Elation Podcast

Kirk and Melissa O'Brien are the Executive Producers of NOLA MusiCon, a three-day, artist-focused music conference held annually in New Orleans. We sit down with them to talk about their backgrounds in the music industry and at SXSW, their mission to create more opportunities for local artists, and how they are working to bridge the gap between creativity and business in New Orleans. They share in...

Alison Edmonson is the Co-Founder and CPA at Harmony Street Society, a nonprofit that offers free tax services and workshops to musicians and artists across New Orleans and beyond. We sit down with Alison to talk about how Harmony Street Society helps creatives navigate the overwhelming world of taxes, fight back against unfair debt collection, and reclaim their financial stability with dignity an...

Alex Owens is the founder of Be Loud Studios, and Byron Turner is a Junior Producer with the program. We sit down with them to talk about how Be Loud is amplifying youth voices through radio and podcast production in New Orleans. Alex shares the journey of building Be Loud from a classroom project into a thriving nonprofit that helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and develop r...

Ryan Batiste, aka Shaggy, is a musician, festival organizer, and music teacher from New Orleans. We sit down with him to talk about his journey growing up in a musical family, the impact of learning through improvisation, and how he built Locals Fest to create new opportunities for overlooked artists. Shaggy shares the challenges of running a festival, the realities of navigating the modern music...

Kr3wcial is an artist, producer, and engineer from New Orleans who's shaping the future of the city’s alternative hip hop scene. We sat down with him to talk about his creative journey—from recording with a Rock Band mic in high school to being a part of the glbl wrmng collective and building a community around independent artistry. He shares the story behind his breakout single “504,” how it beca...

Tavia Osbey is an Artist Manager and Partner at Midcitizen Entertainment, best known for managing Tank and the Bangas since the group’s early days. We talk with Tavia about her unconventional path into the music industry, starting as a 911 operator and ending up at the Grammys, and how her friendship with Tank turned into one of the most impactful creative partnerships in New Orleans music. We dig...

Matthew Eli Judd is a filmmaker and Co-founder of Ghostwright Media. We sat down with him to talk about how a 48 Hour Film Project in New Orleans sparked a new chapter in his life following major personal upheaval. Matthew shares how a chance meeting with fellow filmmaker Carlos led to the creation of  Afterlife Crisis , a mockumentary about a ghost who wants to quit his job in the afterlife. The...

Leslie Cooper is the Music Mama of Pass It On NOLA, an initiative dedicated to getting instruments into the hands of young musicians who need them. She shares how her journey growing up with a jazz musician stepfather shaped her love for music and why she’s passionate about ensuring kids have access to their own instruments. Through Pass It On NOLA, Leslie has helped countless children receive don...

Vincent Berry is a Grammy-nominated songwriter who understands the power of ownership, creativity, and legacy in the music industry. He shares insights on why artists should protect their intellectual property, how to leverage music catalogs like real estate, and the importance of never selling publishing rights. Vincent also reflects on his journey, from honing his craft in the studio to collabor...

Gene Meneray is a co-founder of The Ella Project, a nonprofit providing legal and business resources to artists and musicians in Louisiana. We sat down with Gene to discuss the realities of the music industry, from the importance of artists understanding copyright and licensing to the challenges of monetizing music in the streaming era. He shares how The Ella Project offers free legal services, he...

Lance Morello is the team captain of PigLit, one of the standout teams at  Hogs for the Cause , a festival and fundraiser dedicated to fighting pediatric brain cancer. We sit down with Lance to talk about how PigLit got started, the impact of the fundraiser, and the deep camaraderie among team members. From their signature pulled pork egg rolls to their legendary Friday night party, PigLit has mad...

Murf Reeves is the Music Director at WWOZ and a passionate advocate for the power of music and radio. We sit down with Murf to talk about his journey into music, his love for radio, and how breathwork and self-discovery have shaped his perspective. He shares how growing up with Columbia Records, discovering artists like The Doors and Led Zeppelin, and immersing himself in New Orleans' music scene...

Nick LaCour is a co-chair of YLC Wednesday at the Square, an eight-week live music series that brings the best of New Orleans’ music, food, and art to Lafayette Square. We dive into what it takes to organize this iconic event, from booking top local acts like Soul Rebels and George Porter Jr. to managing vendors and logistics. Nick shares how the Young Leadership Council (YLC) fosters leadership d...

Nate Cameron is the co-founder of glbl wrmng, an artist collective dedicated to developing and elevating New Orleans’ music scene. We talk about the challenges local artists face, the lack of industry infrastructure in the city, and how mainstream media often appropriates New Orleans culture without reinvesting in it. Nate shares his journey from working in LA, Nashville, and Atlanta to returning...

Mary Ryan Brown is a comedian from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who brings humor and heart to her craft. We sat down with Mary to talk about her journey from studying English literature at USM to connecting with stand-up comedy during a challenging postpartum period. She shared how analyzing comedy specials helped her hone her skills and how she balances authenticity and humor in her routines. From h...

Kia Robinson Hatfield is the Director of Programs, Marketing, and Communications at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. We sit down with Kia to explore her passion for music and culture and the foundation's incredible work in supporting local artists and fostering community. From free music education programs that connect young musicians with world-renowned artists to cultural initiative...

Raj Smoove is a renowned DJ from New Orleans who has shaped the city's music scene and beyond with his talent and innovation. We sit down with Raj to discuss his roots in a musical household, his early experiences performing at Jazz Fest, and the pivotal moments that defined his career, including touring with Cash Money Records and becoming the official game day DJ for the New Orleans Saints. From...

Malik Mingo is the charismatic host of Great Day Louisiana and joins us to share his journey from hard news reporting in Texas to landing his dream job in New Orleans. We dive into his career path, the challenges and spontaneity of live television, and how he created opportunities for himself by betting on his own talent and passion. We also explore what makes New Orleans such a magical city, disc...

Silkk the Shocker is a legendary artist from New Orleans who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. We dive into his journey from his early days balancing basketball dreams with music ambitions to his rise as a key figure in No Limit Records. Silkk shares stories about navigating cultural shifts, pioneering independent films like  I Got the Hook-Up , and collaborating with icons like Sn...

Cookie Hood is a former war correspondent, model, and legendary party girl with a story unlike any other. From her roots in Metairie, LA, to breaking the Iran-Contra scandal, managing CBS News in Nicaragua during a civil war, and navigating connections with the cartel, Cookie has lived a life of incredible highs and dangerous lows. She shares her journey with us, diving into the pivotal moments th...

Choppa is an international artist and CEO known for his hit song "Choppa Style." In part two of our conversation, we dive into his journey through the music industry, including navigating contracts, his pride in representing Louisiana, and the challenges he faced after Hurricane Katrina. Choppa shares how he stays grounded through family, his love for animals, and how he balances live shows with t...

Choppa is an international artist and CEO with deep roots in the music industry. We dive into his journey from artist to entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and rewards of wearing multiple hats in the business. Choppa shares insights on building his brand, the mindset needed to thrive as a CEO, and the hustle required to make it in both music and business. We also explore the balance between c...

Joshua Smith is a Library Associate with the New Orleans Public Library and the driving force behind  Crescent City Sounds , a local streaming platform showcasing New Orleans artists. We talk with Joshua about how his love for music and his connection to the city inspired this innovative project. He shares the unique curation process, involving local music community luminaries, and how the platfor...

Nell Simmons is a talented music artist and vocalist from New Orleans with a deep passion for creativity and connection. We explore her journey growing up in Gentilly, balancing her love for music and animals, and transitioning into a career as a performer. Nell shares her experiences performing in the French Quarter, touring internationally, and navigating the challenges of the New Orleans music...

Bobbi Rae is a singer, songwriter, and musician from Slidell, Louisiana, with an incredible story of resilience and creativity. We dive into her journey from homeschooling to joining the Air Force and eventually pursuing a passion for music that led her to perform in a 14-city tour in Brazil. Bobbi shares how her experiences shaped her artistry, from finding healing through music to embracing the...