Hart O' The Matter

Matthew Hartnett
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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,

  1. Why The Music Media Ia Losing All Credibility?

    4H AGO

    Why The Music Media Ia Losing All Credibility?

    Matt and Chris dive straight into the growing problem inside modern music journalism and explain why the industry feels more chaotic than ever. They break down how readers increasingly react to headlines instead of reading the full article, and how that habit fuels misinformation, outrage cycles, and shallow reporting. This episode explores how the speed of social media has changed the way music stories spread and why nuance is disappearing from conversations about artists, albums, and the industry itself.Chris shares a real example that perfectly captures the problem. After reposting an interview that originally ran more than five years ago, multiple outlets picked it up and reported it as if it were brand new news. Matt and Chris unpack how this happened, why nobody verified the original source, and what this moment says about the pressure on modern media to publish quickly instead of accurately. The story reveals how easily narratives can spin out of control when people react to headlines instead of checking the context.The conversation expands into a deeper look at how activism and personal branding have begun to replace traditional reporting standards in parts of modern journalism. Matt and Chris question whether some writers now see themselves as the center of the story instead of the artists, the music, or the facts. They examine how opinion, commentary, and advocacy can blur the line between reporting and performance, and they ask whether audiences are losing trust as a result.This episode challenges listeners to think critically about the media they consume, the stories they share, and the role readers play in shaping the news cycle. Matt and Chris encourage viewers to slow down, read beyond the headline, and demand better from the outlets that cover the music world. If you care about music, media, and how information spreads online, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.#musicjournalism #musicmedia #musicnews #mediacriticism #journalismtoday #musicindustry #musicdiscussion #mediaanalysis #journalismethics #musiccommentary #digitalmedia #newsculture #headlineculture #musicpodcast #musicindustrytalk #independentmedia #medialiteracy #musiccommunity #musicfans #modernjournalismSubscribe & listen to Hart O’The Matter on all podcast platforms platforms:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hart-o-the-matter/id1695274203Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/3MfPSHp6LH09zdsL9wY0Zb**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!

    40 min
  2. Vintage Standard | DEF LEPPARD- 'HIGH 'N' DRY'

    1D AGO

    Vintage Standard | DEF LEPPARD- 'HIGH 'N' DRY'

    Subscribe & listen to Hart O’The Matter on all podcast platforms platforms:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hart-o-the-matter/id1695274203Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/3MfPSHp6LH09zdsL9wY0ZbMatt & Tom dive back into the VINTAGE STANDARD series and discuss a 1981 early metal classic: DEF LEPPARD - 'High 'N' Dry'' and discuss how producer Mutt Lange gave rise to the youngsters out of Sheffield, UK.

    19 min
  3. Do Rock & Metal Fans Want Meaning or Just Heavy Riffs?

    6D AGO

    Do Rock & Metal Fans Want Meaning or Just Heavy Riffs?

    Subscribe & listen to Hart O’The Matter on all podcast platforms platforms:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hart-o-the-matter/id1695274203Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/3MfPSHp6LH09zdsL9wY0ZbMatt and Tom break down the recent interview comments from legendary vocalist Joe Lynn Turner about his 2022 album Belly Of The Beast. Turner believes the album’s message never reached enough listeners, sparking a bigger conversation about how fans actually experience music.Do rock and metal fans care about the message behind the lyrics, or is the music itself what really matters?Matt and Tom explore whether audiences actively search for meaning in songs or simply connect with the sound and energy. They also examine the difference between clearly delivering a message and allowing listeners to interpret lyrics in their own way.Should artists spell out their intent, or does mystery create deeper engagement?The discussion dives into how iconic rock and metal songs have balanced powerful riffs with meaningful lyrics. The guys also consider whether modern audiences listen differently than fans from previous generations.This episode explores the psychology of music fandom, lyrical interpretation, and the role of storytelling in rock and metal. If you love analyzing the deeper side of music, this conversation will challenge how you think about the songs you love.Do you listen for the message, the music, or both? Join the conversation in the comments.#RockMusic #HeavyMetal #JoeLynnTurner #DeepPurple #RainbowBand #RockDiscussion #MusicDebate #RockFans #MetalFans #MusicPodcast #MusicAnalysis #RockAndMetalPlease SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

    24 min
  4. VINTAGE STANDARD: RIOT - 'Fire Down Under'

    MAR 2

    VINTAGE STANDARD: RIOT - 'Fire Down Under'

    Subscribe & listen to Hart O’The Matter on all podcast platforms platforms:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hart-o-the-matter/id1695274203Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/3MfPSHp6LH09zdsL9wY0ZbMatt & ex-Aftershocks TV co-host Tom Brennan dive back into the VINTAGE CLASSIC series and discuss a 1981 metal classic: RIOT - 'Fire Down Under' and discuss the band's history and under appreciated legacy. #riot #firedownunder #classicmetal #80smetal #metalhead #riot #FireDownUnder #classicmetal #heavymetal #1980sMetal #metalpodcast #VintageMetal #metalhistory #usmetal #metalheads #albumreview #underappreciated

    27 min
  5. Are Fallen Metal Icons Behind The Genre's Decline?

    FEB 26

    Are Fallen Metal Icons Behind The Genre's Decline?

    Is heavy metal losing its grip on culture, or is it evolving into something unrecognizable? Matt and Chris tackle the question head-on as they break down whether the genre has been fading since the passing of icons like Ozzy Osbourne. They draw from raw, recent live show experiences to measure the pulse of today’s heavy music scene. They challenge the idea that metal is dead and ask where its rebellious spirit has actually gone.The guys dig into the loss of mystique that once made heavy metal dangerous and unpredictable. They examine how social media has pulled back the curtain and exposed every backstage argument, contract dispute, and personal meltdown. They question whether constant online access has weakened the larger-than-life aura that once fueled the genre’s power. They also confront how political rhetoric from bands and artists has deepened division within fanbases and fractured once-united scenes.Matt and Chris take a hard look at the rise of paid meet and greets and premium fan packages. They ask whether monetized access has replaced authentic connection. They debate whether these practices build loyalty or quietly erode the foundation of what made heavy music feel real. #HeavyMetal #MetalMusic #RockAndRoll #OzzyOsbourne #MetalScene #LiveMusic #MusicDebate #RockFans #MetalHeads #MusicIndustry #ConcertLife #BackstagePass #MusicCulture #HardRock #MetalCommunity #MusicPodcast #BandLife #RockDiscussion #MusicFans #MetalRevival**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!

    33 min
  6. Has Heavy Metal Historically Been Defined By Tragedy?

    FEB 25

    Has Heavy Metal Historically Been Defined By Tragedy?

    To listen to the audio version of Hart O'The Matter, subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify:Matt and Chris dive headfirst into Hulu’s gripping 8-part series Into The Void and break down every powerful moment. They explore how the series captures the personal struggles, tragic turning points, and cultural shockwaves that shaped heavy metal history. They analyze whether the show delivers a balanced tribute or leans too heavily into the darkness that has haunted the genre. They debate whether Into The Void honors the spirit of metal or reduces it to chaos and controversy. They share what worked, what missed the mark, and what the series means for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Join the conversation and tell us whether you think Into The Void captured the soul of heavy metal or distorted it. Your voice matters in this debate. #intothevoid #heavymetal #metalhistory #RandyRhoads #dimebagdarrell #pantera #judaspriest #metalculture #rockdocumentary #musicdebate #metalfans #truecrimemusic #huluseries #musicreview #rocklegends #metalcommunity #headbangers #musicpodcast #rockhistory #metaldiscussion **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!Watch More from Yesterday's America🟢 /  @hartothematter  _____________________________________________________⚠️ Copyright Disclaimers• We use images and content in accordance with the YouTube Fair Use copyright guidelines• Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.” • This video could contain certain copyrighted video clips, pictures, or photographs that were not specifically authorized to be used by the copyright holder(s), but which we believe in good faith are protected by federal law and the fair use doctrine for one or more of the reasons noted above.

    34 min
  7. The Curious Case of ACID BATH

    FEB 16

    The Curious Case of ACID BATH

    Host Matt Hartnett sits down with author, journalist, and former Aftershocks TV co-host Chris Akin to unpack one of the most shocking developments in modern heavy music. They dive into the continued rise of 90s alt-metal and sludge cult legends Acid Bath, a band that has not released new music since the late 1990s yet continues to gain momentum. The conversation centers on the explosive announcement that Acid Bath will join stadium powerhouses Queens Of The Stone Age and System Of A Down on a massive European Stadium Tour in Summer 2026.How does an obscure underground band from Louisiana climb onto one of the biggest rock tours in the world decades after their last studio release? Why are younger fans discovering their catalog in record numbers while industry veterans struggle to explain the surge? Matt & Chris challenge long-held industry assumptions about relevance, promotion, and longevity in heavy music. They explore whether authenticity and cult status now outweigh traditional marketing strategies and radio exposure. This episode delivers bold theories, sharp analysis, and a deep look at a phenomenon that is baffling journalists and music business professionals everywhere.#AcidBath #QueensOfTheStoneAge #SystemOfADown #AltMetal #SludgeMetal #HeavyMetal #RockMusic #MetalCommunity #MusicIndustry #StadiumTour #90sMetal #MetalNews**Please SUBSCRIBE, click the notification bell, leave a comment or a like, and share this episode!

    28 min
  8. Instrumental Forever: The Story Of Karma To Burn w/ author Justin Johnson

    FEB 10

    Instrumental Forever: The Story Of Karma To Burn w/ author Justin Johnson

    On this episode of Hart O' The Matter, host Matt Hartnett sits down with author Justin Johnson to dive deep into Instrumental Forever: The Story Of Karma To Burn, the definitive account of one of heavy music’s most uncompromising bands. This conversation traces the rise of the mostly instrumental trio from West Virginia and the raw early 90s Appalachian heavy rock and metal scene that helped propel them onto the global stage.Matt and Justin unpack the band’s Roadrunner Records debut in 1997 and why it became such a cult classic. They explore how Karma To Burn’s sound stood apart from their peers and why that debut record remains so influential decades later. The discussion paints a vivid picture of a band operating on instinct, volume, and riffs rather than convention.The episode also digs into Karma To Burn’s long and frustrating search for a vocalist who truly fit their sound. Justin details the near-miss with Kyuss legend John Garcia, how close it came to becoming permanent, and why legal issues with Kyuss’ label ultimately shut the door. It’s a fascinating look at how industry politics can derail creative momentum.Matt and Justin then get into the band’s contentious relationship with Roadrunner Records. They discuss the pressure to find a frontman, the label’s role in the band ultimately going fully instrumental, and how those struggles shaped Karma To Burn’s identity. This section sheds light on the realities of navigating a major independent label in the 90s metal world.The conversation continues through the band’s initial breakup after their third album and the unrealized fourth record that would have featured Pepper Keenan, Neil Fallon, and Burton C. Bell. Justin explains why that project never materialized and what it could have meant for the band’s trajectory.They also cover Karma To Burn’s 2009 comeback, the release of two more full-length albums, and the renewed creative fire that followed. The episode reflects on the band’s final chapter after the tragic death of guitarist and mainman Will Mecum and what his legacy means to heavy music.Finally, Matt and Justin discuss Rich Mullins and Nathan Limbaugh’s recent project with John Garcia and Bill Kelliher of Mastodon. They explore whether the reportedly completed songs might ever see the light of day and what fans can realistically hope for. Justin also shares what drove him to write Instrumental Forever and why Karma To Burn’s story still matters.#HartOTheMatter #KarmaToBurn #InstrumentalForever #HeavyRock #StonerRock #DesertRock #RoadrunnerRecords #MusicPodcast #MetalPodcast #RockHistory #90sMetal #AppalachianRock #JustinJacksonAuthor #MattHartnett #Kyuss #JohnGarcia #WillMecum #UndergroundMetal #HeavyMusic #RockBook

    1h 16m
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About

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,

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Hartnett
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Hartnett
  • Show Website
    Hart O' The Matter

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