Where American Music Began with John Michael Rouchell (G-Eazy, Avery*Sunshine, Galactic)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: John Michael Rouchell
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Topics discussed
Host note
John Michael Rouchell is from New Orleans, has worked with G-Eazy, Avery*Sunshine, and Galactic, and composed the music for Disney’s *Tiana’s Bayou Adventure*, the reimagined ride that replaced Splash Mountain at Disneyland. "It was daunting because everybody knows Splash Mountain. Everybody loves Splash Mountain. Everybody has their opinion about Splash Mountain. And generally speaking, people don’t like change."
That tension, honoring a source while making it yours, connects his New Orleans roots to the Disney commission. We get into what actually makes New Orleans music sound the way it does (the emphasis "on the ‘and’ after four"), the mixing-pot history that produced it, and what he means when he says music has to reflect "the place and space that it’s being created in." The broader argument is about roots as a working resource, not just a legacy.
Selected moments
- New Orleans as a birthplace of music 2:01 John Michael discusses how New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the rich cultural heritage that informs American music.
- The uniqueness of New Orleans rhythms 4:22 A fascinating discussion about how New Orleans drummers create a complex sound that feels like multiple players.
- Swing's unique interpretation in New Orleans 6:02 John explains how New Orleans swing differs from other musical interpretations, emphasizing cultural influences.
- Composing for Disney 14:12 John shares how he got involved in composing for Disney's reimagined ride and the importance of authenticity.
- The recording process with top musicians 19:26 He recalls working with Terrence Blanchard and other high-profile musicians in creating authentic sounds.
- Community and collaboration in music 27:47 A heartfelt moment where John reflects on the importance of collaboration and community in the music industry.
- Creating a musical reflection of culture 36:22 Discussion on how music should reflect the environment and culture it's created in.
- Mentorship in the music industry 48:15 John talks about the significance of mentorship and how it impacts the journey of artists.
Selected excerpts
New Orleans is very much rooted in that beautiful mixing pot, the place that so many different cultures came together and created music that is unlike anywhere else on the face of the earth.
It's important to talk about where we put the emphasis ... In New Orleans music, we put emphasis on the 'and' after four. So one and two and three and four and.
It was daunting because everybody knows Splash Mountain. Everybody loves Splash Mountain. Everybody has their opinion about Splash Mountain. And generally speaking, people don't like change.
At the end of the day, the thing that we're talking about is a hundred-year-old medium and it really comes down to getting together, drinking ambrosia, listening to lutes, and trying to have a good time.
Music is to be played to exist within the confines of where it is being created. It has to reflect the place and space that it's being created in.
That's where music is supposed to be, in community, together. That's where good things happen.
FAQ
What is John Michael Rouchell known for in music?
John Michael Rouchell is a Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter known for his work with artists like G-Eazy, Avery*Sunshine, and Galactic, and for his role in composing music for Disney's *Tiana's Bayou Adventure*.
How does New Orleans influence American music?
New Orleans is recognized as the birthplace of jazz and has a unique blend of cultural influences that have shaped many American music genres, making it a significant place in music history.
What are the key elements of swing in New Orleans music?
In New Orleans, swing emphasizes the 'and' after four, creating a unique rhythmic feel that reflects the local culture and environment.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.