Neither Big nor Easy
An Interview with John Oates, Who Deserves Your Respect
The humbler half of Hall and Oates talks dubstep, tries and fails to define "psychedelic Americana," and reveals he really, really wants to be a guest on Noisey's Guitar Moves.
“Greatest Living American Writer” Neal Pollack Talks About His ‘Jeopardy!’ Victory
Neal Pollack used to be a literary celebrity thanks to Dave Eggers and a penchant for weird stunts, but recently he achieved a new kind of fame by being one of Alex Trebek's playthings for three nights.
The Ponderosa Stomp Festival Is a Garage and R & B Wonderland
What began 13 years ago at anesthesiologist's wedding reception has turned into a festival that brings together dozens of old rock, blues, and R & B groups only record collectors have heard of.
A Pilgrimage to Gypsy Lou Webb, New Orleans’s Patron Saint of Beat Literature
With her husband Jon, Gypsy Lou Webb ran Loujon Press and made beautiful art books that featured poetry from Charles Bukowski, William Burroughs, and Allen Ginsberg. At 97, she now lives off of social security and the kindness of fans.
Defending the Daiquiri and New Orleans’s Go-Cup Culture
The ultrasweet street daiquiri is the official drink of every hell-hot New Orleans summer, and they're traditionally slurped out of giant go-cups, but this culture is under attack from snobbish city authorities.
Odoms and Ballzack Are Kings of the Wank
The surreal hip-hop duo have never even left Louisiana, but have a huge following in New Orleans—but not as big a following as that of Lil Doogie, a puppet they created that has so many fans he can sell out venues by himself.
My Elementary Schoolers Are Terrific Music Critics
"It sounds like rockstars playing New Orleans style. It sounds like everybody is running away from something. It sounds different. Like people dancing. Good music with rockstars taking over the planet with weird hair. Music everywhere. It’s real fast...
On the Death of a Dog I Should Have Loved Better
I am surprised to find myself depressed upon the death of my dog this past Sunday during our fishing trip on Lake Pontchartain. I am surprised I’m even calling Meshcha “my dog,” as I was never very fond of her, and didn't want her in the first place...
On the Road with Tony Clifton
Tony Clifton is a piece of performance art who has outlived his creator, legendary comic Andy Kaufman, by two decades. He's having a comeback of sorts, thanks at least in part to Jeremy Johnson, a filmmaker who has been working for Clifton—and his...
3D Na'Tee Brings Real Rap to New Orleans's Jazz Fest
Rap godfather Chuck D has said that he never likes to watch anyone on stage and think to himself, 'I could do that.' When 3D Na’Tee takes the mic, no one thinks that. Her words are so plentiful they often crowd out any hope for a chorus, and her quick...
The Birth of NOizeFest, New Orleans's Freakiest, Smallest Festival
For eight years, I've been holding this gathering of artists/weirdos in my backyard; the first one we ever held involved my pet goat, a bad acid trip, musicians nearly fighting one another over overzealous jamming, and a bunch of broken mirrors.
New Orleans's War on Music
Louisiana’s Department of Tourism recently launched a new ad campaign that declared, “No America We Will Not ‘Turn That Music Down.’” But on the ground, the authorities in New Orleans have been trying to quiet the city’s famously vibrant music scene.