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Elation Podcast
elationent
105 episodes
6 days ago
Welcome to The Elation Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of creation and collaboration with professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds. Each episode, we'll bring you one-on-one interviews with exceptional individuals who have found a unique source of euphoria in their professional endeavors. Join us as we uncover their inspiring stories, explore their creative processes, and learn from their experiences.
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Music Commentary
Music
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All content for Elation Podcast is the property of elationent and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to The Elation Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of creation and collaboration with professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds. Each episode, we'll bring you one-on-one interviews with exceptional individuals who have found a unique source of euphoria in their professional endeavors. Join us as we uncover their inspiring stories, explore their creative processes, and learn from their experiences.
Show more...
Music Commentary
Music
Episodes (20/105)
Elation Podcast
The Elation Podcast: Best of 2025

This special episode is a celebration of the moments that defined the Elation Podcast in 2025. We’re revisiting the conversations that made us laugh, think, reflect, and feel inspired — from creative breakthroughs and hard-earned lessons to unforgettable stories straight from the heart of the music and creative community. It’s a highlight reel of the energy, honesty, and passion that make Elation what it is.


Huge thank you to every incredible guest who sat down with us in 2025 and trusted us with their stories — this year wouldn’t exist without you. If you’re new here, this is the perfect place to jump in. And if you’ve been rocking with us all year, consider this a reminder of why we do it. Tap into the rest of the Elation Podcast for full episodes, deeper dives, and more creative conversations that keep the inspiration flowing.


Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:06 Choppa - Why I Don't Buy Weed For Rappers

1:21 Juvenile - Juvie's Crazy Fan

2:15 Cookie Hood - Friends with Pablo Escobar

4:06 HaSizzle - Conspiracy Theories I Believe

8:08 Malik Mingo - Kendrick Lamar vs Lil Wayne for the Super Bowl

9:06 Nate Cameron - How Do We Push New Orleans Culture Forward?

10:25 Danovan Calhoun-Bettis - New Orleans Will Be Disney World

12:10 Tavia Osbey - Becoming Manager of Tank and the Bangas

13:17 Tank Ball - I Have a Million Songs

16:00 Don Bartholomew - I Recorded Them First

17:21 Amanda Mester - Hip Hop is Social Justice

19:51 Julia Heath - New Orleans is the Birthplace of 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. 


Follow Elation Entertainment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/

Website: https://www.elationent.com

Show more...
6 days ago
21 minutes 54 seconds

Elation Podcast
 Inside DistroFest & ACX1 Studios: Building Music Careers with Rob Schwartz

Rob Schwartz is the Co-Founder and Chief Music Officer of ACX1 Studios and a Governor for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, with a career that spans music distribution, radio, festivals, sync licensing, and global music education. We sit down with Rob live at NOLA MusicCon to talk about building sustainable careers in the music industry, creating multiple revenue streams, and why artists need to think beyond gigs if they want long-term success. He breaks down his work running a massive creative incubator, launching radio stations, mentoring artists through the Grammys, and turning big ideas into real platforms that serve independent musicians.


We also dig into the evolution of DistroFest, Rob’s artist-first festival and conference designed to give musicians both stage time and industry knowledge, and what cities like New Orleans can do to better support original artists. From the realities of today’s oversaturated music landscape to the importance of branding, self-trust, and learning the business side of creativity, this conversation is packed with real-world insight for anyone navigating music, media, or creative entrepreneurship.


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

Show more...
1 week ago
27 minutes 28 seconds

Elation Podcast
Supporting New Orleans Artists through Art Markets with Jordan Koppens

Jordan Koppens is the Marketing Director and Arts Market Producer at Arts New Orleans, and she’s been quietly shaping the creative ecosystem of this city for years. We talk about her journey from growing up between Louisiana and Mississippi to coming back to New Orleans in 2010 to dive into the music scene, curate shows, and build spaces where artists could experiment and grow. Jordan shares how New Orleans has changed post-Katrina, what gentrification and corporate ownership have meant for native musicians, and why she calls this city “the biggest art class with no teacher.”


We dig into how Arts New Orleans and the Arts Market of New Orleans give artists real opportunities to build sustainable creative businesses through open-air markets, public art, and youth programming. Jordan breaks down how the juried art market works, how they support over 300 Gulf South artists, and how programs like LUNA Fête, the Young Artist Movement, and the Percent for Art initiative are investing directly in local creators, from youth muralists to artists whose work now hangs in city buildings. We also get into the behind-the-scenes challenges of producing outdoor markets—from permits and tax bonds to unpredictable weather—and why supporting these spaces is essential to keeping New Orleans culture alive and in the hands of the people who create it.


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

Show more...
2 weeks ago
37 minutes 19 seconds

Elation Podcast
How to Move in the Music Industry with Bradford Roublow

Bradford Roublow is a Senior Supervisor at Live Nation and the owner of Bentley Barz Entertainment, using both business savvy and deep industry experience to lift up New Orleans artists. We talk about how he went from reading friends’ performance contracts and selling cars to fund the dream, to managing artists like BJ So Cole and working closely with venues like House of Blues and the Fillmore. Bradford breaks down why the music game is really “90% business, 10% talent,” how he became the bridge between independent artists and major venues, and what it takes to navigate deals, protect your work, and actually build a career in this industry.


We also dive into his time in New York interning with Roc Nation and Cinematic Music Group, working around teams for artists like Meek Mill and Megan Thee Stallion, and how those early networking moves are now coming full circle with major placements for his clients. We’re all about celebrating the people pushing New Orleans culture forward, and Bradford shares how he’s giving back through local showcases, building a management firm that can employ a team, and creating more structure and opportunity for our city’s raw 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

Show more...
3 weeks ago
27 minutes 2 seconds

Elation Podcast
 Inside French Quarter Fest with Emily Madero

Emily Madero is the President & CEO of French Quarter Festivals, Inc., and she joins us to break down what it really takes to run one of the most beloved cultural institutions in New Orleans. We get into her journey to New Orleans, her post-Katrina commitment to rebuilding the city, and how French Quarter Fest has stayed fiercely local while attracting nearly a million people each year. Emily shares how the festival preserves culture, drives massive economic impact, and keeps its roots authentic—plus how safety, programming, and community engagement have evolved over 43 years.


We also explore the future of French Quarter Fest, the rise of Satchmo SummerFest and the upcoming Holidays New Orleans Style, and why keeping events free and accessible is essential to the city’s cultural heartbeat. As always, we’re here to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the people who make New Orleans feel like home. Tune in and tap into the spirit of the Quarter with us.


Learn more about the upcoming Holidays New Orleans Style: https://fqfi.org/holidays/


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

Show more...
1 month ago
37 minutes 53 seconds

Elation Podcast
Producing in the Early Days of New Orleans Hip-Hop with Don Bartholomew

Don Bartholomew is a music producer, engineer, and CEO of BangnWorld — and one of the quiet giants behind New Orleans’ most influential sound. We sit down with him to talk about growing up under the legacy of his father, R&B pioneer Dave Bartholomew, building his first studio from scratch, and becoming the first engineer to ever professionally record Lil Wayne, BG, Magnolia Slim, Ms. Tee, UNLV, and more. Don breaks down those early Cash Money days, what he saw in Wayne as a kid, and how the grind, unity, and originality of that era shaped the future of New Orleans hip-hop.


We also explore the evolution of the producer’s role, the importance of artist development, and why today’s artists need more collaboration and less competition. Don shares stories about Mannie Fresh, Mia X, and the crossover between Cash Money and No Limit, along with updates on his current projects — including Ladies Man and the 16/16 collaboration featuring Juvenile, Mystikal, and 3D Natee. As always, we’re here to celebrate the creatives who shaped the culture and continue to push New Orleans forward.


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

Show more...
1 month ago
52 minutes 6 seconds

Elation Podcast
Inside New Orleans' Music Ecosystem with Julia Heath

Julia Heath is the Policy and Outreach Manager for the New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy. We dig into how New Orleans can be not just the birthplace of American music, but the place it’s headed, and cover Julia’s path from venue work to Covid-era advocacy, why coalition-building saved independent stages, and how the “music ecosystem” powers bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourism across the city.


We get specific on solutions: the public New Orleans Music Census (and what 1,500+ voices told us), the Music Census Sessions with The Ella Project and NOPL, and practical routes for artists: brand/EPK basics, touring, and sync. We also face the tough stuff: housing, weather risk, and policy uncertainty, plus the need for workforce pipelines and stronger city-state coordination. Together, we reflect on how collaboration, advocacy, and creative development can secure the future of New Orleans music for generations to come.


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

Show more...
1 month ago
40 minutes 6 seconds

Elation Podcast
How Poetry Has Shaped the Sound of Tank and the Bangas with Tarriona "Tank" Ball

Tarriona “Tank” Ball is a Grammy-award winning artist and the lead singer of Tank and the Bangas. On The Elation Podcast with host David Adams, we dive straight into her New Orleans roots, how a neighborhood girl group and spoken word shaped her voice, and why blending poetry with melody is core to her artistry. We talk community support, national breakout moments like Tiny Desk and late-night TV, and the real work of staying original when the industry wants easy boxes.


We also get into imagination in a copy-paste era, what AI can’t touch about human performance, and how New Orleans culture fuels everything she makes. Tank teases her new poetry book, The Thing About Falling, and a near-finished album built for live, interactive shows. If you’re here for creativity that’s bold, soulful, and unmistakably New Orleans, you’re in the right place.


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

Show more...
1 month ago
49 minutes 32 seconds

Elation Podcast
Loyola's Approach to Teaching the Music Industry with Kate Duncan

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. 


Follow Elation Entertainment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/

Website: https://www.elationent.com

Show more...
2 months ago
49 minutes 29 seconds

Elation Podcast
The Future of the Entertainment Law Business with Adam Matasar

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/

Website: https://www.elationent.com

Show more...
2 months ago
58 minutes 26 seconds

Elation Podcast
What Musicians Need to Know About Protecting Their Art with Julia Holt

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/

Website: https://www.elationent.com

Show more...
2 months ago
30 minutes 39 seconds

Elation Podcast
 Why Physical Media Still Matters for Musicians with Scott Borne

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/

Website: https://www.elationent.com

Show more...
2 months ago
38 minutes 46 seconds

Elation Podcast
Building Community Around Southern Black Dance Music with Set de Flo

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

Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 7 minutes 26 seconds

Elation Podcast
Investing in the Next Generation of Filmmakers with Alaina Dunn

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

Show more...
3 months ago
44 minutes 38 seconds

Elation Podcast
Advocating for New Orleans Culture with Danovan Calhoun-Bettis

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

Show more...
3 months ago
22 minutes 30 seconds

Elation Podcast
Building Community Through Festivals with Joel Hitchcock

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

Show more...
3 months ago
43 minutes 55 seconds

Elation Podcast
Protecting Independent Music Venues in New Orleans with Howie Kaplan

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

Show more...
3 months ago
48 minutes 26 seconds

Elation Podcast
How Policy Shapes the New Orleans Music Scene with Ethan Ellestad

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

Show more...
4 months ago
33 minutes 10 seconds

Elation Podcast
Building a Thriving Music Industry in New Orleans with Reid Wick

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.


Follow Comfy Stone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/

Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

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4 months ago
47 minutes 18 seconds

Elation Podcast
Taking Music Production to the Next Level with DAWn Audio Founders Diego Pinzon and Mandy Ortiz

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

Show more...
4 months ago
38 minutes 32 seconds

Elation Podcast
Welcome to The Elation Podcast, the show where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of creation and collaboration with professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds. Each episode, we'll bring you one-on-one interviews with exceptional individuals who have found a unique source of euphoria in their professional endeavors. Join us as we uncover their inspiring stories, explore their creative processes, and learn from their experiences.