In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with acclaimed artist manager, coach, and "Be Your Own Star" founder Christina Baur, joining us from her offices in Munich, Germany, for an inspiring conversation about music, artist development, and building success in today's industry.

About Christina

Christina is an artist manager, coach and mentor and has been working with musicians for over a decade. She works for an international artist management company based in London and Los Angeles and, in 2021, she founded her own platform: Be Your Own Star. She has experience with international bookings, contract negotiations, strategic career planning, website and brand development, single and release strategies, touring, festivals and online marketing.

Having worked with artists at all stages of their careers, Christina brings a practical, honest perspective on navigating the music industry, something that could offer your audience both actionable insight and real encouragement as they build their own paths.

You can learn more about Christina here:

https://en.beyourownstar.com/about

www.Instagram.com/beyourown.star

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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with Sacha Mattey, Head of Business Partnerships at Darkroom Records, the powerhouse label behind global superstar Billie Eilish. Tune in for an inside look at the business of modern music, strategic artist partnerships, and the inner workings of one of today's most influential record labels.

About Sacha

Sacha Mattey is the Lead of Business Partnerships at Darkroom Records, where he drives the company's strategic growth across finance, operations, and dealmaking. Overseeing internal and external financial transparency, Mattey plays a central role in building the infrastructure behind one of music's most influential independent labels.

At Darkroom, Mattey has led and supported high-impact initiatives across the roster, including securing brand partnerships for Waylon Wyatt with leading lifestyle brands such as Wrangler and Ariat-spanning major activations at Stagecoach and custom Wrangler outfitting for Zach Bryan's Hyde Park show in London. He also played a key role in structuring John Summit's Experts Only partnership with Darkroom, leading deal conversations alongside label manager Toby Andrews, building financial forecasts, and establishing the internal infrastructure and team to successfully onboard and scale the venture.

Website www.DarkRoomRecords.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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

In this episode of Music Matters host Darrell Craig Harris speaks with percussion outlaw and influential creative Bob Bert, a veteran of Sonic Youth and Pussy Galore among many other determinedly button-pushing ensembles with an interview. Venerable indie label Bar/None Records is releasing his LONG overdue solo album Beach Bongo Bloodbath which was recorded at Deepsea Studios in Bert's hometown Hoboken, NJ

About Bob

Bob Bert is a highly influential drummer, artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose work helped define the downtown New York art and alternative music scenes. Best known for his groundbreaking drumming with Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, and Lydia Lunch, Bert also worked within the orbit of Andy Warhol's iconic creative world, contributing to one of the most culturally influential eras in modern art and music. Beyond the stage, Bob's work spans visual art, writing, and storytelling, cementing his legacy as a true creative force whose influence continues to resonate across generations.

Social Media www.Instagram.com/therealbobbert

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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

In this Music Matters episode host Darrell Craig Harris speaks with The Claudettes prolific bandleader, composer, and producer Johnny Iguana from his home in Chicago. Johnny has toured and recorded with a long list of legends in the blues and rock world including members of The Rolling Stones!

The Claudettes:

Six albums into their lauded career, the Claudettes (of Chicago) continue to put a fascinating new spin on American roots music.

Blues and R&B are laced with punk spirit and film-noir moods to create the band's singular "garage cabaret" sound. The Claudettes have earned worldwide acclaim with their recordings and concerts that are equal parts heart, musicianship and theatrical flair. Force-of-nature vocalist Rachel Williams (who dominates the stage like a glam-rock rebirth of Annie Lennox) and renowned pianist/songwriter Johnny Iguana join the positively heroic rhythm section of Zach Verdoorn (bass, guitar, vocals) and Michael Caskey (drums).

Outside the Claudettes, Iguana has toured with Junior Wells and Otis Rush, played on many Grammy-nominated albums and recorded with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Derek Trucks, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Johnny Winter and more. Johnny is also composer of the score for the Emmy-winning smash FX/Hulu series "The Bear" and has released two solo albums on the eminent Chicago blues/jazz label Delmark Records.

website www.TheClaudettes.com

www.Instagram.com/the_claudettes

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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

n this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with top jam band festival promoter and Dark Star Orchestra manager Tim Walther.

Tim shares his journey through the world of live music, including his deep connection to the Grateful Dead, managing iconic jam bands, and producing some of the genre's biggest festivals. From behind-the-scenes stories to insights on what it takes to build legendary live music experiences, this conversation is a must-listen for fans of the jam band scene and the music industry alike.

Tune in for an inside look at the culture, business, and passion behind the jam band movement.

www.AllGoodPresents.com

www.AllGoodNow.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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

In this episode of Music Matters, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down for an engaging and insightful conversation with Dr. Janice McLean DeLoatch to discuss the mission of the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Janice McLean DeLoatch is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs and women in the entertainment industry. As an entrepreneur and songwriter herself, Janice realized that songwriter awards policies have barred women from achieving parity and recognition in comparison to male songwriters. The impact is many women in the music industry rarely achieving recognition or accolades. Thus, Janice created the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame to honor women whose work represents the heritage and legacy of the world's music songbook. She serves as the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman.

www.womensongwritershalloffame.org

www.Instagram.com/womensongwritershalloffame

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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

On this episode of the MusicMatters Podcast, host Darrell Craig Harris sits down with acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, and indie rock artist Ali Handal for an in-depth conversation on creativity, tone, and the modern music journey.

Ali shares insights into her approach to songwriting, developing a signature guitar sound, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the independent music scene. The discussion also dives into her work with Venus Guitars, exploring how the instrument you choose can shape your voice as an artist and influence your performance both in the studio and on stage.

From touring experiences to artistic inspiration, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a lasting career as a guitarist and songwriter in today's industry.

Website www.alihandal.com

www.instagram.com/alihandalmusic

www.venus-guitars.com

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JG9RkDazTt64kyVpQDc5N?si=Hb_wHXEWSACf6voEc10shQ

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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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

In this episode of Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris, we sit down with music industry powerhouse Laura B Whitmore founder of the She Rocks Awards, and Senior Marketing Director for Positive Grid. Laura is a highly respected marketing executive who has worked with some of the biggest brands in music.

Laura shares her incredible journey through the music business, offering insight into what it takes to build a lasting career behind the scenes. We dive into her work supporting women in music, the impact of the She Rocks Awards, and how artists and industry professionals can position themselves for success in today's evolving landscape.

From branding and marketing to navigating major industry shifts, this conversation is packed with valuable advice for musicians, creatives, and anyone looking to better understand the business side of music.

• Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion with one of the most influential voices in the music industry today.

www.thewimn.com (She Rocks Awards)

www.positivegrid.com

www.Instagram.com/laurabwhitmore

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 Sports Illustrated 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, over 1,000,000 global downloads in 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