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,...
Feb 19, 2026•38 min•Ep. 82
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 o...
Feb 09, 2026•17 min•Ep. 81
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 f...
Feb 01, 2026•31 min•Ep. 80
Canada's Boy Golden (Liam Duncan) has a new album coming in mid February on Six Shooter Records, and he has several new tours in the works! Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris catch's up with him at his home in Winnipeg! About Boy Golden Who is Boy Golden? On the one hand it is moniker for a mysterious new artist, who is building buzz following major support for track "KD and Lunch Meat" from his debut album which hit #1 at Alternative radio in home country of Canada, and major moments inclu...
Jan 29, 2026•27 min•Ep. 79
In this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we go inside the creative world of Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Joachim Horsley. Known for his genre-blending approach and deep musical roots, Horsley shares insights into his artistic journey, influences, and the musical philosophy that shapes his work. We discuss the creative process behind his compositions, the importance of rhythm and culture in modern music, and how curiosity and collaboration continue to drive his evoluti...
Jan 26, 2026•31 min•Ep. 78
We caught up with unique indie artist Robert Deeble to talk about his new release “The Space Between Us” coming out February 6th. Roberts story driven lyrics and production have a classic vibe with a modern twist. Robert Deeble's spirit-infused lyrics are paired with a subtle, minimalist style that echoes old folk heroes like Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake. His first album, released with his band, Days Like These, was a critical success and featured a duet with Victoria Williams, "Rock A Bye." Day...
Jan 22, 2026•35 min•Ep. 77
In this episode of Music Matters (NAMM Show edition) we dive into the complex and ever-evolving world of music industry trademarks and intellectual property. Our guest is internationally recognized entertainment, trademark, and intellectual property attorney-and accomplished musician-Ronald S. Bienstock, joining us from his offices in Morristown, New Jersey. Together, we explore the legal foundations that protect artists, brands, and creative work in today's global music business. More about att...
Jan 15, 2026•47 min•Ep. 76
Las Vegas-based funky soul favorites Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns make theirNAMM Show debut on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Saturday, January 24 4:30-6 PM in Anaheim, California. Trumpet player and acclaimed musician Danny Falcone joins the podcast to talk about the band's journey, their upcoming NAMM performance, and his rich family musical legacy that continues to shape his career. More about Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns This band is the culmination of the dreams of all of the ind...
Jan 08, 2026•17 min•Ep. 75
Well known concert pianist Kimball Gallagher has made a huge impact on the lives of countless young people through his global non profit "88 International" Kimball Gallagher recently wrapped a two-week U.S. tour with the Tunisia 88 Alumni Choir, a group of young musicians who helped build those clubs from the ground up to what eventually became 88 International. The tour moved through universities, community spaces, and cultural institutions along the East Coast, with collaborations at Yale, Pri...
Jan 03, 2026•23 min•Ep. 74
Rick Morse is a Senior Financial Advisor along with being a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Long Island, NY. In this episode Rick talks about music, your money, and planning your future! Rick graduated from Ithaca College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and the Sports & Enterta...
Dec 28, 2025•32 min•Ep. 73
About Michael Hampton After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name "Kidd Funkadelic". Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countries across 6 continents. Highlights include multiple appearances at world-renowned festivals like Montreux Jazz, Glastonbury, Reading, Woodstock '99, C...
Dec 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 72
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, ...
Dec 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 71
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...
Dec 06, 2025•56 min•Ep. 70
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 ...
Nov 30, 2025•23 min•Ep. 69
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.b...
Nov 25, 2025•32 min•Ep. 68
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 he...
Nov 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 67
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 liv...
Nov 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 66
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 world...
Nov 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 65
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,” a...
Oct 29, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 64
The International group "The Salt Collective" are releasing the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2023 album debut, Life. Their second full-length release "A Brief History of Blindness" is a widescreen exploration of hope, memory, and resilience that features contributions from Aimee Mann, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Andy Partridge (XTC), and Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) among others (writing credits and list of featured performers below). A Brief History of Blindness is being released on 12" LP viny...
Oct 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 63
Descenes and Discords: An Anthology is the new book release from longtime music publicist, writer, and musician Howard Wuelfing offering a powerful time capsule of the birth and early evolution of punk music through the pages of two influential fanzines: Descenes and Discords. These publications, originally printed and distributed in Washington, D.C. during the late 1970s and early 1980s, captured the raw energy, irreverent spirit, and revolutionary ethos of the underground music scene — the fir...
Sep 14, 2025•54 min•Ep. 62
The Silver Snails are an independent pop rock music project based in Italy and Portland, OR. Our mission is to open human hearts through sound and light and our goal is to create the world's finest pop rock for a global audience. We debuted our project with 'The 7 Melodies' in 2012 and are now releasing our sophomore album, Speed of Light. The new album consists of 9 originals and 1 cover lovingly crafted over a 10 year period. Speed of Light was co-produced by Dylan Magierek of Badman records, ...
Sep 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 61
Born in the heart of Seattle's early '90s scene, Sweet Water forged their own path - mixing glam, punk, power pop into something raw, loud, soulful, and unforgettable. While the world was grunge-obsessed, they chased melody and groove, channeling rock's golden age with a high-voltage twist. Their early records were lightning in a bottle. Tracks like "Everything Will Be Alright" and "Superstar" earned a cult following, fueled by massive hooks and frontman Adam Czeisler's Bowie-meets-Lou Reed swag...
Aug 28, 2025•50 min•Ep. 60
Josh Hight's new release "In His Wake" from his project PINES was shaped by grief, disillusionment, and a search for something beyond the visible world. The songs here are intimate and expansive, fusing the weight of lived experience with a sense of mysticism and emotional pull. This is music made from memory, distance, and quiet intensity, possessing a rich sonic depth, blending shoegaze, slow-burn Americana, and dreamlike psychedelia. Special guests include Andy Bell ( Ride , Oasis ) on guitar...
Aug 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 59
Frank Hannon Releases New All-Guitar Instrumental music with a single titled "Walk in the Rain" as the first preview of the full length album titled "Reflections" due for release this coming May 2025. Renowned for his soulful playing and electrifying guitar solos, Frank Hannon-legendary guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of Tesla-returns with a brand-new album showcasing his mastery of the instrument. This latest release is an all-guitar instrumental record, highlighting Hannon's deep passion...
Aug 11, 2025•37 min•Ep. 58
Well known indie artist Rebecca Pidgeon conceived of her upcoming release "Unillusion" (August 29th release)as a more relaxed and intimate recording from the start to contrast with the intricate, polished, layered sound of her most recent albums. When she discussed her ideas with Perdomo, he had her look at episodes of MTV Unplugged series and Rebecca decided then and there, "It felt like the right approach —minimal, human, with moments that are as stripped down as just voice and acoustic guitar...
Aug 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 57
Jamie James is a songwriter and musician who has been making music his whole life, and this Spring, he released his debut solo album, Straight Up, recorded with some longtime bandmates. James has always been into the blues and blues rock, and he's known for his work with Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, longtime collaborations with the late Harry Dean Stanton, and as the frontman of the '80s rockabilly trio The Kingbees. Rejoined with friends Tom Walsh (drums), Ken Stange (organ), and Tom Mancilla...
Aug 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 56
Asha Maclean is a 19 year old singer, songwriter, and dancer who first gained recognition while posting videos of herself dancing and covering popular songs online. She was born and raised in New York City, where she developed a strong passion for hip-hop, rao, and pop music along with its culture. Her love of music also inspired her role as part of a city-wide competitive hip-hop dance team. Asha's unique vocal stylings, honest and emotional lyrical content, urban and pop production style, alon...
Jul 28, 2025•14 min•Ep. 55
AMP (A.D.A.M. Music Project) was founded by Adam DeGraide with the idea that collaboration is the one of the best ways to make music, AMP was born. The BAND is unique because it features many different singers and musicians from all walks of life. The songs are inspired by video game characters from games both new and old. Check out their latest single "Punch Out" on all streaming platforms including Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/0DzlQTT6UGVzvTkoe4TEh4?si=ec6ea02eedeb4cfb Website www.Ad...
Jul 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 54
Blending seasoned musicianship, soulful vocals, introspective lyrics and inspired music, his latest release "Truce" represents an exciting milestone in the body of work from a songwriter who has paid his dues! About Robert Scheffler: Songwriter, singer and guitarist Robert Scheffler has been called a"songwriter's writer" and "unquestionably one of the best performers in the New York area" by local reviewers. Previous record releases include Needles (EP), Pretty Town and Life of Luxury (including...
Jul 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 53
