Artists
Artists that have performed songs from the Big Red NOLA catalog. Original compositions from New Orleans and New York City.
Alvin Batiste (1932–2007)
🕊️ In loving memory of a true giant. Alvin Batiste Sr. (November 7, 1932 – May 6, 2007) was an American avant-garde jazz clarinetist, composer, recording artist, and educator — born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and one of the most revered figures in the history of jazz. A virtuoso of extraordinary range, Batiste made history as the first African-American student to perform as a guest soloist with the New Orleans Philharmonic, playing Mozart's Concerto. His performances spanned Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center's Joe Papp Theatre, and stages around the world. Batiste spent decades as a beloved educator at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he founded and led his own jazz institute — mentoring generations of musicians and shaping the future of jazz in Louisiana and beyond. He is a proud member of the legendary Batiste Family of New Orleans, which includes his son Jon Batiste, the Grammy Award-winning artist and bandleader. His recordings include the landmark album Bayou Magic (1988) and Marsalis Music Honors Alvin Batiste (2007). The Alvin Batiste Jazz Society of Greater Baton Rouge continues to celebrate and advance his legacy through the Batiste Legacy Sessions. Alvin Batiste's greatest impact was not only in his performances, but in the lives he touched — a mentor, a pioneer, and an eternal voice of New Orleans jazz. Rest in power.
Ha Sizzle
Ha Sizzle (born Hasan Matthews, March 16, 1988) is a New Orleans–based rapper, Grammy artist, and self-proclaimed "King of Bounce" and "Voice of Bounce Music." Born in the Calliope Projects of New Orleans, he has been a cornerstone of the bounce music scene for over 13 years. His infectious chants and relentless energy helped define New Orleans bounce — Drake sampled his work on the VIEWS album, the New Orleans Saints have featured him at Caesars Superdome, and his music has been performed at Coachella. His 2025 studio album Brass Jazz & Ass blends Funk, Bounce, Soul, Brass, Jazz, and R&B. Ha Sizzle is signed to Black Hollywood Entertainment Group (BHG Label) and is also the creator of Urban Scatt.
Marlon Jordan
Marlon Jordan (born August 21, 1970) is a New Orleans–born jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. One of the "Young Jazz Lions" of the 1980s, he was signed to Columbia/Sony Records at age 17 and recorded three critically acclaimed LPs on the label. The younger brother of flutist Kent Jordan and son of avant-garde saxophonist Kidd Jordan, Marlon grew up immersed in New Orleans' rich jazz tradition. His virtuosic trumpet work and dynamic leadership have made him a cornerstone of the New Orleans jazz scene for over three decades.
Water Seed
Water Seed is a New Orleans–based funk band founded by drummer, composer, and producer Lou Hill. The band features keyboardist J. Sharp, flutist Cinese, bassist Marius Tilton, and lead vocalist Ryan Johnson. Known for explosive live performances and a genre-defying blend of funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and African rhythms, Water Seed has built a devoted following across New Orleans and beyond. Their 2025 album Digital Fantasy, produced by Lou Hill and PK, marks a bold new chapter in the band's catalog.
Lou Hill
Lou Hill is a New Orleans–based drummer, composer, producer, and music entrepreneur — best known as the founder and driving creative force behind the funk band Water Seed. Founded by Hill, Water Seed features keyboardist J. Sharp, flutist Cinese, bassist Marius Tilton, and lead vocalist Ryan Johnson. Lou produced the band's acclaimed 2025 album Digital Fantasy alongside PK, blending funk, soul, and immersive world-building into a genre-defying sonic experience. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Hill is widely recognized not just as a musician but as a model for independent artist entrepreneurship — managing his own label Water Seed Music Group/Moonrise Entertainment. Featured in OffBeat Magazine and The Ella Project, he has become a voice for sustainable, artist-owned creative business in New Orleans and beyond.
Ten Spencer
Ten Spencer is a New Orleans–based vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose music weaves tales of love, loss, and celebration. With her current hometown of New Orleans as her muse, her sound is deeply influenced by the soulful echoes of R&B, the groove of funk, and the improvisational spirit of jazz. She has performed internationally, including at the prestigious Ascona Jazz Festival in Ascona, Switzerland (June 26 – July 5, 2025), sharing stages with remarkable artists. Her collaborations span a wide range of musical expression — from a harmonious partnership with acclaimed vocalist Cyrille Aimée (Handmade Moments & Ashlin Parker Collaboration) to an exhilarating blend of hip-hop and funk with Adonis Ross & The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Ten Spencer's dedication to her craft goes beyond performance — it flows into every song she writes, inviting listeners to join her on a soulful musical journey.
Duke Relly
Duke Relly is a standout hip-hop artist and entertainer from New Orleans with a magnetic energy, quotable bars, and a deep connection to the culture of the city. Known for electrifying live performances and music that captures the hustle and heart of New Orleans street life, Duke Relly is a respected name in the local and regional hip-hop scene. As part of the Big Red NOLA family, Duke Relly continues to push his artistry to new heights.
Bout Dat Comedy
Bout Dat Comedy is New Orleans' premier comedy brand and entertainment collective, bringing the city's legendary humor, culture, and larger-than-life personality to stages and screens everywhere. Known for hilarious, culturally sharp stand-up, skits, and live shows, Bout Dat Comedy represents the funny side of New Orleans life — and is a proud part of the Big Red NOLA entertainment family. Comedy shows, collaborations, and branded content available.
Kayla Lewis
Kayla Lewis is a dynamic New Orleans vocalist and artist whose soulful sound draws from the rich musical legacy of the Crescent City. With a voice that moves effortlessly from tender ballads to high-energy anthems, Kayla Lewis is a standout talent on the Big Red NOLA roster. Her authentic artistry and dedication to her craft are making her one of the most exciting emerging voices in New Orleans music.
Alvin Baptiste
Alvin Baptiste is a celebrated New Orleans jazz musician carrying on the city's deep tradition of improvisational artistry and soulful expression. A respected figure in the Crescent City's music community, Baptiste brings decades of experience and mastery to every performance — from intimate club settings to major festival stages. His music is rooted in the classic New Orleans jazz tradition while embracing contemporary influences.
Miles Sam
Miles Sam (Albert Devon Sam III) is a guitarist and composer who grew up in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana — his home filled with Jazz & Heritage Festival posters and steeped in musical tradition. He is even nicknamed after a beloved jazz legend. He started playing acoustic guitar at age 7, but discovered his true calling on electric guitar at 12, inspired by watching Prince's Purple Rain during the 2020 pandemic. His influences include Roy Hargrove, Miles Davis, and Carlos Santana, and he gravitates toward jazz, R&B, and funk. A senior at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Miles earned a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He completed two consecutive Berklee Summer Programs — first in Valencia, Spain (2023), then the Aspire Five-Week Performance Intensive in Boston — growing as a musician and connecting with peers from 70+ countries. Notable highlights include: hosting Monday Before Dark, a monthly gig for high school and college musicians at The Artemis in Washington, DC; performing a guitar solo in front of thousands at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival sharing the stage with Water Seed; and completing his Berklee undergraduate audition on campus. He plans to pursue a degree at Berklee College of Music with a career in performance, composition, and music education.
Allay Earhart
Allay Earhart is a powerful featured artist bringing a distinctive blend of R&B, soul, and New Orleans flavor to every record and performance. Known for emotionally charged vocals and a natural gift for storytelling through music, Allay Earhart is carving out a unique space in the industry. A featured talent in the Big Red NOLA Publishing roster with a bright future ahead.
DUS10
DUS10 (Dustin) is a hard-hitting hip-hop artist representing the streets and spirit of New Orleans. With clever wordplay, authentic street narratives, and a production palette rooted in Southern bounce and trap, DUS10 brings a raw and unfiltered voice to the Big Red NOLA family. His music connects with communities across New Orleans and resonates with listeners who appreciate real, from-the-heart hip-hop.
Thomas Mixing
Jazz instrumentalist and producer fusing traditional New Orleans jazz with contemporary sounds.
Maya Sterling
Neo-soul singer-songwriter blending Brooklyn grit with classic Motown warmth.
Cyril D.
Founder of Big Red NOLA Publishing. A visionary artist blending Southern roots with modern hip hop production.
Inez Williams
Powerhouse gospel vocalist with roots in Harlem. Bringing spiritual energy to every performance.
