McClain

Thumbnail image for Big History: Interview With New Orleans Electronica Band

Big History: Interview With New Orleans Electronica Band

by McClain July 25, 2011 Music
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Big History is an up-and-coming NOLA-based electronica band. Blandon Helgason recently called in to discuss the band’s origins, their songwriting process, and creating a sound that is unique. With influences from hip-hop to disco and even motown, their music will keep you dancing all night long! Check out the Big History Facebook page where you’ll find their latest single, “Wardrum,” …

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Thumbnail image for DJ Star Eyes: Interview With A New York DJ

DJ Star Eyes: Interview With A New York DJ

by McClain July 18, 2011 Music

DJ Star Eyes is a Brooklyn-based DJ and music producer who recently wrote in to discuss her road to becoming a DJ, her approach to production and crazy memories such as getting a gun pulled on her by a Russian mobster. You can witness her outstanding DJ talent at the 2011 Voodoo Music Experience at City Park in New Orleans …

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Thumbnail image for Booty Trove: Interview with a New Orleans Brass Band

Booty Trove: Interview with a New Orleans Brass Band

by McClain July 11, 2011 Music
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Booty Trove is an up-and-coming brass band from New Orleans known for their energetic live shows where keeping the crowd entertained and making them feel they are a part of the show is a priority. They like to break the mold of New Orleans brass bands and “funkify” the audience as they mix it up with covers such as Led …

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Thumbnail image for Robert Mercurio: Interview with Galactic Bassist

Robert Mercurio: Interview with Galactic Bassist

by McClain July 4, 2011 Music
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Robert Mercurio is the bassist for New Orleans-based bands Galactic and Good Enough For Good Times. As a Tulane University freshman, Mercurio was inspired by shows at Tipitina’s, hoping one day to be able to play onstage there. Now, he has not only fulfilled that dream, but he plays in nationally renowned bands! Galactic’s latest release, The Other Side of …

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Thumbnail image for Interview with New Orleans Ska Band: The Local Skank

Interview with New Orleans Ska Band: The Local Skank

by McClain June 27, 2011 Arts & Culture
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The Local Skank are a New Orleans-based ska group. They are known for their rocking live shows and foxy calenders. I sat down with trombone player/vocalist Ashley Shabankareh to discuss how she got into ska, how Craigslist brought the band together and her love of the New Orleans music scene. Their latest release is the album Collect All Five, …

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Thumbnail image for Natalie Mae: Interview With An Emerging Folk Musician

Natalie Mae: Interview With An Emerging Folk Musician

by McClain June 20, 2011 Arts & Culture
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Natalie Mae is a skilled songwriter and a passionate performer who’s emerging as a rising star in the bluegrass music scene. With folk musician parents, she grew up in the folk and bluegrass world attending her parents’ shows throughout her childhood. She began writing her own songs in the 7th grade, and fine-tuned her skills in a songwriting class at …

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Thumbnail image for Dave Clements: Interview With Owner of Snake and Jake’s Bar

Dave Clements: Interview With Owner of Snake and Jake’s Bar

by McClain June 13, 2011 Nightlife
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Dave Clements is the owner of legendary New Orleans dive bar Snake and Jake’s. This local favorite is located Uptown, just past Oak St. and Hillary St. It’s exterior is unassuming and easy to miss, so keep an eye out for the red Christmas wreath on the door. Once inside, you’ll find some of NOLA’s most colorful characters. Snake’s …

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Thumbnail image for Billy Iuso: Interview with New Orleans’ Funkiest Guitarist

Billy Iuso: Interview with New Orleans’ Funkiest Guitarist

by McClain June 2, 2011 Music
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Billy Iuso is one of New Orleans’ funkiest vocalists and guitarists. Originally from New York, Iuso has become a fixture in the New Orleans music scene. He has opened for the Funky Meters, played with the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians and also fronts his own band, Billy Iuso and The Restless Natives. Check out his latest album …

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Thumbnail image for Rick Farman Interview: From Snake and Jakes Bartender to Bonnaroo Co-Founder

Rick Farman Interview: From Snake and Jakes Bartender to Bonnaroo Co-Founder

by McClain May 26, 2011 History
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Tulane University graduate Rick Farman was bartending at local New Orleans dive bar Snake and Jakes when he decided it was time to combine his love for music with his entrepreneurial drive and co-found Superfly Presents Productions. Starting out promoting music shows during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest in 1997, Superfly Presents has since expanded their production empire with the …

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Thumbnail image for Quintron: An Interview with a New Orleans Funk Musician

Quintron: An Interview with a New Orleans Funk Musician

by McClain May 19, 2011 Music

Quintron is one of the most unique figures in all of New Orleans music. He has put out many great albums of strange garage rock and oddball future funk. His latest release, “Sucre Du Sauvage” was recorded at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) . The elusive keyboardist, drummer, and inventor recently wrote in to discuss Ernie …

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Thumbnail image for Terence Blanchard: An Interview with A New Orleans Trumpet Legend

Terence Blanchard: An Interview with A New Orleans Trumpet Legend

by McClain May 12, 2011 Music
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After picking up the trumpet in the 4th grade, and composing his own songs by the time he reached high school, New Orleans musician Terence Blanchard has become one of the most innovative trumpet players in New Orleans jazz. Fascinated with the craft of composition, he has scored all of Spike Lee’s films since 1991. Blanchard’s constant thirst for …

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Thumbnail image for Gal Holiday: Interview with a Country Rock Star

Gal Holiday: Interview with a Country Rock Star

by McClain May 5, 2011 Arts & Culture
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Gal Holiday is the leader of New Orleans-based country music band Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue. Originally from Maryland, Holiday has been living and singing in New Orleans for over a decade. Inspired by such country stars as Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, Holiday is putting a modern New Orleans spin on a vintage style of country …

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Thumbnail image for Widespread Panic’s Jo Jo Hermann: An Interview with a Defender of New Orleans Music

Widespread Panic’s Jo Jo Hermann: An Interview with a Defender of New Orleans Music

by McClain April 28, 2011 Music
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John JoJo Hermann is the keyboard player for Georgia-based band Widespread Panic. He is also the leader of JoJo’s Mardi Gras Band. He has been heavily influenced by the work of New Orleans piano master Professor Longhair. Panic has a storied history with New Orleans, including sets at Jazz Fest and epic Halloween runs. JoJo is performing, along with …

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Thumbnail image for Margie Perez: An Interview with a New Orleans Vocalist

Margie Perez: An Interview with a New Orleans Vocalist

by McClain April 21, 2011 About
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New Orleans based vocalist Margie Perez specializes in an inspiring blend of Blues, Pop, New Orleans Funk and Latin music. Originally from Washington DC, Perez went from attending the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival as a fan to performing live at Jazz Fest herself.  Inspired by the way New Orleans musicians live and breathe music, she made the move …

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Thumbnail image for Harry Shearer: An Interview with a New Orleans Fan and Defender

Harry Shearer: An Interview with a New Orleans Fan and Defender

by McClain April 14, 2011 Arts & Culture

Harry Shearer is a proud defender and fan of New Orleans culture. He has released a documentary on the Army Corps of Engineers response to Hurricane Katrina, The Big Uneasy. Shearer has voiced over 11 characters on The Simpsons, he also played Derek Smalls in the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, He first came to NOLA in 1988 and now …

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Mr. Mena New Orleans Music

Mr. Mena: Interview with a Partner-N-Crime

by McClain April 7, 2011 Music
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Mr. Mena is a member of legendary New Orleans-based rap group Partners N Crime. PNC mixes bounce, rap, and hip-hop with smooth hooks to create a style that is all their own. They run their own label H.I.T.Z. International. I recently talked to Mr. Mena about the origins of PNC, his early influences, and his record label.

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