Neworleansmusicians.com Podcast

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 music at a black Baptist wake would cement his place in the groove. We discuss his invol...

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 them. Join us for a laid back look at an enduring metal band in the midst of a new and...

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 st...

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. ...

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, al...

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. Joi...

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 w...

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 Rec...

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 landsca...

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 ...

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 t...

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 musi...

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...

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 dist...

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 li...

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 play...

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 tha...