Hart O' The Matter

Matthew Hartnett

5.0 (1)
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,

1H AGO

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
5D AGO

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
07/03/2024

SS | DUEL guitarist/producer Jeff Henson

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt sits down with guitarist/producer Jeff Henson from Austin metal-heavy rock veterans DUEL. Henson discusses the band's new full-length 'Breakfast With Death' and the band's increased emphasis on metallic-driven songwriting over the last two records. The guys also discuss Henson's work as a producer at his renowned Red Nova Ranch studio in Texas, how he balances being a professional musician and studio maven, why it makes more sense to tour Europe over the US in the current state of the music business and much more.

57 min
06/10/2024

SS | Interview w/ HIGH DESERT QUEEN vocalist Ryan Garney

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with HIGH DESERT QUEEN vocalist to talk about the band's sophomore release 'Palm Reader'. The guys discuss the band's musical direction on the album and how Garney expanded his vocal range compare to the HDQ's debut full-length 'Secrets Of The Black Moon'. Ryan discusses their 2024' summer tour plans as well as how the band wound up fearing GAUPA vocalist Emma Naslund on the track 'Death Perception'. Garney fills us in on how he curated Ripplefest 2024' band lineup and the challenges he faces annually when selecting band's for the festival and much more.

1h 9m
05/29/2024

SS | Interview w/ ABRAMS guitarist/vocalist Zach Amster

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with guitarist/vocalist Zach Amster from Denver melodic-heavy rockers ABRAMS. The guys talk about the bands new album "Blue City", the band's ever-evolving sound recording at the renowned God City Studios in Salem, MA, the musical relationship between Zach and his twin brother and NEBULA/MONDO GENERATOR drummer Mike Amster, the bands upcoming summer 2024 US tour dates including an appearance at Desertfest 2024 and more.

40 min
05/16/2024

SS | HEAVY TEMPLE vocalist/bassist High Priestess Nighthawk

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS of the Underground Matt chats with bassist and frontwoman High Priestess Nighthawk to chat about the bands new album 'Garden Of Heathens'. They discuss the band's evolving musical style and approach, lyrical themes on the album, recording the album on a farm, favorite memory touring with Wino and The Obsessed, the band's upcoming headlining US Summer Tour with Valley of The Sun and more.

51 min
04/24/2024

SSOTU| Interview w/ STONE NOMADS

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with guitarist/vocalist Jon Cosky and bassist/vocalist Jude Sisk from Houston stoner-sludge trio STONE NOMADS. The guys discuss the recent remastering of the band's debut LP "...at the Gates of Solitude" and the contributions provided by TROUBLE/EXHORDER vocalist Kyle Thomas, Grammy award winning engineer Alan Douches and MONOLORD drummer Esben WIllems, their decades long musical relationship going back to their teenage years, challenges they face with touring in the modern day music business and much more.

1h 4m
04/07/2024

EP 3 | SUNDRIFTER/Sweden's Best Kept Secrets

On this week's episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt chats with drummer Patrick Queenan from Boston toner rock heavyweights SUNDRIFTER as the guys play a few tracks and chat about the trio's third full-length "An Earlier Time" which topped the Doom Charts for the month of February 2024'. Featuring new music from GREENLEAF, THE QUILL, ABRAMS, THE WATCHERS, TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH, MAX BOOGIE OVERDRIVE and classic tracks from Swedish desert rock legends DOZER, LOWRIDER, BLIND DOG & THE AWESOME MACHINE -------------------------------------------- Track Listing: INTRO - 00:00 Talk Segment 1: 00:55 GREENLEAF - 'Breathe, Breathe Out'- 03:30 THE QUILL- 'Wheel Of Illusion'- 08:59 MAX BOOGIE OVERDRIVE - 'Suffer Sister' - 12:58 Talk Segment 2: 15:58 ABRAMS - 'Fire Waltz'- 19:52 TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH - 'Cursed'- 24:04 THE WATCHERS- 'They Have No God'- 28:24 Talk Segment 3- 33:25 SUNDRIFTER - 'Begin Again'- 37:59 Interview SUNDRIFTER drummer Patrick Queenan- 44:36 Talk Segment 4 - 1:14:46 DOZER - 'Overheated' - 1:21:04 LOWRIDER - 'Dust Setllin'- 1:25:12 Talk Segment 5- 1:30:13 BLIND DOG - 'Thundergroove'- 1:36:14 THE AWESOME MACHINE - 'I Never Said I Never Fail' - 1:41:20 END - 1:43:47

1h 44m
04/04/2024

SSOTU | Interview w/ SUNDRIFTER drummer Patrick Queenan

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, Matt sits down with drummer Patrick Queenan from Boston heavy rockers SUNDRIFTER and talk about the trio's new full-length "An Earlier Time'. The guys discuss the early impact the album is having on the heavy rock scene as it took top spot on February 2024' Doom Charts and is resonating with music fans globally. Queenan discusses the band's musical maturity over the years and how the band was able to navigate through the pandemic, the reasoning for the band's patient decision to not rush the release of "An Earlier Time", Queenan's take on the current Boston rock and metal scene and more.

31 min
03/19/2024

EP 2 | MARCH MADNESS 2: w/ LEATHER LUNG's Mike Vickers

On this episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND, we chat with Boston stoner-sludge veterans LEATHER LUNG about their new album 'Graveside Grin' and get into some overlooked heavy rock classics from some of Beantown's finest 90's alt. metal bands ONLY LIVING WITNESS, TREE and SCISSORFIGHT. We also feature new tracks from HIGH DESERT QUEEN, RICKSHAW BILLIE'S BURGER PATROL, BRUME, HEAVY TEMPLE, O ZORN! and SONS OF ARRAKIS.

1h 47m
03/05/2024

EP 1 | March Madness w/ DISASTROID

On this inaugural episode of SEISMIC SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND host Matt Hartnett brings you the best new heavy rock including new tracks from The Obsessed, Big Scenic Nowhere, Hashtronaut, The Clamps, Ivy Gardens & Birdstone. Matt dials back the clock to the early 2000's and features classic heavy rock tracks from The Workhorse Movement and Dirty Americans. Disastroid guitarist/vocalist Enver Koneya joins the show to discuss the band's new LP 'Garden Creatures' INTRO - 00:00 Talk Seg 1- 00:55 The Obsessed-'Stoned Back To The Bomb Age'- 07:28 Big Scenic Nowhere - 'The Waydown' - 12:51 The Clamps- 'Freedom To Run (Down) - 20:30 Talk Seg. 2- 24:21 Hashtronaut-'Cough It Up'- 30:00 Ivy Gardens-'Boner' - 34:19 Birdstone- 'Hotline'- 39:46 Talk Segment 3 - 43:52 Interview- DISASTROID (1)- 47:24 Disastroid - '24'- 59:03 Interview- DISASTROID (2)- 1:04:39 Disastroid - 'Stucco Nowhere'- 1:10:23 Interview- DISASTROID (3)- 1:15:30 Talk Segment 4- 1:26:11 The Workhorse Movement- 'Cosmic Highway'- 1:38:42 Dirty Americans- 'Detroit Son Of A Bitch'- 1:41:21

1h 45m

11 Episodes

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

11
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Matthew Hartnett
Show Website

Hart O' The Matter