NOLA's MyNameIsJohnMichael prospers with Voodoo stop

Voodoo 2009

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By Chris Shearman

New Orleans band MyNameIsJohnMichael (MNIJM), with a distinct and unique band name, has been working hard over the past year or so to build a following. Enjoying shows all over, the band brings an energy-packed sound that seems to be readily digested by listeners of all shapes and sizes.

With four part harmonies and instruments ranging from small chimes to a trumpet, MNIJM builds on a strong foundation with a stop at Voodoo Fest on Friday, Oct. 30 at 6:00 p.m., playing the Soco/WWOZ Stage in Le Flambeau.

In an interview where the entire band contributed, TW learned about what makes MNIJM tick.

"First and foremost, an entertaining, high energy performance. We really want to be entertaining in the midst of the flood of bands who stare at their feet. Secondly, I would hope that people take in the stories. We are really trying to write songs that will last. Hopefully, people get the stories and appreciate the musical adornment that we put to the stories," explained singer and band creator, John Michael Rouchell.

"At a MNIJM show, one could expect to see lots of big drums, brass, hot guitar action, and tons of energy, while being taken for a ride on an emotional harmonious vocal roller coaster," instrumentalist Cory Schultz elaborated.

Each member of the band plays multiple instruments which contribute to the obvious good time the band has while on stage. A keyboard sets up a sound coated with vocal harmonies, thumping drums, and a bass line pulsating like a hastened heart beat.

On the live show, member Leo DeJesus expanded, "It's the energy.  It really draws people in.  Plus, I get a lot of comments on how people are surprised that with all those people on stage, and all those instruments, it never gets cluttered or crowded or messy.  We keep it tight and arranged, which is impressive given how much we've got going on up there."

On playing at Voodoo, DeJesus continued, "It means that we are considered to be at a certain level/standard in NOLA musicians, and being that NOLA is one of the most musical cities in the world, it's quite an honor."

On the same sentiment, JMR shared, "It's a real honor. For the kind of music that we play, it's the New Orleans festival that we fit with the most. I'm really happy to play it on the ten year anniversary, due to the fact that I got to play the first year when I sat in with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. I was fourteen and now to be 24, playing it with our own project, is extremely rewarding."

For more information on MyNameIsJohnMichael, log on to mynameisjohnmichael.com.

Originally Published: Issue 821 - October 28, 2009

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