Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

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, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Roskilde, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock, and Isle of Wight, and venues like the Apollo Theater, The Fillmore, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Troubadour, Red Rocks, The Beacon, and Sydney Opera House. Among Hampton's Funkadelic writing credits are group staples like "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!" and "Funk Gets Stronger", both released during the group's late-'70s/early-80s hit run. His lead guitar is also embedded in the DNA of 90s hip-hop's G-Funk movement-Dr. Dre's "Let Me Ride" samples Parliament's "Mothership Connection", Ice Cube's "Bop Gun" borrows elements of Funkadelic's "One Nation Under a Groove" Michael's latest album "Into the Public Domain" is available now on all streaming outlets.  Social Media: www.Instagram.com/michaelwhampton www.youtube.com/@MaWaHa Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Je4BDRuE01NHCoWlw5hG9?si=pECMNHHxT6-tUONc9pbi-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. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow 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        

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  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: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer      

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: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer  

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: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer  

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: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer