective despair at the state of the world, and powerful energy of The Current (2020), recorded by the Irish Sea. For over 20 years Alexander Hacke (Einstürzende Neubauten) and artist, musician and filmmaker Danielle de Picciotto (co-founder of Love Parade) have been developing and evolving a symbiotic working practise together, with a deep intuition of the kind that has distinguished a rare number of creative and romantic partnerships – think of the writers Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne, the artists Lee Miller and Man Ray or heroes of independent filmmaking, Gena Rowlands and John Cassavetes – each partnership underlined by a creative equality that allowed both artists freedom to explore and expand.
https://www.Instagrm.com/hackedepicciotto
https://www.Facebook.com/hackepicciotto
https://www.hackedepicciotto.bandcamp.com
Website:
https://www.hackedepicciotto.de
Music Matters podcast is hosted by pro musician, producer, and Sports Illustrated photographer Darrell Craig Harris who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The series has reached over 400,000 streams in 40 countries.
MMP receives gear support from Shure Microphones,.Focusrite, and others. Intro and outro voice overs provided by Nigel John Farmer from www.VoiceWrapStudio.com in France.
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip.
Contact us at
inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com
Social:
www.Instagram.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
www.Facebook.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
https://www.Youtube.com/@musicmatterspodcast
https://www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
Website
www.MusicMattersPodcast.com
support our mission by joining us on Patreon!
https://www.Patreon.com/MusicMattersPodcast



Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
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 major label in Brazil before joining Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, where she quickly rose to lead the company’s Social Impact and Philanthropy department. She was instrumental in creating global campaigns for high-profile artists, including Demi Lovato’s reproductive rights initiative and Quavo’s anti-gun violence project, The Rocket Foundation.
Now, she’s embarking on a new chapter with her new company "Soft Serve" focused on developing artists with a strong sense of mission, purpose, and creative vision. With a degree from Berklee College of Music and additional studies at Harvard Business Online and MIT Sloan, Paula combines industry expertise with a passion for social good.
www.Instagram.com/pepark
Music Matters podcast is hosted by pro musician, producer, and Sports Illustrated photographer Darrell Craig Harris who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The series has reached over 400,000 streams in 40 countries.
MMP receives gear support from Shure Microphones,.Focusrite, and others. Intro and outro voice overs provided by Nigel John Farmer from www.VoiceWrapStudio.com in France.
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip.
Contact us at
inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com
Social:
www.Instagram.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
www.Facebook.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
https://www.Youtube.com/@musicmatterspodcast
https://www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
Website
www.MusicMattersPodcast.com
support our mission by joining us on Patreon!
https://www.Patreon.com/MusicMattersPodcast



Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
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 transcendental visions into the contemporary world, offering an immersive experience that blurs the lines between past and present, mysticism and music. Keller enriches her ancient compositions with layers of modern textures—combining strings, vocals, and analog synthesizers—to transform these chants into vivid soundscapes that feel simultaneously timeless and contemporary. At the heart of Evensong is an ambitious attempt to channel Hildegard’s spiritual visions, offering audiences a way to experience them in a way that wasn’t possible in her time.Kevin has been a leading figure in the new-age music scene for over 30 years, with 14 albums that fuse classical and electronic music in deeply evocative ways. This milestone release represents a significant leap in his artistic journey, and with the GRAMMY’s “New Age” category recently expanding to include ambient and chant music, Evensong is primed to make a powerful impact.
www.KevinKeller.com
www.Instagram.com/kevinkellerpro
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MpofLeuema5D0edeUEoAD?si=vV7MQgcHSSaMBEG_o75CFw
Music Matters podcast is hosted by pro musician, producer, and Sports Illustrated photographer Darrell Craig Harris who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The series has reached over 400,000 streams in 40 countries.
MMP receives gear support from Shure Microphones,.Focusrite, and others. Intro and outro voice overs provided by Nigel John Farmer from www.VoiceWrapStudio.com in France.
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip.
Contact us at
inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com
Social:
www.Instagram.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
www.Facebook.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
https://www.Youtube.com/@musicmatterspodcast
https://www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh
Website
www.MusicMattersPodcast.com
support our mission by joining us on Patreon!
https://www.Patreon.com/MusicMattersPodcast



Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
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 like People Magazine, American Songwriter, and Relix, and his collaboration with Aloe Blacc on "I Love Not Drinking" earned a Grammy nomination this year.
'Second Hand Smoke' his new album (released Sept 13 2024) is a deeply personal and refreshingly unique album that explores themes rarely addressed in mainstream music, like sobriety, aging, meditation, and the complexities of modern relationships. It's filled with a rich blend of introspective lyrics, an Americana-tinged sound, and a mature perspective-songs that dig deep into universal truths while resonating with life experiences. The album's success is a testament to Eric's unique voice and perspective, making it a project well worth checking out!
https://www.instagram.com/erichirshberg
https://www.youtube.com/@erichirshbergmusic
https://www.erichirshbergmusic.com
on Spotify @erichirshbergmusic
Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is sponsored by Shure Microphones, Kathy Ireland, ZOOM Audio. Voice overs provided by Nigel John Farmer from his studio @VoiceWrapStudio.com in France.
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip. A Big Shout and thanks to our friends at @Shure Contact us at inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com
Social: www.Instagram.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
www.MusicMattersPodcast.com



Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
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 throughout the year. “The Other Side” follows the release of McNelley’s two previous singles, “Circus Is Leaving Town” and “Right Back To You,” each showcasing the versatility and depth of his songwriting and musicianship.
“The Other Side is a song about learning how to see another point of view and expanding your mind to other possibilities,” McNelley shares. “It’s about leaving the possibility open that you may be wrong about things you’ve always thought, and that that is ok. It’s about evolving around a point of view and getting your ego out of the way so that you can truly see the other side of any subject matter. Plus, there’s some more focus on the guitar playing side of what I do with this one.”
Links
https://www.instagram.com/rmcnelley/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/user/rmcnelley
www.instagram.com/rmcnelley
Thanks for listening in, and thanks to our sponsors, and behind the scene crew that makes this podcast happen :)
Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is sponsored by Shure Microphones, Kathy Ireland, ZOOM Audio. Voice overs provided by Nigel John Farmer from his studio @VoiceWrapStudio.com in France.
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip. A Big Shout and thanks to our friends at @AudioGeer @sullenfamily @Shure Contact us at inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com
Social: www.Instagram.com/musicmatterspodcastofficial
www.MusicMattersPodcast.com



Sunday Jun 09, 2024
Sunday Jun 09, 2024
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 off after meeting Yankovic in 1980. Their partnership has spanned over four decades, marked by iconic recordings like "Another One Rides the Bus" and numerous live performances. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of networking and maintaining a strong online presence, which he has done since 1993, to navigate the evolving music industry.
Schwartz also discusses the technical and logistical challenges of recording and performing, including securing permissions for parodies. Despite these hurdles, he expresses gratitude for the band's longevity and the joy of working with beloved colleagues. He reflects on the luck and hard work that have contributed to their success, drawing parallels with other enduring bands like U2. Schwartz remains dedicated to engaging with fans through social media and has documented their journey through photography, contributing to various publications. His commitment to accessibility and interaction underscores his appreciation for the community that supports them.
Checkout all things Bermuda Schwartz @
https://www.bermudaschwartz.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/bermudaschwartz
If you want more infor on Weird Al go to: https://www.weirdal.com/
Thanks for listening in, and thanks to our sponsors, and behind the scene crew that makes this podcast happen :)
Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is sponsored by Kathy Ireland Worldwide & with support from Music Crowns in London, and Nigel John Farmer.~ my co-producer and voice over talent from his studio @VoiceWrapStudio.com ~ in the Southern French countryside ~ nice!
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip.
A Big Shout and thanks to our friends at #AudioGeer , @sullenfamily and the awesome support! #Shure #MV7 #podcast mic!
Please check out our Music Matters podcast on @spotifypodcastsHey, also check out the New Music Matters Podcast Website-
Please, support, LIKE and help us grow - check out our Social Media pages:
#music #love #hiphop #rap #art #musician #artist #musica #instagood #singer #instagram #rock #like #dance #guitar #photography #song #bhfyp #newmusic #life #producer #fashion #rapper #viral #songwriter #creative #podcast



Tuesday May 21, 2024
Tuesday May 21, 2024
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 dedication and passion for his craft.
A Blend of Analog Nostalgia and Digital Consistency
Joe notices Darrells music (virtual) studio which immediatley launches them deep chatting about recording in legendary studios like Abbey Road and Fame in Muscle Shoals, Bonamassa is no stranger to the magic of vintage analog equipment, as is Darrell. Joe fondly recalls the iconic Neve consoles and their impact on music production. However, he also acknowledges the variability in sound quality compared to the consistency of modern digital mixing. With the release of his latest album, Blues Deluxe 2, and an exciting summer tour on the horizon, Bonamassa continues to showcase his innovative spirit while paying homage to his roots.
Betting on Yourself and Standing Out in the Industry
Bonamassa emphasizes the importance of self-belief and strategic decision-making in a competitive industry. He credits his success to reinvesting earnings in himself, emphasizing effective marketing, and remaining true to his unique style. While navigating the challenges of streaming platforms, Bonamassa stresses the value of authenticity in projects like his collaborations with Beth Hart, Rock Candy Funk Party, and supergroup Black Country Communion.
Embracing Challenges and Staying True to One's Roots
The blues guitarist acknowledges the difficulties of building a loyal fan base while staying true to his roots. Despite achieving the remarkable milestone of performing with a 40-piece orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, Bonamassa admits to grappling with self-doubt throughout his career. He advises young musicians to pursue their passion, resist conformity, and embrace their authenticity, as setting trends and being unique are key elements of success in a saturated market.
Giving Back and Supporting Music Education
Bonamassa also highlighted the importance of giving back to the music community through the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation. By providing financial support to music education programs and musicians in need, the foundation has raised over \$1,000,000 during the pandemic through streamathons and personal contributions.
Bonamassa leaves us with an inspiring message about the power of passion, determination, and staying true to oneself in the face of an ever-evolving industry. The New release of his latest single "24 Hour Blues," (Live At The Holloywood Bowl With Orchestra).
As a modern-day blues icon, Joe Bonamassa continues to enthrall audiences with his incredible live performances and distinctive style. Don't miss the opportunity to witness his unrivaled skill and passion on the upcoming "Blues Deluxe Summer Tour 2024," with stops in major cities across the United States and Europe.
Visit his official website at https://jbonamassa.com for his new exquistetly produced LIve Album, Joe's Official Newsletter, Merch, and his own popular podcast link.
Experience the captivating energy of this legendary artist and be inspired by his perseverance, authenticity, and passion for music.
Thanks for listening in, and thanks to our sponsors, and behind the scene crew that makes this podcast happen :)
Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is sponsored by Kathy Ireland Worldwide & with support from Music Crowns in London, and Nigel John Farmer.~ my co-producer and voice over talent from his studio @VoiceWrapStudio.com ~ in the Southern French countryside ~ nice!
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip.
A Big Shout and thanks to our friends at #AudioGeer , @sullenfamily and the awesome support! #Shure #MV7 #podcast mic!
Please check out our Music Matters podcast on @spotifypodcastsHey, also check out the New Music Matters Podcast Website-
Please, support, LIKE and help us grow - check out our Social Media pages:
#music #love #hiphop #rap #art #musician #artist #musica #instagood #singer #instagram #rock #like #dance #guitar #photography #song #bhfyp #newmusic #life #producer #fashion #rapper #viral #songwriter #creative #podcast



Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
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 for music began at a young age, influenced by legends like Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. She pursued her passion by working in various roles within the music industry, including marketing, film and TV licensing, and publishing. Her transition to children's music was a natural progression, inspired by her experiences as a parent. She aimed to create music that both children and parents could enjoy, especially since parents often play these songs on repeat.
The Making of "Imagineology"
"Imagineology" is the result of Mama B's collaboration with talented producers and musicians who were new to the children's music space but excited about the project. The album's first single, "Unicorn," (just released) was an experiment in blending child-friendly themes with production styles typically intended for adult audiences.
JacQ's Advice for Aspiring Artists
JacQ emphasizes the importance of authenticity and songwriting skills for aspiring artists. She encourages creators to focus on their strengths and not to get overwhelmed by the need to be perfect or to excel in areas outside their core talent. She also advises artists to release their work into the world and not to be overly self-critical. In her experience, many great songs never get released because artists are too self-critical.
Conclusion
This podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into Mama B's journey in the music industry and her passion for creating children's music. Her advice for aspiring artists is both practical and inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in music and creativity.
Please checkout all things MAMA B:
Listen to UNICORN - https://open.spotify.com/album/76aMKaGdIVcOual3X2ovpG?uid=718d2941eb68b15e9f93&uri=spotify%3Atrack%3A69gcXDnbkDi4TtIXhWhoiW
www.youtube.com/@mamabsongs
+
Instagraminstagram.com/mamabsongs
TikToktiktok.com/@mamabsongs
Facebookfacebook.com/MamaBSongs
Spotifyopen.spotify.com/artist/0yFdwmRwiMLMnuvQ6XmRQX
Apple Musicmusic.apple.com/us/artist/mama-b/1581199873
Thanks for listening in, and thanks to our sponsors, and behind the scene crew that makes this podcast happen :)
Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris is sponsored by Kathy Ireland Worldwide & with support from Music Crowns in London, and Nigel John Farmer.~ my co-producer and voice over talent from his studio @VoiceWrapStudio.com
Our thanks to Rodney Hall FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for our intro and outro backing music clip.
A Big Shout and thanks to our friends at #AudioGeer , @sullenfamily and the awesome support! #Shure #MV7 #podcast mic!
Please check out our Music Matters podcast on @spotifypodcastsHey, also check out the New Music Matters Podcast Website-
Please, support, LIKE and help us grow - check out our Social Media pages:
#music #love #hiphop #rap #art #musician #artist #musica #instagood #singer #instagram #rock #like #dance #guitar #photography #song #bhfyp #newmusic #life #producer #fashion #rapper #viral #songwriter #creative #podcast