Hart O'The Matter

Matthew Hartnett

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Music History
Updated Weekly

Hart O' The Matter on Spotify for Podcasters is a collective of interviews, discussions and debates on all things music business with an emphasis on rock music. The show is hosted by filmmaker (Lifers) and music business veteran Matt Hartnett who has also co-hosted several podcasts including Shockwaves Skullsessions w/ Bob Nalbandian (RIP 2022), Aftershocks TV and The Heavy Galaxy Show,

Aug 9

Why Are So Many Rock & Metal Venues Closing?

San Diego’s iconic rock and metal venue Brick by Brick has closed its doors, and Matt Hartnett is sounding the alarm about what this means for the future of live music.In this episode, Matt examines the growing wave of legendary independent venues closing across the United States. He digs into the numbers, explores the forces reshaping the live music business, and explains why the continued loss of these venues could create serious consequences for rock and metal bands.Matt also revisits his prediction on Aftershocks TV that independent venues would face increasing pressure after Live Nation introduced its “On The Road Again” program. He argues that the program could ultimately give major players even more control over the live music ecosystem and make it harder for independent venues to survive.More than 50 venues have reportedly closed since the pandemic, creating a rapidly changing landscape for musicians, promoters, fans, and local music communities. Every closure removes another stage where emerging bands can build an audience, develop their live shows, and connect with fans.What happens when independent venues disappear? Can rock and metal continue to grow without the clubs that have traditionally provided the foundation for the next generation of bands?Matt breaks down the data, connects the dots, and explains why the loss of independent venues could have a lasting impact on the rock and metal scene across the country.Watch the full episode, share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know whether you think independent venues can survive the changing live music industry.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!**NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. **#RockMusic #MetalMusic #LiveMusic #RockAndRoll #HeavyMetal #Metalhead #RockBands #IndependentVenues #MusicIndustry #LiveNation #BrickByBrick #SanDiegoMusic #Concerts #MusicVenues #IndependentMusic #RockScene #MetalScene #MusicBusiness #SupportLiveMusic #AftershocksTV
Jul 20

Did Chuck Schuldiner Predict Modern Metal?

Did Chuck Schuldiner predict the future of metal? In this episode, Matt and Erik dive into one of the most thought-provoking debates in heavy music: whether the legendary Death frontman's warnings about the growing fragmentation of metal still hold true today. As countless subgenres emerged during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Schuldiner questioned whether splitting the scene into smaller niches would weaken the unity that once made metal such a powerful cultural force. Decades later, was he right?Matt and Erik explore whether the explosion of death metal, black metal, doom, metalcore, deathcore, djent, slam, and countless other styles has strengthened creativity or divided fans into isolated communities. They examine whether today's scene is less visible because audiences have become fragmented, or whether this evolution is simply the natural progression of any thriving genre. The conversation also tackles the role of identity, fashion, personalities, and subcultures in shaping modern metal, asking whether these divisions developed organically or were driven by industry trends and fan culture.Whether you agree with Chuck Schuldiner or think metal has never been stronger, this episode delivers a thoughtful discussion that challenges assumptions about the past, present, and future of heavy music. Join Matt and Erik as they unpack one of metal's biggest questions and share your perspective in the comments. Does metal need unity to thrive, or is its diversity the very reason it continues to evolve?#Metal #DeathMetal #ChuckSchuldiner #DeathBand #HeavyMetal #MetalCommunity #Metalhead #ExtremeMetal #MetalPodcast #MetalDiscussion #ThrashMetal #BlackMetal #DoomMetal #Metalcore #Deathcore #Djent #RockMusic #MusicPodcast #MetalScene #HeadbangersNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
Jul 14

Is the Band Name More Important Than the Lineup?

When does a legendary band stop being the band fans fell in love with? On this episode of Hart O'The Matter, Matt and Tom dive into one of rock and metal's biggest debates after Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner revealed that he doesn't see the band continuing once founding members Rob Halford and Ian Hill are gone. His comments raise a bigger question that every music fan has an opinion on: when should a band call it a day? Should a group continue with no original members, one original member, or is there a point where the name means more than the lineup? Matt and Tom share their honest takes while exploring the complicated legacy of some of rock's most iconic bands.The conversation covers the unique situations surrounding bands including Pantera, Ratt, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, and others that have faced lineup changes, reunions, and questions about authenticity. The guys also revisit the late, great filmmaker Bob Nalbandian's acclaimed documentary Band vs. Brand, discussing why its message remains just as relevant today as it was when it was released. Whether you believe the music should live on regardless of the lineup or think every band has a natural ending, this episode delivers a thoughtful discussion that every classic rock and heavy metal fan should hear.#JudasPriest #RichieFaulkner #RobHalford #IanHill #HeavyMetal #ClassicRock #RockMusic #Metalheads #Pantera #ThinLizzy #ACDC #Ratt #BandVsBrand #BobNalbandian #MusicPodcast #RockPodcast #MusicDiscussion #MetalCommunity #RockLegends #HartOTheMatterNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
Jun 29

Should Rock & Metal Fans Expect More From Today's Artists?

Rock and metal fans often demand innovation, but does today's music industry make that possible? On this episode of Hart O'The Matter, Matt and Erik tackle the biggest challenges facing modern rock and metal. They examine whether fans should expect stronger songwriting, greater musical creativity, and more memorable live performances in an era where artist development has largely disappeared.The conversation explores how the collapse of traditional artist development has changed the quality of both recorded music and live shows. Matt and Erik discuss why so many fans continue to embrace familiar bands, classic albums, and nostalgic experiences instead of searching for new artists. They ask whether the lack of musical innovation has fueled the growing preference for music audiences already know.The guys also examine how modern technology has reshaped the creative process. Many bands now write and record through file sharing instead of collaborating in the same room. Matt and Erik debate whether this approach limits chemistry, spontaneity, and the creative energy that often produces unforgettable songs and albums.They also discuss why many musicians now devote more attention to recording than performing live. Has the focus shifted too far away from building exciting stage shows? Matt and Erik explain why this trend may contribute to declining live performance quality and why audiences have noticed the difference.Finally, the discussion turns to today's rock and metal community. Matt and Erik examine how many festivals have evolved into social gatherings where fans reconnect with friends and enjoy a shared culture. They ask whether the music has become secondary to the overall experience, especially as many festival audiences now fall within the 40-to-60 age range.If you care about the future of rock and metal, this episode delivers an honest discussion about creativity, performance, nostalgia, artist development, and where the genre may be heading next. Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.**NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. ** Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!#Rock #Metal #HardRock #HeavyMetal #MusicIndustry #RockMusic #MetalMusic #LiveMusic #LivePerformance #ArtistDevelopment #NewMusic #MusicDiscussion #MusicPodcast #RockPodcast #MetalPodcast #MusicFans #Concerts #MusicCulture #RockCommunity #MetalCommunity
Jun 23

How Did Legs Diamond Become Rock's Best-Kept Secret?

Hard rock history is packed with legendary albums, but some records never received the recognition they deserved. In this episode of Hart O'The Matter's Vintage Standard series, Matt and Tom take a deep dive into Legs Diamond's sophomore album, A Diamond Is A Hard Rock, and explore why this powerful release remains one of the most overlooked hard rock records of its era.Often referred to as the "American Deep Purple," Legs Diamond delivered a dynamic blend of heavy riffs, strong songwriting, and exceptional musicianship that rivaled many of the bigger names dominating the rock scene during the late 1970s. Matt and Tom examine what made this album stand out, why it failed to achieve mainstream success despite its quality, and how it has earned lasting respect among dedicated hard rock and heavy metal fans.The discussion also explores the band's surprisingly massive cult following in San Antonio, Texas, a city that embraced Legs Diamond in a way few other markets did. The guys break down the band's career, their musical strengths, and the reasons they may have been overshadowed during a decade overflowing with incredible hard rock releases. If you enjoy discovering hidden gems, underrated albums, and forgotten bands that deserved a much bigger spotlight, this is an episode you won't want to miss.#LegsDiamond #HardRock #HeavyMetal #ClassicRock #VintageStandard #AlbumReview #RockHistory #AmericanDeepPurple #SeventiesRock #UnderratedAlbums #HeavyRock #RockPodcast #MetalPodcast #HardRockBands #ClassicAlbums #MusicReview #RockFans #CultClassic #RockAndRoll #MusicDiscussionNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
Jun 21

Did Banaman Expose a Problem in Hardcore?

The hardcore scene is exploding with debate after the now-infamous "Banaman" incident in Toronto. On this episode, Matt and guitarist Erik Kluiber break down the moment that has fans, musicians, and promoters arguing about where the line should be drawn between crowd participation, performance art, and public humiliation. During End It's set, the Baltimore hardcore band announced that they would give away their setlist to anyone willing to remove a banana costume from a crowd member. What happened next sparked immediate controversy across the hardcore community and beyond. Was it all part of the chaotic spirit that hardcore and punk have always embraced, or did the band cross a line that should never have been crossed?Erik argues that the incident was rooted in the rebellious tradition of punk and hardcore, where unpredictability, audience interaction, and pushing boundaries have always been part of the culture. Matt takes a different view, pointing to the long-standing history of crowds policing their own behavior and questioning whether scenes that embrace cancel culture should be surprised when those same standards are applied to artists and fans alike.The discussion also examines the fallout surrounding End It, including reports that the band has been removed from promotional materials for their Fall 2026 European tour dates alongside Life Of Agony and Hatebreed. What does this reaction say about the current state of heavy music? Are scenes becoming more restrictive, or are fans simply demanding accountability?If you follow hardcore, punk, metal, or music culture in general, this conversation dives deep into one of the most talked-about controversies of the year. Watch until the end and join the debate in the comments. Did End It take the stunt too far, or is this exactly the kind of chaos that hardcore was built on?#Hardcore #PunkRock #EndIt #Banaman #TorontoHardcore #HardcoreMusic #PunkCulture #MetalCommunity #LifeOfAgony #Hatebreed #MusicNews #ConcertCulture #LiveMusic #HardcoreScene #PunkScene #MetalPodcast #MusicDiscussion #AlternativeMusic #UndergroundMusic #MusicControversyNOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts.Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
Jun 8

Vicious Rumors' Original Drummer Speaks Out: The Full Story

Vicious Rumors drummer Larry Howe breaks his silence and tells his side of one of the most controversial stories in heavy metal today. On this exclusive episode of Hart O'The Matter, Matt sits down with Howe to discuss the events that led to his departure from Vicious Rumors after spending the better part of four decades behind the drum kit. Howe addresses the canceled shows in Germany during the band's current European tour and explains how political posts on his social media became a catalyst for the controversy. He reveals what happened behind the scenes, shares details about conversations with band leader Geoff Thorpe, and explains why he believes his dismissal was inevitable once the situation escalated. The conversation dives deep into the growing pressure artists face when expressing personal beliefs online. Howe discusses the fear many musicians have of speaking openly due to potential backlash from promoters, venues, and social media campaigns. He also explains why he felt compelled to speak out despite the possible consequences to his career and reputation. In a candid and unfiltered interview, Howe reflects on his long history with Vicious Rumors, the legacy he helped build, and the irony he sees in being removed from a band whose music often championed themes of freedom, individuality, and standing up for personal convictions. This is a revealing discussion about music, censorship, personal responsibility, and the realities of navigating today's entertainment landscape. If you're a longtime Vicious Rumors fan, a heavy metal enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of music and free expression, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #ViciousRumors #LarryHowe #HeavyMetal #GeoffThorpe #MetalInterview #HartOTheMatter #MetalNews #ClassicMetal #PowerMetal #MetalCommunity #RockMusic #MusicPodcast #MetalFans #MusicIndustry #FreeSpeech #MetalCulture #HeavyMetalNews #RockAndMetal #MetalLegend #MusicDiscussion **NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. ** Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!
Jun 3

Was Last In Line Better Than Holy Diver?

Ronnie James Dio didn't just front one of heavy metal's most influential bands—he helped define the sound and image of an entire generation. In this episode of Hart O'The Matter's Vintage Standard series, Matt and Tom take a deep dive into Dio's landmark second album, Last In Line, and explore why it remains one of the most important metal records of the 1980s. The guys examine how Ronnie James Dio rose to become one of the greatest vocalists in heavy metal history despite never receiving formal vocal training. They break down the unique qualities that made his voice legendary and discuss the impact he left on rock and metal for decades to come. Matt and Tom also tackle one of metal's most debated questions: Is Last In Line actually better than Dio's classic debut album, Holy Diver? They compare the strengths of both records, analyze the songwriting, and look at how the band evolved between the two releases. The conversation also shines a spotlight on guitarist Vivian Campbell and his remarkable contributions to the album. The guys discuss his incredible talent, the maturity of his songwriting at such a young age, and why many fans view this era as the peak of his creative output. Beyond the music itself, Matt and Tom explore how Last In Line helped push heavy metal forward during a transformative decade. They discuss the album's influence on the genre, the importance of MTV in expanding metal's reach, and how the unforgettable video for the title track helped cement Dio's place in music history.If you're a fan of classic metal, Ronnie James Dio, Vivian Campbell, or the golden age of 1980s hard rock and heavy metal, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #RonnieJamesDio #DioBand #LastInLine #HolyDiver #HeavyMetal #ClassicMetal #VivianCampbell #MetalHistory #EightiesMetal #HardRock **NOTE: Everything said here, and on every episode of all of our shows are 100% the opinions of the hosts. ** Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

Hart O' The Matter on Spotify for Podcasters is a collective of interviews, discussions and debates on all things music business with an emphasis on rock music. The show is hosted by filmmaker (Lifers) and music business veteran Matt Hartnett who has also co-hosted several podcasts including Shockwaves Skullsessions w/ Bob Nalbandian (RIP 2022), Aftershocks TV and The Heavy Galaxy Show,

Creator

Matthew Hartnett
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

37
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Matthew Hartnett
Show Website

Hart O'The Matter