Louisiana. Named after France’s King Louis XIV (history lesson, y’all), the boot-shaped state has a rich and storied history when it comes to American music.
One of the great musical capitals of the world and the birthplace of many various styles of rock and roll, blues and hip-hop, the city of New Orleans remains a landmark hub for both those practicing and reviving the music of the past and those at the forefront of new musical trends. And any true music fan and historian doesn’t need to watch Treme to know that fact.
But while the state has given us everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to Britney Spears over the years, our list highlights some recent artists who continue to build upon the state’s already impressive legacy.
1. Au Ras Au Ras
Hometown: New Orleans
Band Members: Tess Brunet, Patrick Hodgkins, Pat Fee, Jonny Campos
Current Release: The Great Nothing LP
Headed by Deadboy & the Elephantmen/Generationals drummer Tess Brunet and featuring a seemingly rotating list of musicians, Au Ras Au Ras is small in scope, but in the best kind of way. The songs wrap Brunet’s delicate, ethereal voice in a variety of different productions from stark electric guitar plucking to electronic beats. Listening to Au Ras Au Ras’ brand of dream pop, one cannot help but picture a film noir-inspired nightclub with Brunet acting as the appropriately sad lounge singer. It’s rainy day music for sure but enticing enough that you don’t have to wait for storm clouds to tune in.
2. Brass Bed
Hometown: Lafayette
Band Members: Jonny Campos, Peter DeHart, Christiaan Mader, Andrew Toups
Upcoming Release: Untitled Third Record Due This Year/ A Bullet for You EP available via Crossbill Records
Brass Bed’s brand of reverb-drenched, slow-burning guitar rock is a pure thrill to take in. But despite their predilection towards the bombastic, the group is always quick to balance the noise with some Beach Boy-inispired harmonics. All of this is anchored by Christiaan Mader distinctive caterwaul. The one downside? Their name makes Googling them a tad difficult.
3. The Breton Sound
Hometown: New Orleans
Band membersJonathan Pretus, Stephen Turner, Brian Pretus, Jon Alcon
Upcoming Release:: Maps (or Cartography and the Art Of Generalization) EP due in April.
Founding members Jonathan Pretus and Stephen Turner’s first musical project was a Weezer tribute band named tWeezer. Though the band has since found their own unique sound, their penchant for catchy melodies and “air guitar”-worthy solos certainly brings to mind Weezer at its best.
4. Caddywhompus
Hometown: New Orleans
Band Members:Sean Hart, Chris Rehm
Current Release: Maze Demos via Chinquapin Records
Like The White Stripes and The Black Keys, Caddywhompus consists of two members, but boy can they pack a punch. Taking their name from a colloquialism that means “crooked” or “uneven,” one would be tempted to apply that term to their musical output. Yet, in reality, the band is the best of both worlds. They put out quality work that never meanders or overstays its welcome like lesser experimental noise bands. Simultaneously, they never sacrifice their sense of explosive spontaneity. Songs such as “Feathering a Nest” begin casually before effortlessly transitioning into a beautifully crafted wall of sound .
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