Music

Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris features exclusive conversations with some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, and the recording industry.

From legendary artists and Grammy winners to producers, songwriters, record label executives, and industry innovators, Darrell delivers in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people shaping music today.

With more than 1.5 million downloads across 40+ countries, Music Matters is a trusted destination for music fans, musicians, and industry professionals.

Contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com

X/Twitter: @musicmattersDH
Instagram: @musicmatterspodcastofficial

Latest Episodes:

Mathew Stevens, Grammy-Winning Jazz Guitarist, on His New Album Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

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

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" Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

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

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 Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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

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 Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

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

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com

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 Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

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

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com

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 Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

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

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com

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 Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com

For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

Travis Bolt's Outlaw Country Rise: Indie Success Through Perseverance Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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 music is the soundtrack of nights spent around the classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles he loves to work on and tear up back roads with."I write real songs for real people"

'Blues At My Funeral' - Out Now!
‘Burning Bridges’ - Out March 6th! www.linktr.ee/travisboltmusic

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com

For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

Attorney Tim Kappel's Landmark Legal Victory for Songwriters Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

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 control of their catalogs after decades of exploitation. This ruling has significant implications for the music industry, publishing agreements, record labels, and copyright law on a global scale.

A must-listen episode for songwriters, musicians, producers, music attorneys, and anyone interested in music copyright law and artist rights.

About Tim Kapel

Tim Kappel is a founding partner of the law firm Wells & Kappel, LLP. Mr. Kappel represents a diverse group of creators, professionals, businesses, and organizations in the music industry.

Mr. Kappel's practice encompasses both transactional matters and complex civil dispute resolution, providing him with a unique perspective and ability to advise clients in multiple aspects of their careers.

Mr. Kappel is an assistant professor at Loyola University New Orleans. He teaches courses on law, revenue streams, and public policy in the music industry. Mr. Kappel is also heavily involved in industry organizations and policy-making. He is the current President of the Board of Governors for the Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy and serves on the boards of several other nonprofit organizations, including Louisiana Music Partners, Wolf Moon Entertainment, and the Partnership for Creative Louisiana.

Loyola University www.loyno.edu

Law Practice www.wellskappel.com

About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.com

For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com

Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell

voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer