🎙️ This week on When The Music Mattered, we sit down with indie singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Haggith—an artist whose journey spans Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie, Thompson, and now Barrie. Each city left its imprint on his sound and his sense of community, and Mike shares how those experiences shaped him as both a musician and a mental-health advocate.

We dive into the surprise release of Bridges (2021), a record born out of isolation and self-reflection in Thompson, and the powerful imagery behind The Nature Of The Times video. Mike opens up about his unique writing process—balancing upbeat grooves with deeply introspective lyrics—and walks us through how he decides what to keep raw and what to polish in the studio.

From pushing through a freak knee dislocation at Rotaryfest, to launching MorningStar Records as a new model for indie collaboration, to his commitment to mental-health advocacy for artists in remote and smaller markets, Mike proves that his tagline—“just an honest guy with his guitar, sending love from the 44th Parallel”—is more than just words. It’s his mission.

Tune in for an honest, inspiring, and heartfelt conversation.

#WhenTheMusicMattered #MikeHaggith #IndieArtist #CanadianMusic #MentalHealthMatters #IndieRock

What happens when nine accomplished musicians come together to form a single band? You get Secondhand Dreamcar—a powerhouse collective blending funk, soul, folk, and roots into a sound that’s as big as it is intentional.

In this conversation, we dive into the band’s origin story, from a casual jam session to becoming a “superband.” We explore the meaning behind their name, how they balance nine unique musical histories, and what it takes to write and create as a large ensemble without losing individuality.

The band reflects on the making of their debut album, Answer the Call—from the residency that shaped it, to the recognition it received as one of CKUA’s Top 100 Albums of 2024. They share how the energy of their live shows transforms the music, the joys and challenges of collaboration, and what they hope future listeners will take away from this era of their lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how a collective this large finds harmony—both musically and personally—this episode offers a rare look inside one of Canada’s most exciting new projects.

#SecondhandDreamcar #WhenTheMusicMattered #CanadianMusic #FunkSoulFolk #AnswerTheCall #IndieBands #Superband #MusicPodcast #CKUA #NewMusic

This week, we step into the surreal world of Mountain Head, the Canadian brother-duo blending psych-rock, electro-pop, and hypnotic grooves into a sound that’s as atmospheric as it is unforgettable. Known for their shadowy hats, gold grills, and denim-drenched aesthetic, Mountain Head has built a persona that feels larger than life—but what lies behind the image?

In this conversation, we dig into the mountain-shaman origin story and uncover the real-life metaphors that inspired it. We talk about how their unique visual identity reflects their music, how they balance their onstage persona with their offstage reality, and which influences—from Johnny Cash to Flavor Flav to Billy Gibbons—speak most to their artistry.

We explore their songwriting process, from melody to lyrics to experimentation, and dive into how they craft their signature immersive, hypnotic vibe in the studio and on stage. The Hannah brothers also open up about creative risks, their personal lives outside of Mountain Head, and the truths most people wouldn’t guess about them.

Finally, we look ahead: legacy, risk, and the measure of success beyond charts and streams. If someone pressed play on Mountain Head 30 years from now, what message would they want heard?

Join us for a trippy, insightful, and deeply human conversation with a band that’s rewriting what it means to blend music, art, and identity.

#WhenTheMusicMattered

#MusicPodcast

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#PodcastLife

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#MountainHead

#PsychRock

#ElectroPop

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Ray sits down with Homecoming UK, the rising pop-punk band shaking up the UK music scene. We dive into their songwriting process, biggest inspirations, and the bands that shaped their sound—from Blink-182’s rebellious hooks to a dash of Green Day’s grit, and even some unexpected pop influences. It’s a deep, fun, and wide-open conversation about music, passion, and what it means to be a band today.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, stories, and a front-row seat to the heart of Homecoming UK.

#WhenTheMusicMattered #HomecomingUK #PopPunk #Blink182 #GreenDay #MusicPodcast #Songwriting #UKMusicScene #PopPunkForever #BandInterview

On this week’s episode of When The Music Mattered, Ray and Kris sit down with rising Canadian singer-songwriter Jamie Irish, who’s been making waves online by releasing heartfelt, homegrown music on TikTok, SoundCloud, and YouTube.

Jamie opens up about what it’s like to transition from small-town Ontario to the creative chaos of Montreal, what drives her songwriting, and why she decided to put her music out into the world—unedited, unfiltered, and unapologetically her.

We get into everything from navigating online criticism to the unexpected charm of her now-iconic Costco guitar, and yeah… we even tease her connection to a very famous Canadian musician (but you’ll have to listen to find out who).

There’s also some metal talk—Ozzy fans, this one’s for you—and plenty of laughs along the way. This episode is all about passion, perseverance, and the power of staying true to your sound.

🔗 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

#WhenTheMusicMattered #JamieIrish #CanadianMusic #IndieArtist #TikTokMusician #SingerSongwriter #MontrealMusicScene #OzzyOsbourne #Metalhead #CostcoGuitar #MusicPodcast #SupportIndieArtists #WomenInMusic #SmallTownToBigCity #SoundCloudArtist #YouTubeMusic #MusicTalk #CanadianPodcast

On this episode of When The Music Mattered, Ray and Kris sit down with Matthew, the creative force behind Camo Kimono—a Japanese rock-inspired alternative band making serious waves in the indie scene. Matthew opens up about his 15-year journey in the music industry, from the chaos and collapse of two previous bands to the formation of Camo Kimono.

We dive into the emotional toll of band breakups, the financial risks he took to keep the dream alive, and how he leaned into content creation to promote his music. Matthew also talks about reinventing himself as a flamboyant showman, embracing the spotlight in a whole new way.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at his songwriting process, the evolution of his sound, and what it truly takes to adapt, survive, and thrive in today’s music world. This is one for the grinders, dreamers, and DIY rockers.

🎧 Press play and get inspired by a story of resilience, reinvention, and raw creativity.

#CamoKimono #WhenTheMusicMattered #IndieRock #AlternativeMusic #SongwritingProcess #CanadianMusic #MusicPodcast #BandLife #ContentCreator #ArtistJourney #DIYMusic #FlamboyantRock #MatthewFromCamoKimono #ShowmanStyle #MusicIndustryStories

With Chris still away on Operation Pegasus, Ray goes solo and sits down for a raw, emotional, and eye-opening interview with Presley from Destined for the Throne—a self-described metal punk band with echoes of the Dead Kennedys. Presley gets real about the harsh realities young Canadian indie musicians face: the sacrifices, the financial strain, and the relentless grind. But through the grit comes a message of hope, creativity, and community. Presley shares how the band keeps things fresh by letting every member contribute to the songwriting process, making sure the music stays meaningful and fun. This episode dives deep into Presley’s personal writing style, the identity of Destined for the Throne, and what it really takes to chase music dreams in Canada’s indie scene.

In this episode, Ray sits down with Bert, frontman of On My Side — a punk band out of Edmonton, Alberta, whose sound channels the raw energy of The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and the entire UK punk movement.

But this isn’t just a story about loud guitars and gritty vocals. Bert brings a sharp, intellectual lens to songwriting, weaving poetry and meaning into every verse. He talks about the evolution of On My Side, their place in Canada’s punk scene, and how he balances artistic integrity with the ever-demanding world of social media promotion.

From the basement to the stage, from lyrics to legacy — this is a conversation for anyone who believes that punk is more than just a sound. It’s a statement.

This week, Kris is back from wrestling fish in Saskatchewan, and we’re diving headfirst into genre-bending music with special guest Tayo Frost. Ray kicks things off with a recap of Canada’s favourite artists—from The Hip to Jeff Martin—and then we shift into an eye-opening convo with Tayo, whose sound spans from nostalgic pop punk to chart-ready modern hip hop.

We talk identity, writing without boundaries, and what it takes to break through in today’s algorithm-driven music world. From viral strategy to artistic authenticity, Tayo brings insight, honesty, and a whole lot of talent to the table. This episode is a ride through the mind of a multi-genre artist who’s rewriting the rules—don’t miss it.

🎧 Listen now and find out what song changed how Tayo sees music forever.

#WhenTheMusicMattered

#TayoFrostInterview

#PopPunkToPopCharts

#MultiGenreArtist

#CanadianMusicPodcast

#MusicDiscovery2025

Welcome to Episode 7 of When The Music Mattered!

Ray’s flying solo this week while Kris battles nature (and fish) somewhere off the grid—but the music never stops.

This episode dives deep into the story of Chasing The Fall, a rising UK pop punk band bringing throwback energy with a fresh twist. Lead singer Andy joins Ray to talk about how the band formed, their old-school influences like Blink-182 and Green Day, and the emotional moment that turned their passion project into something real.

We explore the band’s origin story, songwriting process, influences, the UK pop punk scene, and how they’ve embraced TikTok and social media to reach new fans across the world. Andy even shares the moment he pulled the mic away—and heard the crowd sing his lyrics back.

🎙️ Whether you’re a nostalgic millennial or a new-school punk kid, this episode is for anyone who believes music still matters.

📍Segments:

• Where It All Began – Band origins & the jam session that started it all

• Ink & Emotion – Writing honest songs and embracing vulnerability

• Pop Punk with a Passport – The UK scene and global influence

• Scrolls and Streams – Growing an audience online

• For the Ones Who Listen – Fans, moments, and musical legacy

💿 Stream Chasing The Fall’s debut EP Game Face now and discover a band that’s bringing Walkman-core back in the best way.

📱Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

#WhenTheMusicMattered #ChasingTheFall #PopPunkRevival #UKPopPunk #Blink182Vibes #GreenDayEnergy #NewMusicAlert #GameFaceEP #IndieBands #NostalgicPunk #MillennialThrowback #AltRockScene #PodcastInterview #EmotionalLyrics #TikTokBands #UnsignedHype #BandLife #FromHobbyToStage #SupportIndieMusic

On Episode 6 of When The Music Mattered, Ray and Kris kick things off talking about those forgotten albums that slap harder than you remembered—Ray brings up License to Ill by the Beastie Boys, and then throws it to Kris: “What’s an album you forgot was that damn good?” Drop yours in the comments. Underrated albums only. No skips allowed.

Then we dive deep with East Coast singer-songwriter Alexander Anderson—a dude who brings the Atlantic winds with him wherever he plays. From gigging in tiny pubs to balancing side hustles, we get into it all. Alexander talks about what it means to make music in the Maritimes, the hustle behind the harmony, and how kitchen parties translate into clicks online.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep your roots while finding new roads, or what it’s really like to write songs for the folks back home while trying to break through globally—this is the episode for you.

🎧 Next week: Ray’s going solo with a UK-based pop-punk band called Chasing the Call.

#WhenTheMusicMattered #AlexanderAnderson #EastCoastMusic #FolkRock #CanadianMusic #IndieArtist #KitchenPartyVibes #LicenseToIll #BeastieBoys #MaritimeSound #StorytellingInSong #UnderratedAlbums #MusicPodcast #FiddleToFeed #RootsAndRoads #SongwritingLife #IndieFolk #HomegrownSound #AtlanticCanadaMusic #SupportLocalMusic

In this unforgettable episode, Ray and Kris are joined by former Rice Rocket frontman Chris Shelton for a heartfelt, hilarious, and at times mind-bending tribute to the legendary Brian Wilson.

Chris, who fronted the early 2000s Kelowna pop-punk band that shared roots with Stutterfly, Secret & Whisper, and Spiritbox, joins the podcast fresh off his return to music after a 20-year hiatus. The trio dives deep into Brian’s music, his myth, and his madness—unraveling the blurred lines between fact and fiction.

Was Good Vibrations written in a sandbox? Did he really light a fire in the studio to record Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow? And yes, we talk about the time Brian tried to karate chop Elvis Presley.

With clips from the Stephen Page tribute at Burlington Sound of Music Festival, Hanson covering Barbara Ann, and quotes from legends like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Frank Zappa, and Questlove, this episode celebrates the beauty, tragedy, and genius of a man who changed music forever.

🎧 Listen now, and remember: separating Brian Wilson the man from Brian Wilson the myth might be impossible—but damn if we didn’t try.

⸻

Hashtags:

#WhenTheMusicMattered #BrianWilson #BeachBoys #ChrisShelton #RiceRocket #PetSounds #GoodVibrations #MusicMythology #CanadianMusic #AltRockHistory #PopPunkRevival #BrianWilsonTribute #PaulMcCartney #EltonJohn #Questlove #FrankZappa #MusicLegends #SMiLESessions #SecretAndWhisper #Spiritbox #Stutterfly #PodcastEpisodes #MusicGenius #PodcastRecommendations #ScarboroughMusic #OkanaganMusic #2000sPunk

On Episode 4 of When The Music Mattered, Ray sits down with rising Canadian artist Alex Hobson, whose new single “25” channels the gritty edge of post-grunge and alt-rock revival. From his earliest music memories to building his brand in the digital age, Hobson shares why music matters to him and how millennial nostalgia is fuelling a sonic reset across platforms like TikTok.

They dive deep into the creative influences behind 25, the relentless grind of promoting music on social media, and the parallels between indie artists and content creators. Alex talks candidly about juggling time between making music, performing live, and feeding the content machine—and weighs in on the role of AI in music today.

Whether you’re a music fan, a creator, or someone just trying to make noise in a crowded world, this episode’s got something for you. Plus, Alex teases some upcoming summer shows you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Tune in. Reflect. Rock out.

#WhenTheMusicMattered #AlexHobson #25 #AltRockRevival #CanadianMusic #IndieArtist #SocialMediaHustle #PostGrunge #MillennialRock #AIandMusic #MusicInterview #PodcastClip #NewMusic2025

Before the glitter of ‘70s arena rock, before the slick production of ‘80s pop, there was Rick Derringer—a guitar prodigy who burst onto the scene at just 17 with the #1 hit “Hang On Sloopy,” dethroning The Beatles on the charts. But Derringer was never content being a bubblegum teen idol. He was a student of the blues, a rock shapeshifter, and one of the most versatile players to ever touch a fretboard.

In this episode of When The Music Mattered, we pay tribute to Rick Derringer—who passed away last week at the age of 77—by diving deep into the moments that defined his legacy: #RickDerringer #WhenTheMusicMattered #RockAndRoll #HangOnSloopy #RockAndRollHoochieKoo #ClassicRock #GuitarLegend #CyndiLauper #AliceCooper #WeirdAl #SteelyDan #Kiss #MusicPodcast #RIPRickDerringer

In Episode 2 of When The Music Mattered, Ray (Toronto) and Kris (Edmonton) dive deep into the power of local music—how it builds community, inspires new generations, and shapes the sound of a city. Then, we spotlight six Canadian acts that prove just how far local voices can travel. From the politically charged brilliance of Cadence Weapon to the genre-defying rise of Our Lady Peace, the prairie-stomp energy of Captain Tractor, the wit and warmth of the Barenaked Ladies, the alt-rock resilience of Social Code, and the uncompromising mastery of Rush—this episode celebrates the artists who made their hometowns proud and helped shape Canadian music history.

#WhenTheMusicMattered #CanadianMusic #LocalMusicMatters #CadenceWeapon #OurLadyPeace #CaptainTractor #BarenakedLadies #SocialCode #Rush #TorontoMusic #EdmontonMusic #IndieRock #CanadianLegends #AltRockHistory #SupportLocalMusic #MusicPodcast #CanadianBands

Punk wasn’t born in a boardroom—it exploded from garages, basements, and dark clubs, screaming for rebellion. In our debut episode of When The Music Mattered, Ray Rauth and Army Kris take you back to where it all started: the gritty, loud, and unapologetic origins of punk rock.

We dive deep into The Ramones—the fast, raw blueprint for punk. We unpack the chaos and controversy of the Sex Pistols, the political power and poetic punch of The Clash, and the glam-meets-grit rise of Billy Idol and Generation X.

Was punk about the music—or the message? The art—or the attitude? And who truly left the biggest mark?

#WhenTheMusicMattered #PunkRock #SexPistols #TheRamones #TheClash #BillyIdol #GenX #MusicPodcast #MusicHistory #ClassicRock #VinylCommunity #AltRock #RebelMusic #PodcastDrop #RayAndKris #MTVGeneration #RockLegends #DebutEpisode #PunkLives #MusicMatters #ThrowbackTracks