Why Music Matters With Jeff Miers

Welcome to the Why Music Matters podcast. I’m your host, music journalist and musician Jeff Miers. Throughout my life in and around music, I’ve often asked myself the question - Why does music matter? This podcast attempts to answer that question, with the help of musicians, members of the music industry, and music-lovers like you. Join us!

Why Music Matters: The Van Halen Roundtable
Apr 24, 2025 – 01:30:29
Singer/Songwriter Marc Scibilla: From Buffalo, to Nashville, to the World
Apr 10, 2025 – 45:31
Elliott Hunt and Chris Lillis of indie-pop buzz band Letter To Elise
Mar 27, 2025 – 01:05:35
Dweezil Zappa: Return of the Son Of…
Mar 13, 2025 – 01:03:47
The FAR Trio on the power of improvisation
Feb 13, 2025 – 51:49
Songwriter Sam Marabella on Bob Dylan, Nietzsche’s, and Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood
Jan 16, 2025 – 01:04:35
Brian Higgins: Politics, passion, and the power of music
Jan 2, 2025 – 55:49
Josh Holtzman & Grace Vesneske: Buffalo Iron Works and the future of live music in WNY
Dec 5, 2024 – 01:20:56
Jae Skeese: Putting Buffalo Hip-Hop on the Map
Nov 13, 2024 – 40:35
10,000 Maniacs: 40 Years of Indie Excellence
Oct 15, 2024 – 01:17:50
Bobby Previte on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and The Thrill of Living in The Musical Moment
Sep 26, 2024 – 01:01:12
Eric Crittenden, David Cloyd and Damone Jackson Roundtable
Sep 12, 2024 – 01:17:31
Singer, Songwriter, and “Old Soul,” Michael DeLano
Aug 29, 2024 – 01:08:56
Music Advocate, Club Owner and Musician, Josh Mullin
Aug 2, 2024 – 54:58
Live Music Curator and Lifelong Music Lover, Dave Wedekindt
Jul 12, 2024 – 01:15:14
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer and Bandleader, David Michael Miller
Jun 21, 2024 – 59:41
Legendary Rock Musician, Son of Western New York, and Virtuoso Bassist, Billy Sheehan
Jun 4, 2024 – 35:36
Organ Fairchild's Dave Ruch and Corey Kertzie
May 17, 2024 – 59:37
A Conversation with Chris "Bulldog" Parker
May 2, 2024 – 51:07
Singer & Songwriter, Alison Pipitone on The 'Best Things' in Life
Apr 18, 2024 – 44:09
Jazz Musician, Bandleader & Educator, Walter Kemp
Apr 4, 2024 – 53:43
Karina Rykman: ‘I’m like a jukebox. I’m like a weird chameleon. I’m a music junkie!’
Mar 21, 2024 – 40:24
Cellist, Creator and Collaborator, Alex Cousins
Mar 1, 2024 – 01:09:40
Musician and DJ, Chelsea O’Donnell
Feb 15, 2024 – 46:29
Super-Fan Ray Wawrzyniak, on Why RUSH Music Matters Most
Feb 2, 2024 – 59:49
A Conversation With Barron Ryan
Jan 12, 2024 – 36:03
A Conversation With Fernanda Lastra of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Dec 7, 2023 – 47:27
Willie Nile, Rock ’n’ Roll Poet
Nov 24, 2023 – 59:48
Peter Conners on Getting Shown the Light in the Strangest of Places
Nov 9, 2023 – 51:14
Dan Dunleavy: Buffalo Sabres Play-by-Play Announcer & Serious Music Lover
Oct 26, 2023 – 01:07:57
Mike Gantzer of Aqueous
Oct 12, 2023 – 52:40
A Conversation With SZA Bassist (And Guy I Know Pretty Well), Declan Miers
Sep 28, 2023 – 33:45
Building Better Cities With Music, With Shain Shapiro
Sep 14, 2023 – 37:36
Goo Goo Dolls Bassist and Music Is Art Festival Founder Robby Takac on the Power of Music to Build Community
Sep 8, 2023 – 46:34
Jennifer Brazill, Founder of the Borderland Festival, on Music’s Ability to Effect Meaningful Change
Aug 31, 2023 – 33:43
A Chat With Musician, Songwriter, Performer & Activist Michael Franti
Aug 17, 2023 – 25:17
A Conversation With Maestro JoAnn Falletta
Aug 3, 2023 – 35:46
Welcome to Why Music Matters
Jul 25, 2023 – 00:28

Recent Reviews

Anthony82380

Great Listen

Jeff has an encyclopedic knowledge of local music. These interviews are enjoyable and engaging conversations. Keep it up!
MPTTTTT

A Gift to Music Lovers

Jeff Miers is one of the best to ever do the job. His love for music is always front and center in his work, and he is dedicated to celebrating and delving ever-deeper into the art form to which he has dedicated his life and career. After reading Jeff for decades and having my perceptions shattered and my perspective broadened with every column and review, I am so excited more people will be able to share in his joy, curiosity and passion for music and all its meanings.
Gerry Catalano

Best of the best.

Mires has been on top of the music world with his reviews of concerts for years. Always, honest and to the point whether I agreed with him or not. I’m so glad he is back with a podcast. Good luck Jeff!