Elation Podcast

Juvenile is a legendary rapper from New Orleans known for shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop and pioneering bounce music. We sit down with Juvenile to talk about reuniting with BG and Turk, the evolution of his career, and how he’s embraced live performances with a full band. He shares insights on navigating the music industry today, balancing independence with brand-building, and the realities of streaming for artists.

We also dive into the importance of family, the influence of New Orleans culture on modern music, and his personal experiences mentoring rising artists. Juvenile reflects on his Mount Rushmore of rappers, the legacy of bounce music, and how staying grounded has shaped his success on and off the stage.

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

Michelle Cheramie is the owner of Zeus' Rescues, a New Orleans-based nonprofit dedicated to saving and rehoming animals in need. We sit down with Michelle to talk about her journey from growing up in Cajun country to founding Zeus' Rescues after Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever. She shares powerful stories from post-Katrina rescue efforts, the emotional realities of animal rescue work, and how small acts of kindness can save lives.

We also dive into the revitalization of Freret Street, the small runaway dog named Scrim that united the New Orleans community, and the importance of spaying, neutering, fostering, and adopting. Michelle highlights how Zeus' Rescues continues to impact the city, the ways people can support their mission, and why working together creates real change. If you believe in community, compassion, and second chances, you’ll want to hear this conversation.

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

Shaddai Livingston is the Chief Creative Officer at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, and a passionate advocate for New Orleans culture and heritage. We sit down with Shaddai to discuss her journey as a world traveler, studying abroad in Dubai, and the humbling lessons she learned about privilege and cultural perception during her time overseas. Shaddai shares entertaining and insightful anecdotes, reflecting on how New Orleans’ unique identity resonates across the globe.

We also explore Shaddai’s impactful community work at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, highlighting events such as the Black Women’s Day of Healing and the city-wide Rooftop Festival, along with collaborative mural projects celebrating Afro-indigenous heritage. Shaddai offers powerful insights into why preserving cultural authenticity matters, the city's resilience post-Katrina, and the importance of diverse perspectives and community building.

Check out Ashé's summer events calendar here:

https://www.ashenola.org/events

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

Kirk and Melissa O'Brien are the Executive Producers of NOLA MusiCon, a three-day, artist-focused music conference held annually in New Orleans. We sit down with them to talk about their backgrounds in the music industry and at SXSW, their mission to create more opportunities for local artists, and how they are working to bridge the gap between creativity and business in New Orleans. They share insights on the evolution of the music scene in Austin and New Orleans, the changing landscape of the music industry, and the challenges artists face today.

We also dive into why live performance, community building, and hands-on mentorship are more crucial than ever. From the importance of artist development to the need for a stronger industry infrastructure in New Orleans, Kirk and Melissa highlight how NOLA MusiCon is empowering artists to connect, learn, and grow. If you’re passionate about music, collaboration, and the future of New Orleans' creative economy, you’ll want to hear this conversation.

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

Alison Edmonson is the Co-Founder and CPA at Harmony Street Society, a nonprofit that offers free tax services and workshops to musicians and artists across New Orleans and beyond. We sit down with Alison to talk about how Harmony Street Society helps creatives navigate the overwhelming world of taxes, fight back against unfair debt collection, and reclaim their financial stability with dignity and compassion.

We also dive into the founding story behind Harmony Street, the everyday struggles artists face with the tax system, and Alison’s mission to create a culture where musicians can thrive professionally without being burdened by financial fears. From chance encounters in the French Quarter to recovering hundreds of thousands in refunds, Alison shows us how small acts of support can make a big impact on the creative community.

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

Alex Owens is the founder of Be Loud Studios, and Byron Turner is a Junior Producer with the program. We sit down with them to talk about how Be Loud is amplifying youth voices through radio and podcast production in New Orleans. Alex shares the journey of building Be Loud from a classroom project into a thriving nonprofit that helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and develop real-world skills. Byron opens up about how Be Loud sparked his passion for performing arts, led him to NOCCA, and inspired him to pursue his creative dreams.

We also dive into the power of community collaboration in New Orleans, the importance of creating joyful spaces for youth, and how Be Loud is helping shape future leaders by connecting them to real career opportunities. From mentoring younger students to producing a music video celebrating New Orleans culture, Alex and Byron show us what happens when creativity, confidence, and community come together.

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

Ryan Batiste, aka Shaggy, is a musician, festival organizer, and music teacher from New Orleans. We sit down with him to talk about his journey growing up in a musical family, the impact of learning through improvisation, and how he built Locals Fest to create new opportunities for overlooked artists. Shaggy shares the challenges of running a festival, the realities of navigating the modern music industry, and his passion for keeping authentic New Orleans music alive.

We also dive into his creative process, his latest album Shag’s House, and his mission to release more music that blends live instrumentation and storytelling. From his pride in seeing family represent New Orleans on the Super Bowl stage to what truly brings him elation today, Shaggy's story is a powerful reminder of the passion and perseverance behind every great artist.

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

Kr3wcial is an artist, producer, and engineer from New Orleans who's shaping the future of the city’s alternative hip hop scene. We sat down with him to talk about his creative journey—from recording with a Rock Band mic in high school to being a part of the glbl wrmng collective and building a community around independent artistry. He shares the story behind his breakout single “504,” how it became an anthem for New Orleans, and why collaboration is at the heart of everything he does.

We also dive into the challenges of staying rooted in New Orleans while trying to build something new, how he honors his growth by planting a garden, and the deep connection between music, nature, and transformation. Whether he’s performing at Jazz Fest or working in the studio with legends like Deezle, Kr3wcial stays focused on the bigger picture—creating art that reflects the city’s energy and uplifts the people in 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

Tavia Osbey is an Artist Manager and Partner at Midcitizen Entertainment, best known for managing Tank and the Bangas since the group’s early days. We talk with Tavia about her unconventional path into the music industry, starting as a 911 operator and ending up at the Grammys, and how her friendship with Tank turned into one of the most impactful creative partnerships in New Orleans music.

We dig into what it takes to build an artist’s career from the ground up, the business side of staying true to your art, and how Tavia balances passion, purpose, and professionalism. She opens up about the challenges of being a Black woman in the music business, the power of community support, and how spiritual grounding keeps her moving forward. From Tiny Desk to touring the UK, this conversation is all about growth, grit, and staying aligned with your vision.

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

Matthew Eli Judd is a filmmaker and Co-founder of Ghostwright Media. We sat down with him to talk about how a 48 Hour Film Project in New Orleans sparked a new chapter in his life following major personal upheaval. Matthew shares how a chance meeting with fellow filmmaker Carlos led to the creation of Afterlife Crisis, a mockumentary about a ghost who wants to quit his job in the afterlife. The story, inspired by Matthew’s own emotional journey, became the foundation of a powerful collaboration that reshaped his career.

We also explore the importance of creative partnerships, the value of working in a team, and how Ghostwright Media builds a supportive set culture rooted in trust and respect. Matthew breaks down how their first feature film came to life, the interactive companion films they created, and why he believes the most fulfilling art comes from vulnerability and 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