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Join us as we take a look behind the scenes with the independent musicians of New Orleans and surrounding areas in Louisiana. Learn about upcoming projects before they drop. Experience the rich heritage of iconic venues and get first had accounts of exclusive events. Musicians are remarkable people. Get to know them, their struggles, and the inspiration for their art. Neworleansmusicians.com is dedicated to uplifting the artists and providing them with the tools necessary to elevate their cr ...
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Heavy metal vocalist Philip Dussor, currently active in Aggrofate, Lyrics For Liam, and Raise the Death Toll sat down with me for this interview at his home in Westwego, Louisiana. We began with the musical influence his friends and family had on him in his formative years. He explained how Cypress Hall and a hand-full of other all ages venues made…
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Mike IX Williams is best known for his work as a vocalist in EYEHATEGOD, a band flaunting mixtures of punk and slowed, doomy metal that he and guitarist Jimmy Bower founded in 1988. Since then they have toured the world countless times over, having built a truly unmatched cult-like following. We sit and talk about his life of imbalance as a child, …
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Guitarist/ vocalist Chris Rico has been a staple in the Louisiana music scene for countless years. Throughout New Orleans, Metairie, and the gulf south, he has continually brought his own style of blues-rock, even delving into rap lyrics and incorporating drum machines. In his youth, the Beatles and Sabbath ushered him into the world of music while…
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Originally from just outside of Thibodeaux in Choctaw, Chet Tabor of band Them Guys cites small town roots as propelling his beliefs in his band as a family unit. Those same small town circumstances meant he was hanging out with a group of kids with a larger span in age. Experiencing the tastes and influences from the music collections of the older…
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Rapper Jayarson grew up around family that lived all over Louisiana. As a result, his reach has blanketed our state in a comforting style of influence and relatability. His pursuit in knowledge of all things new to him has built him into a forward thinking, business-minded artist that is constantly striving to remain ahead of the curve. He wasn't a…
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Philip spent a lot of time in a factory as a child. The sights, smells, and sounds shaped his foray into the world of synthesizers. Ambient and industrial soundscapes became his pursuit. He would go on to tour with bands, performing on stage as well as conducting crowds from the DJ booth. We delve for a time into the wonderlands of the rave era and…
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Lewis D'aubin is a music writer and producer who also fronts the band Consortium of Genius as his alter-ego, Dr. Milo Thaddeus Pinkerton III. Through this mad scientist alter-ego, he also heads up Escape from the Secret Lab. Which is a show that has guest bands fighting for their escape by way of performances that audiences can vote on in real time…
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Lyricist and producer Kevin Harris, a.k.a. Big Honxcho, sits with me and talks about his life growing up in the 17th Ward of Uptown New Orleans. Shaped by struggle, loss, and a quest for something greater, we delve into what has impacted him the most and how he is using those experiences to propel him in his current direction. His focus, considerat…
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Chris Pryor of Chris Pryor and the Main Event grew up in Sarepta, Louisiana and actually began his vocal career participating in karaoke. For the longest time, the blue collar way of life took precedence over singing. He finally got up the nerve to start a band and things have never been the same. His is now amongst the hardest working, most giggin…
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Justin Perez is a self-taught, lifelong drummer and Louisiana resident. He's played in bands like Skincrawl, Demise, Goatwhore, and is currently the drummer for Blacklist Union. Constanty travelling out of state and touring, his commitment to the art is unparalleled. We speak about his early start in music, his time in Japan with Goatwhore, and the…
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Join us as we take a walk down memory lane with New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Sid Snow. He tells of stories that draw from just about every venue in New Orleans, including the decadent Blue Room at the Roosevelt Hotel. He takes us through Europe and South America during the years he spent touring with everyone from big band players to honkytonk…
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Jack Miele is an 11x Platinum, 6x Telly and 5x Global Music Award Winning audio engineer, producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. He has also been an audio/ mix engineer for 22 years, with projects winning 2 Grammy Awards and 4 Grammy nominations, as well as on Emmy Award winning television promos. He's been a live guitarist for 30 years. We…
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Trained as an opera singer and classical pianist, Georgia native Lilli Lewis has been a composer, producer and performer for over two decades. Fresh off the stage at this year's Jazz Fest, Lilli is well versed in folk, roots, country soul, gospel, and jazz. Having a prodigious ear early on, the practice of music was a way for her to mend early chil…
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In this episode, Offbeat Magazine publisher Jan Ramsey talks about the challenges she faced as a board member of the French Quarter Festival. She gives us insight into the inner workings of the festival and what could be improved upon. We talk about the musicians' union in New Orleans, venue ailments downtown and their cultural impact, and a musici…
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Jan Ramsey, publisher of Offbeat Magazine, gives an in-depth look into her formative years and her assumption of various roles of influence living and working in New Orleans. We discuss the underlying mechanics and infrastructure of local festivals, museums, and social landscapes, and how they impact the music scene in New Orleans. Peer into her ch…
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There is so much that can be said about lyricist Alfred Banks, from the 12th Ward in New Orleans, Louisiana. His entrepreneurial acumen and diligence has landed him on the cover of major publications, a groundbreaking performance with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, a feature at Jazz Fest, and so much more. Self-made and booked out to the end…
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Guitarist and vocalist Johnny Lagrange of The Bald Dog Project hails from Garyville, Louisiana. We talk about his roots in Cajun and country music, and how the greats like Black Sabbath and Slayer broadened his exploration. His move into sobriety never stifled his creativity. Rather, authored frustrations written during recovery, coupled with an ac…
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Freshly signed to Pugnacious Records, singer/ songwriter and guitarist Sean Riley originally hails from Saratoga Springs, New York. He grew up listening to Roy Orbison, Beach Boys, Paul Simon, and Waylon Jennings. Though no one in his family played, he just loved the look of an SG hanging on the music shop wall and took it upon himself to learn. He…
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Bassist Dean Zucchero has a resume a mile long that starts in Manhattan and ends up in New Orleans, including a nine-year stint in Europe. He has played along-side such respected musicians as Popa Chubby, Ghalia Volt, Sweet Georgia Brown, Little Freddie King, and Johnny Sansone, to name a few. His projects have charted on Billboard while his acumen…
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Born in Bunkie, Louisiana, Adam chose an instrument over a high school class ring and scored his first guitar from the famed Cajun Pawn Stars. A taste for the classics made him choose Led Zeppelin and Temple of the Dog when auditioning for national TV show The Voice. Making the cut landed him in Hollywood! Natural talent and hard work has kept his …
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"Leave your ego at the door", is Kirk's opening discussion in part two. It's what empowers the creative process for his bands like Crowbar, Down, and EyeAm. He talks about how juggling multiple projects is a comfort zone of sorts for him. His solo project (2nd album complete now) is even a separate voice from the others. Creating is more meaningful…
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Born in Middlesex, England, Kirk Windstein came to settle in River Ridge, Louisiana as a young child. He has since come to establish himself as a keystone in the southern metal genres, signifying an unstoppable force in bands like Crowbar, Down, EyeAm, and Kingdom of Sorrow. We sit and talk about his experiences as a child that led him to music, hi…
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Taylor Nauta of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is primarily a country Americana musician. Taking with him the knowledge of scale patterns, chord building, and basic theory, he cut his teeth in Nashville, chasing the dream like so many. He managed to pay the bills teaching karate and building guitars at Gibson Guitars. There were many moments of impact ther…
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Guzz Andrade of Silver Dose talks about growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil and how a bootleg copy of a Nirvana album sparked something in him that will never die. Listen in as we discuss his South American roots, how he came to Louisiana, and what he has done to stay fluent and relevant in the world of rock and roll. Shop Realmushrooms.com and support…
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Guitarist Steve Mignano of bands Drab and Garguts speaks on gaining a discipline in music, his moment of Zen touring with blues harmonica player Johnny Reed, his current heavy metal New Orleans bands, the 19 yr old novice within him that just won't die, and so much more. Join us and hear about how he walks the line between paying the bills and reta…
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David McBurnett is mainly known for being a producer in music television, but has also worked in the festival and production side of the music business for decades. Playing guitar alongside Duke Edwards, he toured nationally with a travelling musical commune called Papa Dukie and the Mud People, coming to settle in Wallace, Louisiana. Where the mus…
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I had the opportunity to sit down with Eric Fox and Mike Dawsey of Pious at Eric's shop, Turning Point Tattoos in Mandeville, Louisiana. We discussed how they met and how the band came to be, as well as what aspirations they share in the band's direction. We got to discuss the upcoming album and sorted through what works and what doesn't work for t…
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Saxophonist Christopher Burton plays in so many bands these days. And they run the gamut from the New Orleans Concert Band to Purikura Panic, an anime cover band. As a child, he was exposed to much gospel, as well as the likes of Minnie Riperton, Etta James, and Sam Cooke. Submersing himself in everything extracurricular, he walks us through his li…
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Originally from Madison, Ohio, violinist Justin Curry has come to settle in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. Coming from an extremely musical family, he's played violin professionally since he was sixteen years old. From classical, to bossa nova, to traditional Asian music, he has played many genres on several continents. We discuss Vienna, Tokyo, …
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Steve Staples of The Iceman Special has travelled the country in pursuit of his passion for music; several times over. At one time even packing up into an RV and setting off with no destination other than music itself. Between his immeasurable talent, and his immense amount of experience, he has found that sweet music in the psychedelic tapestry th…
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Now living in Louisiana, Tylar Cash (a.k.a. Oktober Sky) grew up in Modesto, California. He brings with him a unique mixture of emo-rap/ rock with pop sensibilities and an aim to nurture a better version of self from everyone. Armed with a mic and a vision, and through hard work and constant refinement of his own talent, he has managed to release t…
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Wayne Kahn was a radio DJ up in D.C. for a number of years. And at one time he owned a music label, Right On Rhythm, subsequently acquired by the Smithsonian Folkways. Not that long ago, he came into possession of a collection of Betamax tapes containing hours of footage of the Carriere family, a south Louisiana family steeped in the roots of zydec…
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Growing up in New Orleans, Mark went to school with and befriended some of the city's most iconic musicians. Through these personal bonds, and a lot of hard work, he started Basin Street Records. Twenty-five years later, he's still capturing the hearts and lives of bands and bringing them to the world. Join us as we learn what his life was like bef…
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We dive deeper into the life of Louisiana Music Hall of Fame musician Chris Leblanc, discussing how the birth of his son changed his life in music. We also discuss how some unfortunate events darken the mood of his new material and has had him submersing himself in his work. The topic of his new material surfaces again as we contemplate when the ti…
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Chris Leblanc was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and grew up in a musical family. From fourth grade until graduating high school he was in the school band, achieving the role of drum major. He can hold his own on trumpet, drums, bass, guitar and keys. We discuss his life as a child, on through his first album and concert, culminating in …
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Travis Marc comes to New Orleans via England, and before that, Johannesburg, South Africa. He has been signed by several independent labels as well as major labels including Universal. He has been in bands that have charted on Billboard and is fluent on countless instruments. From strategic band breakups to new formations and life-altering offers, …
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Fluent on bass, guitar, and clarinet, Metairie, La. resident Jorge is an indubitable wealth of knowledge in the music world. His technical skill on the strings is something to be admired and appreciated. Currently playing in The Grooxs and MIMIC, you can hear his technique shine through in everything of which he is a part. And those whom have taken…
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Having just returned from touring Thailand, The Will Wesley Band members Will Wesley and Phil Chandler sat down with Neworleansmusicians.com and told us all about it. We discussed Will's childhood and start in music, how the duo came to meet, their business practices while navigating Covid, and the star studded list of contributors to their latest …
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For the first time since parting ways with Exhorder three years ago, founding guitarist Vinnie LaBella sits down and tells all. We discuss his childhood, the introduction into his first band Sabotage, his punk influence, time during and parting ways with Exhorder, and his current projects. This could be perhaps the most encompassing and revealing i…
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A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Chris Beary began his foray into local music as a kid riding his bike to Jimmy's Music Club for the all ages shows. He has since become a CPA, an attorney, and a philanthropist. He has founded 6 non-profits and is currently managing 5 of them including Grace at the Green Light, The Fat Bankers Social Aid & Pleasu…
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Connor Graham began life in Ascension Parish and over time became an accomplished singer, guitar player, and trumpet player. For a long time, trumpet was his main instrument. At one point he was a trumpet player in a rap metal band while also taking side gigs at jazz performances. Through music lessons in and out of high school and countless hours …
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Petty Betty, a four piece band from Baton Rouge, Louisiana is fronted by singer Erica Calle. Currently a cover band with a new addition to their line-up, they soon hope to enact their combined 50 plus years of experience and begin the journey of laying down some original tracks. Erica sits down with Neworleansmusicians.com and talks about cultural …
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His brand of funk is something he lives and breathes, and his showmanship is like no other. Originally from the south side of Chicago in a town called Inglewood, Tamarie T grew up fixated on superstars like James Brown and Prince. Performing has been in his blood as far back as he can remember. And he's followed his passion doing whatever it took t…
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In this episode, we feature a guest spot I took on another podcast, Getting To Know You, with Tim Traigle. His show takes a look at people in a personal light, gaining information throughout the course of their life. On his show, I was also able to talk about how Neworleansmusicians.com began and what I have shaped it into. I thought it would be of…
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Pocket Chocolate, a New Orleans funk band, is the amalgamation of brass, keys, strings, and drums. They perform covers as well as originals, seamlessly blending together their favorite funk songs with improvisational jam sessions, and also play original material in their sets. Although recording their debut EP while constantly gigging has been a ch…
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Ben Redwine, a resident of Folsom, Louisiana has recorded for six labels, performed on four continents, served 27 years in the military, taught music for six years, and earned three degrees, one of which was his Doctorate Degree in Latin American music history. As a child growing up in Oklahoma, he began taking clarinet lessons from his grandfather…
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Hunter Bruce, born in Cutoff Louisiana and founder of Fuel the Funeral Entertainment, discusses his life as a child and how his company came to exist. With a deep history and rich knowledge of the Louisiana music scene, his inspiration is gained from the very bands he represents. His bookings and promotional services expose and propel local bands t…
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Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, bassist Matt Rhombus' ascent into the world of music began when he encountered a family member’s extensive record and CD collection. Within the collection, Matt gravitated toward the nu-metal and alt-rock sounds coming from the speakers. Since then, the typical struggle of a child to find his place in the world was pa…
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Darnell Cotton, CEO of Grynd Tyme Entertainment was an integral part in the birth of the rap scene in Baton Rouge. Recently featured in a documentary on the origins of rap in Baton Rouge, Diamond in the Dirt, Darnell's credits in both rap and R&B genres span some forty years and are extensive. Join us as we discuss his childhood relationships with …
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Now a Louisiana resident, Ole Oddlokken hails from Lillehammer, Norway and has played saxophone since the age of nine. While taking band classes and participating in after school and summertime music programs, he also learned songs like "When the Saints Go Marching In" on the family's Hammond B3 at home. He moved on to adult orchestras and jazz in …
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