Neworleansmusicians.com Podcast

David Trahan

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

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

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/

 

Fuel the Funeral Entertainment

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.

Matt Rhombus of Totem

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 paralleled by the challenge of finding his place in the musical landscape around him. Transcending into dimensions of sludge, punk, and rock-and-roll, Matt and his band, Totem, hope to convey emotion as well as praise and revere the art form.

Darnell Cotton

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 people like Manny Fresh and Gregory D., his years touring nationally, and his current direction in the music business. 

Ole Oddlokken

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 big bands. While studying fine art in Norway, he met his wife Nonney, a New Orleans native attending fine art classes at the same school. The two would start a family and eventually move to Louisiana in '94. Join us as we sit and talk with Ole about the origins of his sound and their influence on his role in bands throughout New Orleans. 

MJ Dardar

Singer Michael Dardar currently lives in Houma, but grew up in Venice, Louisiana. His mother was a leader in the church choir, giving him an intimate perspective on music at an early age. Some of his performances today are as an acoustic duo with co-writer Jerry Martin. And others are with a six piece band including a brass section. The band complements his soulful voice with their rhythm and blues, country and soul tones. Together with Jerry, their writing starts with a lyrical idea which then gives way to a melody. Their records are entire stories driven by these melodic and lyrical contents. Throughout his career, exploring possibilities has birthed new creative works in his life. During Covid, he and other band members published 41 videos in 30 days. And with each album he delights in a fresh look at a new sound and mood. Join us as we discuss his upbringing and inspirations, transitions in genre, and his recent signing to Red Stick Records. 

 

 

 

Poisson Rouge

Steeped in the rich Cajun heritage of southern Louisiana, Poisson Rouge perpetuates a message and a way of life under threat of extinction. Descendants of French ex-patriots from Nova Scotia, those that came to settle in Louisiana became known as Cajuns, or les Cadiens. Join us as we delve into the Acadian/ Creole heritage and the folkways that subsequently developed. Learn about a vibrant community and its traditions, as well as this band's sound and the many Louisiana festivals they play every year. 

The Indelible Robert Snow

Raised among musicians, his father, his uncle, and his cousins played an integral part in his entry into music. He began playing second chair coronet at McMain High School and came up being shown that to be a real musician, your talent transcended genres. Through necessity, he eventually found his way to the upright bass and the electric bass. He gigs more than any musician I know. Some of his past bands include King James and the Special Men, The New Orleans Jazz Vipers, and the Abitals. He currently plays in The Cotton Mouth Kings, The Mighty Melatauns, The Smokehouse Trio, Little Freddie King, and The Franklin Avenue Underpass. He has seven records out running the gamut from trad jazz, to swing jazz, latin, rock, blues, and funk. Some of the many places he can be found performing include the Gazebo on Decatur, BJ's in the Bywater, and the Spotted Cat on Frenchmen. You can find his music at the Louisiana Music Factory and on Spotify. He is simultaneously humble, fascinating, and immeasurably talented. Join us as we get to know Robert and discuss his projects, current and future.