1. Why are you a musician?

I believe that music chose me. It’s always come easy to me from an early age. I’ve never struggled at it and since deciding to make it a career at the age of 19, there’s been countless signs in my life that I’m supposed to be a musician.

2. Who inspired your musical inspirations?

My musical inspirations are Herbie Hancock, James Booker, Stevie Wonder, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and Jon Batiste to name a few.

3. What is your practicing routine?

After juggling a busy schedule of touring, producing, performing, writing, spending time with family, trying to take care of myself, and catching up on rest, there’s usually very little time for practice.

I’m usually able practice about hour either before or after sound check while on the road and a hand full of hours during any given week while at home.

Because time is so limited I try to make sure that I’ve learned something or done at least one thing to completion before finishing a practice session.

I think it’s important that I leave every session having done at lease one thing fully, correctly and completely.

4. Why did you make this album?

Church of New Orleans
By Kyle Roussel

I made this album because I wanted to make a contribution to catalog that is New Orleans music. Having had the opportunity to work some of the best musicians in the city, I thought about them while writing the songs, and thankfully they all agreed to lend their time and talents to my musical vision.

5. What were the biggest obstacles in making this album?

The biggest obstacle in making this album was working around the schedules of 35 the most busy and talented musicians in New Orleans. I had to learn to patient while being persistent. One of the nicknames of New Orleans is the “Big Easy” and everything moves at a snails pace. Trying to be as accommodating as possible to everyone’s unique circumstances while giving a few people a gentle nudge was the formula to success.

6. Who is featured on the album?

Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, John Boutté, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jamison Ross, Zigaboo Modeliste, George Porter, Donald Harrison, Glen David Andrews, Quiana Lynell, Charlie Gabriel, Herlin Riley, and Shannon Powell.

7. Where may we find you online?

Website