x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Hart O"The Matter

Matthew Hartnett

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,

music music history

All Episodes

00:17:14

Why Are So Many Rock & Metal Venues Closing?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/08/09

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

en

00:25:26

Did Chuck Schuldiner Predict Modern Metal?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/07/20

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

en

00:40:57

Is the Band Name More Important Than the Lineup?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/07/14

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

en

00:43:39

Should Rock & Metal Fans Expect More From Today's...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/06/29

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

en

00:25:01

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

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/06/23

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

en

00:22:38

Did Banaman Expose a Problem in Hardcore?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/06/21

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

en

00:46:18

Vicious Rumors' Original Drummer Speaks Out: The Full...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/06/08

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

en

00:31:35

Was Last In Line Better Than Holy Diver?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/06/03

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

en

00:31:25

Can a Dentist and Army Vet Redefine Hard Rock?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/05/30

What happens when a dentist and a retired Army drill sergeant join forces to create one of rock's most talked-about new bands? Find out in this in-depth conversation with BLACK ROSE REBELLION vocalist Trybe and guitarist Dave "The Rock Doc" Rosenfeld.Matt sits down with the New Jersey rising stars to discuss their debut album, All Hail The Rebel Queen, and the remarkable story behind the band's formation. From Rosenfeld's career balancing dentistry and music to Trybe's

en

01:09:27

What Makes Cutthroat’s New EP So Brutal? w/ Vocalist...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/05/25

Cutthroat is back with a heavier sound, a sharper lineup, and a new mission. In this episode, Matt sits down with vocalist Neil Roemer of Cutthroat to break down the creation of the band’s crushing new EP, “The Purge,” and the evolution of one of LA’s most relentless metallic hardcore bands.Neil dives deep into Cutthroat’s 13-year journey and explains how the newest lineup pushed the band into darker, heavier territory. He talks about expanding his vocal style with metallic techniques and subtle

en

01:13:43

Is Social Media Killing The Quality of Music We Hear?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/05/20

Tanner Poppitt's Interview w/ Matt Bacon:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XjYV9FRT0EThe underground heavy rock and metal scene faces a major identity crisis, and Matt and Tanner Poppitt are not holding back. In this episode, they break down how today’s socio-political and social media driven culture shapes who gets promoted, supported, and accepted in music, film, podcasting, and underground media. They question why talent and originality often take a backseat to identity, image, and political

en

00:47:24

Will Resurgent Ozzfest Repeat the Mistakes That...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/05/11

Ozzfest is coming back in 2027, and Matt and guitarist Erik Kluiber break down what this means for heavy metal fans everywhere. They dive into how the legendary festival helped launch and elevate countless metal bands during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The conversation explores how Ozzfest became the proving ground for the next generation of heavy music and helped define the future of the genre through its unforgettable second stage.The guys also discuss how Ozzfest cemented Ozzy Osbourne’s

en

00:40:34

Is Metal Media Facing a Massive Reset?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/05/04

Matt and author and journalist Chris Akin break down a shocking development that has the metal world buzzing. Sony has reportedly laid off staff from Metal Injection, Metal Sucks, and the Blast Beat Network, leaving fans and industry insiders questioning what really happens behind the scenes of modern metal media. This conversation pulls back the curtain on a story many never saw coming and reveals how deeply corporate influence has shaped the outlets fans once trusted.The discussion dives into how

en

00:31:39

DIRTIER HAIR METAL: Which 80s Bands & Albums Were...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/04/27

Step into the loud, flashy, and often misunderstood world of 80s hair metal as Hart O'The Matter takes a closer look at the bands that deserved a different narrative. Matt and Tom cut through the stereotypes and dig into the music that got overshadowed by big hair, makeup, and MTV-driven image expectations. They challenge the labels that stuck and ask whether these artists were unfairly boxed into a scene that valued style over substance.This episode spotlights albums and bands that carried more

en

01:00:44

Is Gatekeeping Secretly Destroying Rock and Metal...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/04/22

Matt returns with a hard-hitting episode of Hart O'The Matter that pulls no punches and refuses to play it safe. He sits down with filmmaker and MADROST guitarist/vocalist Tanner Poppitt to break down the recent anti-trust ruling that finally challenged the Live Nation and Ticketmaster stronghold on live music. They explore what this decision actually means for artists, fans, and the future of touring, and they cut through the noise to focus on the real opportunities this shift creates.The

en

01:07:13

How PATRIARCHS IN BLACK Keep Winning- w/ Dan Lorenzo...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/04/13

Matt dives deep with guitarist Dan Lorenzo and drummer Johnny Kelly in a conversation that pulls no punches and reveals the inner workings of Patriarchs In Black. This episode explores the creation of their powerful new covers album "Completely Covered In Black" and the bold decisions behind its tracklist. Dan and Johnny break down why they chose to cover the obscure Black Sabbath instrumental "Supertzar" and how they approached reimagining Peter Gabriel’s "Games Without

en

00:22:37

Is Billy Corgan Right About MTV’s Agenda to Kill Rock...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/04/08

Matt sits down with Erik Kluiber to break down one of the most controversial claims in modern music culture. Inspired by comments from Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, this episode dives straight into the theory that MTV shifted its agenda in the late 90s and changed the trajectory of rock music forever. They explore what was said, why it matters, and how it connects to the broader evolution of mainstream sound.The conversation pushes past surface-level takes and examines whether rock’s

en

01:12:56

TEAR IT DOWN: Is Crossover the Most Underrated Genre?...

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/03/30

Matt sits down with author Alexandros Anesiadis for a deep and unfiltered dive into the explosive world of crossover in his latest book, Tear It Down: How Crossover Bridged Metal and Hardcore Punk. This conversation goes far beyond the surface as Alexandros reveals how he tracked down obscure bands from across the globe, including hidden gems from the Philippines, while expanding his massive collection of over 8,000 records. He shares the obsession, discipline, and passion it took to document a

en

00:55:21

Can A Band Break Through Today Without A Record Label?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/03/26

Matt dives deep with Lord Nelson, the former Stuck Mojo frontman, and guitarist Matt Acevedo of the rap and groove metal duo Plastic Catastrophe. This conversation unpacks the making of their explosive sophomore album, Plastic Catastrophe II, and reveals the creative risks that pushed their sound into new territory. The duo breaks down their shift in musical direction and explains why staying comfortable was never an option. Lord Nelson opens up about his lyrical process and the personal influences

en

00:47:02

Has Touring Become Unsustainable for Musicians?

Hart O"The Matter ·

2026/03/18

Matt sits down with guitar veteran Erik Kluiber, featured in the film LIFERS, for a candid conversation that cuts straight to the reality of touring in today’s music industry. They break down the viral moment when INCANTATION’s John McEntee revealed that the band is accepting food donations from fans due to shrinking support from promoters. This episode pulls no punches and digs into what this says about the current state of live music.The conversation tackles a tough question: has the industry

en

39 results

Similar Podcasts

Hart O"The Matter

Matthew Hartnett

YourClassical Daily Download

American Public Media

Listen Like Fans- For The Love Of INXS

Bee France

Fauves Are The Best People

Fauves Are The Best People

Xtreme Kutz

MyCityMyMusic