When The Music Mattered

About When The Music Mattered

When The Music Mattered with Ray Rauth and Army Kris is your backstage pass to the artists, bands, and songs that didn’t just top charts—they shaped eras, sparked movements, and became the soundtracks to our lives. Each week, two unapologetic music geeks dive into the stories behind the music that actually mattered—from punk pioneers and rock legends to forgotten gems and generational anthems.

Publisher

When The Music Mattered

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 May 2025

Latest episode

2 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Sept 2025

   When The Music Mattered Ep.16 with Special Guest Mike Haggith

   🎙️ 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

2. 

   26 Aug 2025

   Ep.15 | Secondhand Dreamcar

   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

3. 

   19 Aug 2025

   Ep.14 | Mountain Head Interview

   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 #PodcastInterview #IndiePodcast #PodcastLife #BehindTheMusic #MountainHead #PsychRock #ElectroPop #JanglePop #IndieRock #CanadianMusic #MusicDuo #HannahBrothers #BandInterview #MusicIdentity #SurrealVibes #HypnoticSound #ImmersiveMusic #CreativeJourney #SongwritingProcess #MusicInfluences #ArtAndMusic #MusicDiscovery #NewMusicAlert #IndieArtistSpotlight #ListenLocal #SupportIndieMusic #MusicCommunity #MusiciansOfInstagram

4. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Ep. 13 | Special Guests, UK Pop Punk Group: Homecoming UK

   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

5. 

   5 Aug 2025

   Ep.12 | Costco Guitars & TikTok Bars: Jamie Irish Breaks the Mold | When The Music Mattered

   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

6. 

   29 Jul 2025

   Ep.11 | From Breakups to Breakouts: The Rise of Camo Kimono

   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

7. 

   22 Jul 2025

   Ep.10 | Destined for the Throne: Punk, Pain, and the Passion to Keep Going

   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.

8. 

   15 Jul 2025

   Ep.9 | Punk with a Purpose: with Special Guest Bert from On My Side

   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.

9. 

   8 Jul 2025

   Ep.8 | Interview With Tayo Frost

   Host Kris interviews Tayo Frost, a multi-genre artist, about navigating the modern music industry, exploring identity, and maintaining artistic authenticity while blending pop punk with hip hop.

10. 

    3 Jul 2025

    Ep.7 | Chasing Nostalgia with Andy from Chasing The Fall

    Lead singer Andy from Chasing The Fall discusses the band's formation, old-school influences, and embracing social media to connect with fans in an interview with Ray, revealing the emotional moment that transformed their passion into reality.

11. 

    26 Jun 2025

    WTMM Ep.6 | Alexander Anderson and the Sound of the East Coast

    East Coast singer-songwriter Alexander Anderson discusses making music in the Maritimes, balancing side hustles, and maintaining roots while seeking global success in an interview with Ray and Kris.

12. 

    19 Jun 2025

    Ep.5 | God Only Knows: A Tribute to Brian Wilson

    Chris Shelton, former Rice Rocket frontman, joins hosts Ray and Kris in this interview episode to explore the genius, mythology, and impact of Brian Wilson's music.

13. 

    12 Jun 2025

    Ep.4 | Hobson on New Single 25, Social Media Hustle, and the Future of Music

    Canadian artist Alex Hobson discusses his new single "25," the challenges of promoting music on social media, and the impact of millennial nostalgia on today's music scene in an interview with Ray.

14. 

    12 Jun 2025

    Ep.3 | Rick Derringer’s Wild Ride Through Rock History

    Rick Derringer's remarkable journey through rock history is explored, highlighting his early success and evolution as a versatile guitarist, showcasing his lasting impact on music; this is a tribute episode.

15. 

    12 Jun 2025

    Ep.2 | From the Streets to the Stage: The Power of Local Music and Canada’s Soundtrack

    Hosts Ray and Kris explore the profound impact of local music on community building and city identity, highlighting six Canadian acts that have shaped the nation's music history.

16. 

    21 May 2025

    Ep.1 | The Origins of Punk Rock

    Ray Rauth and Army Kris explore punk rock's origins, highlighting the Ramones, Sex Pistols, and the Clash, examining the genre's message, attitude, and impact in this episode.

Who has been a guest on When The Music Mattered

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Tayo Frost
• Andy
• Alexander Anderson
• Chris Shelton
• Alex Hobson

Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

52

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact When The Music Mattered

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.