Kate Duncan is the Director of the School of Music & Theater Professions and the Conrad Hilton Chair in Music Industry at Loyola University New Orleans. We sit down with her and host David Adams to unpack her path from classical singer to jazz educator, how Loyola readies students for real careers, and why craft, confidence, and business savvy matter as much as talent.
We dig into AI’s role in songwriting/production, copyright pitfalls, Dolby Atmos and immersive audio, and why New Orleans’ live scene and festival partnerships are the best classroom. We talk experiential learning, keeping the “fun” in the work (even with all the emails and spreadsheets), and the push to strengthen creative infrastructure so more graduates build their futures right here in the city that built American music.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
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Website: https://www.elationent.com
Adam Matasar is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group at Jones Walker. We sit down with Adam to dig into the sweet spot where law, music, and New Orleans culture collide, from Adam’s path as a classically trained musician to a deal-making entertainment and transactions attorney. We get straight into protecting artists’ rights, smart contracts and negotiations, how independent creators can build leverage, and why social and streaming have shifted power away from old-school gatekeepers.
We also talk the real-world impact of AI on music and legal work, catalog sales and venture capital bets, NIL and the changing sports landscape, and why authenticity (and live performance) still wins. If you’re a creator, producer, or entrepreneur looking to protect your work and scale your brand, this one’s packed with practical gems. Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more bold, creative stories from the Elation Podcast.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
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Website: https://www.elationent.com
Julia Holt is an entertainment attorney and the founder of Julia Holt Law. She shares her journey from growing up in Gretna, Louisiana, to studying jazz piano and music business, and eventually building a career in law and artist advocacy. She sits down with us to explain why protecting intellectual property is critical for musicians, from copyright registration and split sheets to performance royalties and sync opportunities.
We dive into the challenges and opportunities facing independent artists in New Orleans, the importance of financial literacy, and the need to approach music with both creativity and entrepreneurship. Julia also discusses her sync company, offering insights into how local artists can position themselves for placements in film and TV. Listen now to explore how artistry and business intersect, and what steps every creator should take to secure their future in music.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
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Website: https://www.elationent.com
Scott Borne is the co-owner of New Orleans Record Press and a longtime advocate for the city’s vibrant music scene. We sit down with him to talk about his journey back to New Orleans just before Katrina, his work with WWOZ, and how he turned his passion for music into a career dedicated to supporting artists. From community rebuilding through live events to his role as music director, Scott shares how timing, resilience, and love for local culture shaped his path.
We also dive into the resurgence of vinyl and why physical media still matters in today’s digital landscape. Scott breaks down the pressing process, the business realities for independent musicians, and how tangible records connect fans more deeply to artists. Tune in as we explore the intersection of culture, business, and passion in New Orleans music.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
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Website: https://www.elationent.com
Cav “Kilobauud” is a DJ and creator of Set de Flo, and Vick is an artist and event producer. We get straight into New Orleans roots, LA lessons, and the real gap between local talent and industry infrastructure, from DIY hustle and content workflows to why major musicians often live at extremes of sobriety or excess, and how discipline turns creativity into a career.
We also dig into Set de Flo’s mission to build community, educate audiences on Black dance music, and create spaces where artists can record, film, and work faster. This conversation is packed with candid stories, practical takeaways for independent artists, and a clear-eyed look at what it takes to thrive in New Orleans today. Listen now to hear how we’re pushing the culture forward and subscribe for more conversations on the Elation Podcast.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Alaina Dunn is the Program Director at The COOL Cooperative, a nonprofit dedicated to giving young people a voice through film education. We dig into her path from New Orleans to LSU to New York acting (yes, Law & Order and an Ice-T story), why she stepped behind the camera, and how COOL equips youth with real film skills and a strong creative voice. We talk curriculum that blends film history with hands-on production, the value of learning analog fundamentals, and how New Orleans’ film and music legacy shapes the next generation.
We also get into where the industry is heading, including streaming, AI, and why audience taste still matters, plus tangible outcomes from COOL students. If you care about building a sustainable local film ecosystem and investing in young creators, this one’s for you.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Danovan Calhoun-Bettis is the Director of Engagement and Partnerships at MaCCNO, the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans. We sit down with him to talk about his journey growing up in the Seventh Ward, how his early start in music shaped his path, and the role he plays today in advocating for artists and culture bearers across the city. From church gigs and jazz studies to leading his own band, Danovan’s story shows the hustle, heart, and creativity that keep New Orleans culture alive.
We also dig into his work at MaCCNO, where he’s helping pass policies that protect local musicians, fight for fair pay, and make sure culture has a seat at the table. Danovan shares his vision for building stronger connections between artists, community, and city leaders, and his hopes for preserving New Orleans culture in the face of corporate and economic pressures.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Joel Hitchcock is a festival producer, who recently helped to produce the inaugural Smoove Fest, and the owner of Paradigm Gardens. He shares how his journey from Milwaukee to New Orleans turned into a lifelong connection with the city’s culture, music, and community. From teaching after Katrina to discovering his passion for reggae and Caribbean music, Joel walks us through how he went from DJing late nights to producing major events like NOLA Caribbean Fest and Smooth Fest.
We talk about the deep cultural ties between New Orleans and reggae, the importance of infrastructure for artists, and how collaboration with leaders like Raj Smoove has helped grow platforms for local creatives. Joel also gives us a look at what’s ahead for Paradigm Gardens, NOLA Reggae Fest, and Savor the City, while highlighting why New Orleans’ openness and creativity make it unlike anywhere else.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Howie Kaplan is the owner of New Orleans bar and music venue The Howlin’ Wolf. We sit down with Howie to get straight into his journey from South Florida record stores and early ticketing days to taking over The Howlin’ Wolf in 2000, the standout shows he’s hosted , and why the live-music experience—and New Orleans’ culture at large—still matters more than ever.
We also dig into the tough stuff: how scalpers and broken ticketing systems hurt fans, artists, and independent venues; the wins from Save Our Stages; and what it really takes to build music infrastructure here at home. Plus, stories from managing Rebirth Brass Band and helping The Revivalists scale, the ripple effect venues have on local economies, and a cautiously optimistic take on the future of music in New Orleans. If you care about live music, this one’s for you.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Ethan Ellestad is the Executive Director of the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MaCCNO). We sat down with him and our host David Adams to talk about his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to New Orleans, his work in Jamaica with the Peace Corps, and how those experiences shaped his passion for equitable urban development and cultural advocacy.
We also dig into the work MaCCNO is doing to fight outdated ordinances, legalize outdoor live entertainment, and ensure that the entire ecosystem of cultural workers—from musicians to sound engineers—gets the support they need. This conversation highlights the ongoing challenges facing artists in New Orleans, the vision for a future where New Orleans’ culture thrives through community-driven policy and advocacy, and the importance of supporting communities in the creative industries.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Reid Wick is the Director of Regional Advocacy and Member Engagement at the Recording Academy. We sat down with Reid to talk about his journey from touring jazz fusion musician to one of the leading voices shaping Louisiana’s music industry. He shares how his roots in New Orleans, his time at Loyola University, and his early work in music education laid the foundation for a career dedicated to building infrastructure, opportunities, and visibility for local artists.
We also dig into the newly passed state legislation increasing music production incentives, the importance of reversing brain drain, and why New Orleans is primed for a creative wave. Reid breaks down the behind-the-scenes ecosystem that powers the music industry and makes a case for why music deserves serious investment as a cultural and economic driver. From Katrina recovery to future-facing advocacy, Reid offers wisdom, humor, and hope for the next generation of music professionals.
Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/
Website: https://www.comfystone.com/
Diego Pinzon is the co-founder and CEO of DAWN Audio, and Mandy Ortiz is the co-founder and CSO. We sat down with Diego and Mandy to talk about how they’re building a global music production platform that turns isolated music-making into a collaborative, gamified experience. From their first meeting in New Orleans to the inspiration behind DAWN, they share how their unique backgrounds and love for music shaped a tool designed to connect creators across different DAWs and geographies.
We dig into how DAWN uses Discord, challenges, and a personalized coaching bot to foster creativity, community, and consistency among users. Diego and Mandy also explain their vision for the future—one where music-making feels as fun and social as logging into a video game with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, this episode explores the next frontier of digital music collaboration.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Ashley Shabankereh is the Director of Operations and Programs at the Trombone Shorty Foundation, and she joins us alongside Music Industry Apprentices Larry Cacho and Covay Joseph. We talk about how the Foundation is filling a crucial gap in New Orleans by offering hands-on music industry education, mentorship, and career-building opportunities to young artists. Ashley shares the evolution of the program—from its post-Katrina beginnings to the creation of the Music Industry Apprenticeship Program—and why building a full music ecosystem in the city is key to sustaining creative careers.
We also hear directly from Larry and Covay about their journey through the apprenticeship program and their experience working with us at Elation. From staying ready for unexpected opportunities to producing original music in our studio, they share how this partnership has shaped their artistry and professional growth. We discuss how creatives in New Orleans can carve out sustainable futures, the power of collaboration, and how to stay rooted in culture while adapting to a rapidly changing industry.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Troy Sawyer is a New Orleans-born musician, educator, and the founder of Girls Play Trumpets Too, a nonprofit empowering young girls—especially Black girls—to break gender barriers in jazz. We talk to Troy about growing up in a deeply musical family, discovering the trumpet after seeing Wynton Marsalis perform, and how the Satchmo Jazz Camp ignited his passion for self-expression through jazz. He shares the impact of Hurricane Katrina on his journey, his role in rebuilding New Orleans, and how that experience shaped his purpose.
We also dive into the mission behind Girls Play Trumpets Too—a movement that goes beyond music to include financial literacy, cultural exchange, and mentorship for young girls. Troy discusses the music industry’s shortcomings in supporting artists in New Orleans, the importance of passing down music business knowledge, and how he’s using his production company and nonprofit work to build a more inclusive, empowered future for musicians.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
George Ingmire is a radio/film producer and DJ in New Orleans who has spent years capturing the heartbeat of the city through sound. We sat down with George to talk about his journey from Norfolk, Virginia to New Orleans, his deep ties to the city’s culture, and his experiences navigating the music and radio world before and after Hurricane Katrina. George shares how his early love for music discovery shaped his career and how the uniqueness of New Orleans continues to fuel his creativity.
We also dive into George’s work in radio documentaries, his passion for preserving family histories through film, and his take on how streaming and AI are reshaping the entertainment landscape. From building a life around music to capturing untold stories, George’s perspective reminds us why New Orleans remains an unmatched source of inspiration and resilience.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Lou Hill is a musician with Water Seed and an entrepreneur deeply rooted in the New Orleans music scene. We dive into his dynamic journey—from growing up immersed in the city's rich musical heritage, studying music at Xavier University, and finding his way through vibrant music scenes in DC and Atlanta, to returning home and crafting a unique path as both an artist and business innovator.
Together, we discuss the realities and challenges facing New Orleans musicians, the importance of clearly distinguishing between gigging and session work, and why fostering a business-minded, supportive creative community could transform the local music industry. Lou also shares his experiences touring, building the immersive show "Journey to Funk Star," and his commitment to pioneering creative collaborations that can uplift New Orleans' musical talent.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Amanda Mester is a communications and music industry professional deeply embedded in New Orleans' creative scene. We dive into Amanda’s unique upbringing, traveling globally as the child of classical musicians, and how this shaped her passion for storytelling, social justice, and hip-hop culture.
We also discuss Amanda's impactful work at OffBeat Magazine, her partnership with Raj Smoove at the Gentilly Agency, and her insights into preserving New Orleans' vibrant musical heritage. Amanda shares thoughtful perspectives on authenticity in creativity, the state of contemporary hip-hop, and the role of music as a catalyst for social change.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Octavia Young is the CFO of Element, a leading event production and rental company based in New Orleans. We sat down with Octavia to talk about her journey from Lafayette back to New Orleans, how her family’s company grew from humble beginnings to one of the largest in the South, and how they navigated major challenges like COVID-19 and the Hollywood strikes by diversifying and staying resilient.
We also dive into Octavia’s passion for supporting at-risk youth and her vision for expanding Element into new markets like Alabama and Houston. From executing large-scale events like the Moonlight Gala to her love of working festivals, Octavia shares what drives her both professionally and personally — including the joy of working closely with her father and the freedom to travel the world.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Juvenile is a legendary rapper from New Orleans known for shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop and pioneering bounce music. We sit down with Juvenile to talk about reuniting with BG and Turk, the evolution of his career, and how he’s embraced live performances with a full band. He shares insights on navigating the music industry today, balancing independence with brand-building, and the realities of streaming for artists.
We also dive into the importance of family, the influence of New Orleans culture on modern music, and his personal experiences mentoring rising artists. Juvenile reflects on his Mount Rushmore of rappers, the legacy of bounce music, and how staying grounded has shaped his success on and off the stage.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com
Michelle Cheramie is the owner of Zeus' Rescues, a New Orleans-based nonprofit dedicated to saving and rehoming animals in need. We sit down with Michelle to talk about her journey from growing up in Cajun country to founding Zeus' Rescues after Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever. She shares powerful stories from post-Katrina rescue efforts, the emotional realities of animal rescue work, and how small acts of kindness can save lives.
We also dive into the revitalization of Freret Street, the small runaway dog named Scrim that united the New Orleans community, and the importance of spaying, neutering, fostering, and adopting. Michelle highlights how Zeus' Rescues continues to impact the city, the ways people can support their mission, and why working together creates real change. If you believe in community, compassion, and second chances, you’ll want to hear this conversation.
Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home.
Follow Elation Entertainment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/
Website: https://www.elationent.com