Issue Articles
Ani DiFranco Talks Back
Singer/songwriter/iconoclast Ani DiFranco founded Righteous Babe Records in 1990, when she was just 19. DiFranco is one of the most influential independent artists of her generation and not only is she a music-maker, she’s known for actually creating the artist-owned record label phenomenon.
Dee-1
It’s been a hot year for Dee-1. National podcasts, guest verses and new levels. By press time, his new album and podcast—both expected to be titled The Shift—should have dropped. Though on a larger platform, his message remains steady. Of course, this naturally leads to both more supporters and detractors. As he’s learning more than ever, sometimes bold is a (metaphorical) punch in the nose, but other times it’s a tap on the shoulder. It was necessary to understand more about this most unique New Orleans-gone-national rapper.
Jelly Joseph
Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph is as New Orleans as boiled crawfish and second lines. She’s a versatile raised-in-the-church singer who is as charismatic and engaging as it gets. A sharp mind and a deep soul are also what she brings to the table. Her new single just dropped from an upcoming album, and she’s about to headline Jazz Fest for the first time. Her jam session at JAMNOLA on April 29th promises to be must-see.
Nell Simmons-Bradley
The star is rising for Nell Simmons-Bradley. For the first time, her name’s on the bill at Jazz Fest.
River Eckert
River Eckert walks the line of a 16-year-old who has become an in-demand New Orleans pianist. “Prodigy” comes to mind for the sophomore at NOCCA. This Jazz Fest will be his third, with his first performance being at the end of eighth grade. He’s got his first album, self-titled, dropping right on time, and a fine line of luminaries are stamping him with their support.
Trombone Shorty: Pays It Forward and Back
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a rock star of rhythm and as solid a person you could meet. No less than the legendary Juvenile praised, “I have a lot of love and respect for him. When I did [NPR’s] Tiny Desk, the whole band thing came from him. He helped me with it.
Chloé Marie: Shiny As Gold
Chloé Marie is a singer and songwriter to behold, with her beautifully somber tone and soaring phrasing. She also has quite a range of performance styles. As we chatted at The Bean Gallery, with the occasional streetcar easing on past, it became clear that her layers were more plentiful than expected.
Gladney: High Vibrations and Deep Meditations
Gladney’s been playing Jazz Fest since the seventh grade, but this year’s fest is his first gig as a bandleader. He’s a trailblazer and purveyor of spiritual qualities in music and life. Release of his Inner Peace album is imminent.
Kyle Roussel: Refreshing and Intellectual
Pianist Kyle Roussel kicked off 2025 with a bang in the form of a landmark new album, “Church of New Orleans,” featuring around three dozen top New Orleans musicians.
A conversation with Odd the Artist
Whatever you do, don’t pigeonhole Odd The Artist. The young rapper, singer, DJ, and producer is equal parts hip-hop and rock star. She’s been steadily making noise around New Orleans, which elevated with her first album “Let Go, Let Odd” in 2024. There’s no doubt she lives in the studio, so we met up in the lab to get the word.
