Neworleansmusicians.com Podcast

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 life overcoming spinal meningitis and partial deafness, to the many ways he found to stay fluent and grow as a musician, and brings us up to date on teaching music and the many bands he is in today. You will not find a stronger work ethic or a more genuine person! * The New Orleans Concert Band will hold their first concert of this year on U.N.O.'s campus, October 22nd at 3 p.m. This is a free concert. 

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, and New Orleans musical atmospheres, citing the characteristics and nuances of each. He hopes to develop his own music venue at a newly acquired building on Royal street in the French Quarter. And he brings with him a maintained style that is unto itself.  

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 that is The Iceman Special. And anyone who has seen their shows will understand why, along with his band mates, Steve is something unique; and has a story to tell that is deserving of your time. We are fortunate to have a band like The Iceman Special as site members. A big thank you goes out to Euclid Records for allowing us their stage to record this interview, and to manager Wes Keith for making sure it all came together! 

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 three professional music videos and four produced songs in a short amount of time. Join us and gain an understanding of his perspective on current music and the sonic direction he envisions for the future.  https://open.spotify.com/artist/3g2QV6endDxdJbbQou5FRY?si=WJ2LIhI9RsKm3uPj6nDyJQ https://www.youtube.com/oktobersky999

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 zydeco music. Here, he tells the tale of Roy Carriere and family, how he fought for (and won) Roy's music rights, and how he aims to carry on their legacy embarking on a quest to produce their documentary, Zydeco by Birth. Sit back and listen in to history in the making! https://gofund.me/b21e8b1b https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085931411721  

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 before this all begin, and what it has come to be through the respected Basin Street Records. https://www.basinstreetrecords.com/  

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 time will be right to release it, and what that strategy may be in the changing landscape. Please join us in taking a closer look at the life of a man that has meant so much to so many. 

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 a successful career with his own band as well as in studio sessions with greats like Dr. John, Tab Benoit, Yellowman, Blues Travelers and countless other superstars. Please join me in getting to know Louisiana Music Hall of Famer Chris Leblanc. 

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, he's seen so much and is nowhere near finished. Join us in finding about his trials throughout life, how he has sharpened his business acumen over time, and where he's headed now with his new project, Deep Sleep Atlantic. 

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 lessons from him surely carry on the torch. Sit with us and enjoy the beautiful musical mind that is Jorge Caicedo. 

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 album. They're on all major platforms as The Will Wesley Band and as a duo named Will and Phil. 

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 interview he's ever given. Join us and learn about the man behind the guitar; the distinguished, the respected, Vinnie LaBella. Please consider following this link, and choosing your preferred streaming platform to follow us https://neworleansmusicians.com/blog/podcast-and-yt-reusable-blocks/  

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 & Pleasure Club, The Funky Uncle Live, and Northshore Radio. Join us as we discuss his life leading to this point, the impact The Funky Uncle Live has had on local music, and the much anticipated Louisiana Music & Heritage Experience, a project for which he is now spearheading. 

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 on Guitar Hero, he made the transition to playing guitar. Throughout his life he played in several bands; one of which, Bayou Bullets, became a successful band playing 70's style hard rock.  We follow him through ups and downs, ultimately landing us with his current pop-punk project and answer to unabashed self expression, Okay Boomhauer. 

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 diversity, her transition as a singer from choirs to bands, overcoming situations that suppressed her voice, and the stylized look you'll find when they hit the stage. Join us in getting to know the powerful voice and beautiful person that is Erica Calle.    Music Video link for our mid-show band shout out: 99 Summerz - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCwVi73u0Mwfe-sYx4w0-i9A?fbclid=PAAaZxzOjIMCeSs8zsQ-6LqS6gSCDNSbLTHhbqHubypf9L9g_pzc90GLXNxLI

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 to remain in its light; at times, even living in a storage unit to make music his life. In this episode, we find him in a transitional phase, being new to this city, and in the process of moving himself and his band down to the big easy. He talks about his life up to this point, recalling both the good times and the bad. But he exudes honesty and passion throughout in this remarkably candid interview. 

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 interest to fans, friends, and members of the website. I hope everyone enjoys the show! And please be sure to check out the Getting To Know You Podcast when you have a chance. 

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 challenge for their 9 members, they are extremely active in the New Orleans music scene. In this episode, I sit down with Gabe, a member who plays bass, guitar, piano and sings, and Dalton who plays piano and percussion. And we discuss Gabe’s influences from childhood, his experiences with the band, their album EP, and so much more. 

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, a professional orchestral musician. Join us as we discuss jazz history, his experiences around the world, and his current project, a multi-continental original concerto and jazz history presentation. This project will be financed through crowdfunding and organizations in stages. If you would like to be involved in this project, please reach out to Ben through these means. email: redwinejazz@gmail.com - 15046779600 - https://www.redwinejazz.com/

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 to national audiences. Having recently expanded the scope of his utility, he touches on his motivations, his current goals, and his best business practices. Want more for your band? FTF offers booking, developmental services, PR & promotional services, EPK one sheets, website building and more. Contact info in this episode.