Issue Articles
Victor in Wonderland: I Don’t Play Music, I Pray Music says Cuban pianist Victor Campbell
Pianist Victor Campbell has come from Cuba to take New Orleans by storm, and a growing number are paying attention. His brain is encyclopedic, the energy of his soul is genuine, and his ability to connect seemingly disparate musical styles is transfixing in a way that hasn’t been experienced here since the days of James Booker.
Classic and Classy: Erica Falls is flying high
Erica Falls has a hot new album called Emotions, the single “Up” is riding high on the charts, and she’s ready to go on the road to take it to the world. While she may be best known right now as the singer with Galactic for around five years, that’s about to change. It’s Erica time. As Lumar LeBlanc of The Soul Rebels said, “She is awesome, a great musician. Her position in the industry is rising.” We sat around the table to discuss her story while Brazilian music played in the background.
Come Dancing: GrrlSpot floats in on glitter and bubbles during Decadence
Southern Decadence is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year, and perhaps the most groundbreaking part of it has been going on under our noses since 2011. On September 2nd at Toulouse Theatre, GrrlSpot is bringing their renowned on-another-level dance party, and everyone’s welcome.
Percussionist Alexey Marti Records His First Vocal-Oriented Album
Alexey Marti wants to be known for happiness
New Soul Finders!: Marilyn Barbarin and Marc Stone Keep Eddie Bo’s legacy alive
Marilyn Barbarin and Marc Stone came together as the nucleus of the New Soul Finders! It’s a great New Orleans story, a musical Venn diagram with Eddie Bo in the middle. We chatted at Baldwin & Co. about the collaboration, playing with Bo, and much more.
I Want To Be Me: La Reezy’s Joy of Creativity
The world needs La Reezy and his new album Reeborn. From the post-pandemic hangover to social media peacocking, being at peace with positivity and simply being oneself can seem like […]
Linda Aubert Refuses to Be Pigeonholed
Linda Aubert is a shining star of New Orleans who branched out and took her music around the world before eventually returning home. In a city full of talent, she broke ground as a multi-faceted performer while still in high school. Her story is inspirational as a testament to continual growth while following one’s own vision. Look for her next at Satchmo Summerfest.
Around the World in a Song: Or Shovaly Finds His Way
Even before guitarist Or Shovaly’s arrival from Israel, he was developing a keen wide-ranging virtuosity. He’s known mostly in New Orleans for Or Shovaly Plus and Kumasi. His namesake-band recently released a new single called “Take It Easy,” mixed and mastered by Alan Evans from Soulive. We sat down at Satsuma in the Ninth Ward to talk about his voracious musical appetite, what brought him here, and how his sound keeps expanding.
Yusa Talks Back
Yusa is a world citizen born in Havana, Cuba and now residing in New Orleans. She’s a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who has won and been nominated for international music awards. We sat down appropriately overlooking the Mississippi River to talk about her background, career, and what it means to be globally Cuban.
Expect the Unexpected: Shamarr Allen keeps it True Orleans
Shamarr Allen is riding high on touring across the country with the imminent release of the True Orleans 2 album, his first in five years. He’s both a son of New Orleans and a U.S. Cultural Ambassador who talks as real as it gets. We sat down in his studio to get the word on his world.
