Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Dec 10

Harmony Shay: Inside the Heart and Hustle of a Breakout Las Vegas Singer-Songwriter! Las Vegas singer-songwriter Harmony Shay is quickly emerging as a standout voice in modern alt-country. In her recent Rounder Magazine interview, she shared that her passion for music began at age three, inspired by her father's vocal impersonations and early encouragement with a microphone. Writing all her own songs, Harmony uses music as both expression and healing, crafting lyrics that reflect real emotions, personal challenges, and the desire to help listeners feel understood. Blending heartfelt storytelling with a fresh country sound, Harmony has built growing momentum through her live performances, expanding discography, and her recent Rounder Magazine cover feature. As her fan base continues to rise, she remains focused on creating music that resonates deeply and authentically. Website: https://harmonyshay.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonyshaymusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyshay Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ow353TU7ZCA4bjn2C5XYs?si=HEb6IsaZQCuWLhVQ1TQfJw bout 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.comFollow 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

Dec 6

The Elvis phenomenon continues to captivate fans around the world, and in this episode we dive deep into its enduring magic with top Elvis festival producer Kurt Brown. From the cultural impact of Elvis Presley to the behind-the-scenes work that brings major tribute festivals to life, Kurt shares rare insights, unforgettable stories, and a firsthand look at why the King's legacy remains stronger than ever. Whether you're a lifelong fan or newly discovering Elvis, this conversation sheds light on the timeless appeal of an icon who changed music and show business forever! Website www.brown-productions.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/kbrownpro All Shook Up website: www.allshookuptribute.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.comFollow 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

Nov 30

Indie singer/songwriter Gregory McLoughlin's new self titled arrives Dec 12th to all streaming platforms! For years, Gregory McLoughlin has done what most artists won’t – stream every Monday night to a loyal online crowd, play to anyone who’ll listen, and find ways to turn small moments into connection. His debut album carries the weight and warmth of that work, and I'd love to get your thoughts on setting something up with Greg to help tell his story over the next few weeks. Gregory’s story is really about building connection the long, patient way. He’s spent years doing it the only way he knows how – showing up with a bass, a kick drum, and a foot tambourine, asking strangers in parking lots and campgrounds, “Can I play you a song?” Sometimes they walk away, sometimes they sing along, and every now and then, a whole campsite joins in. That fearless, face-to-face kind of performing has quietly become his trademark. Around Hoboken, he’s a familiar face; if you’re part of the local music scene, you probably know Greg. A few years ago, through nothing but charm and persistence, he convinced Symposia Bookstore on Washington Street to let him play there once a week – and somehow, it stuck. Now, every week, people gather in that cozy little bookstore to see him play. It says everything about who he is: steady, fearless, and completely committed to connecting with people, even if he’s never been the coolest guy in the room. Make sure to check out his new self titled album, arriving Dec 12th! Website: www.GregoryMcLoughlin.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/GregoryMcLoughlin 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.comFollow 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

Nov 25

In this fun episode, we chat with Bass Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jon D'Auria about the upcoming Bass Magazine Awards Show, presented in partnership with the 2026 NAMM Show. The Bass Awards will take place at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California, on Thursday, January 22nd. The Bass Magazine Awards celebrate outstanding bass players from around the world-recognizing both legendary figures who have become household names and emerging talents across all genres. Websites www.BassMagazine.com www.bassmagazineawards.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/bassmagazineonline NAMM Website www.NAMM.org 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.comFollow 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

Nov 19

About this episode's guest Indie Artist FIREROSE. The definitive version of her album's title track, "Shining Armor (Rise Again)" marks a powerful new chapter - one of independence, renewal, and self-rescue - and anchors the larger story she's finally ready to share publicly for the first time. That story continues next month with her new podcast, No One Asked Her, a series named for how the world once decided she didn't need to be heard. Firerose is a survivor who has lived through more than her share of hardship - addiction, abuse, and years of being silenced in relationships - yet has emerged with her faith, strength, and perspective intact. She's smart, passionate, and deeply thoughtful, with a story that deserves to be heard on her own terms. Born and raised in Sydney, music was her refuge amid a childhood marked by sadness and confusion. As a kid, she filled notebooks with lyrics, turning pain into songs. That survival instinct carried her across the world to Los Angeles, through addiction and a two-month stint in LA County jail that ultimately led to faith and sobriety in 2016. Even while trapped in controlling relationships that kept her from steering her own career, her voice still reached millions with charting singles and performances on Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Grand Ole Opry. Now, with her new single and upcoming podcast, Firerose is finally telling her story in full - standing in her independence, her faith, and her truth. The title "Shining Armor" speaks to that turning point: after years of waiting for someone else to save her, she realized she had to be her own knight, fighting for her freedom, her music, and her life with God's strength behind her. Her podcast title, No One Asked Her, nods to the way she was often reduced to a one-dimensional figure in the tabloids - someone the world decided didn't need to be heard from. Now, she's claiming her voice and inviting others to do the same. Website www.firerosemusic.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/firerose Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hUvYMF6MBxiZVXjiglBPX?si=v3rJakPSRieeqGpShFuQJg 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.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell (voice over by Nigel J. Farmer

Nov 14

Grammy Nominated Zydeco Master Corey Ledet On a tour through Russia, Ledet was treated like royalty, complete with his own security detail. Fans rushed to touch the band’s signature zydeco rubboard — the metal, shoulder-slung vest used to scratch out those infectious rhythms. Enthralled by its sound, they nicknamed it the “magic instrument.”Ledet has taken his music everywhere — Hawaii, Canada, Europe — and always hoped to capture the electricity of his live shows. But the right moment for a live album never quite appeared. That changed when the Anchorage Folk Festival invited him to perform. “When that came up, I thought, this might finally be the chance,” said Ledet, 44, a two-time Grammy nominee. “When I arrived, they had everything ready to record. I started thinking about Clifton Chenier — a lot of his best live cuts were recorded far from home. It worked for the King of Zydeco, so I figured, let me try this.” The result is Live in Alaska — the debut live album from Corey Ledet Zydeco, featuring Ledet’s mysterious new accordion, “Black Magic.” After combing through three days of recordings, the band chose 11 tracks that solidify Ledet’s well-earned nickname: The Accordion Dragon. The album delivers high-energy, onstage versions of English and Creole favorites from Ledet’s 15 previous releases, plus a brand-new track, “Alaska Funk,” an impromptu jam born right there onstage alongside his tight-knit Louisiana crew. website www.CoreyLedet.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/coreyledetzydeco 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.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: musicmatterspodcastshow@gmail.com Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell (voice over by Nigel J. Farmer)

Nov 6

Viral Indie Artist Elise Trouw Just Dropped A New Single With A New Album To Follow In December! Elise Trouw - is a viral indie artist, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her mesmerizing live-looping performances and genre-blending sound. Based in California, Elise writes, produces, and performs her own music - fusing pop, rock, and jazz with emotional honesty and technical mastery. Her debut album Unraveling and recent releases have earned millions of views and streams worldwide. Connect & Stream: Website https://www.elisetrouw.com www.Instagram.com/edlisetrouw www.Facebook.com/elisetrouwmusic www.YouTube.com/@elisetrouw https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jeroC7T0j4Dvz9y3gtofR?si=jUVPX7PwRI2QakP0ST7wJw 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 by Nigel J. Farmer)

Oct 29

About the New Orleans-based group Captain Buckles, a band made up of top A-list musicians who have backed many household names! The majority of tracks on Hurry Up the debut album from "Captain Buckles" are funky, rockin' instrumentals written by guitarist Alexander Mallet: kickin', and organic. Captain Buckles takes risks, grooves and moves with powerful chemistry and a punk, irreverent attitude that prompts listeners to feel good to be human. "Bus Station Blues" and "Raindrops on Mardi Gras,” are soulful slinky tunes featuring masterful vocals by keys man Rob Davis. "This Time" is a rock ballad by a close friend of the group, Michael Darby. After years of incubating, Captain Buckles has found its own trademark sound steeped in the grooves and funk of New Orleans and the elements that make American music emotionally moving and stylistically unique. The band jams hard while emphasizing musical exploration and dynamic subtlety, showing the inspiration from of icons like The Meters, Allman Brothers, and The Band but utilizing those influences to create a style all their own. The members of Captain Buckles include New Orleans born-and-raised Rob Davis and Ezell Smith Jr., as well as Los Angeles transplant Smitti Supab, Pennsylvanian Phil Breen, who’ve both played professionally in the Crescent City for 13+ years. Florida ex-pat Alex Mallet is the newcomer of the crew having arrived a mere eight years ago. Before forming Captain Buckles, the members had performed with each other in various line-ups for years between touring as backing musicians with national and international acts like Eric Lindell, Samantha Fish, Russell Batiste, John "Papa" Gros, Glen David Andrews, and many others. They transitioned to working as a distinctive, butt-shaking unit all their own two years ago, a no-nonsense brotherhood of hard-working sidemen, championing good vibes and an intense love of music. The recording of Hurry Up was funded in part by a grant from the Threadhead Cultural Foundation ( https://www.thcfnola.org/ .). www.captainbucklesband.com facebook.com/captainbucklesband instagram.com/captainbucklesband open.spotify.com/artist/3q8yPNmKITP14G9YOEnnrV www.youtube.com/@captainbucklesband music.apple.com/il/artist/captain-buckles/1758847494 www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B0D9WR9Y79/captain-buckles captainbucklesband.bandcamp.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