Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

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: [email protected]

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

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

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: [email protected]

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

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

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: [email protected]

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

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

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: [email protected]

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

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer

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: [email protected]

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

 voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer