The Shadow People

In Episode 18 of The Shadow People Podcast, Grammy-winning musician Nigel Hall welcomes back the beloved Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph, who fills in while Derrick enjoys a much-deserved vacation in Mexico. Nigel and Jelly conduct an honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation covering music, parenthood, and the creative journey toward finding your artistic identity. From Nigel’s emotional Father’s Day spent with his son in Maine to Jelly’s recent performances with Big Freedia and Galactic, this episode explores deep reflections on life, creativity, and friendship.Nigel shares personal insights about fatherhood, navigating the highs and lows of touring, and the importance of authenticity in music. Jelly reveals her excitement about working on a new solo project, taking her mom overseas for the first time, and how her experiences have influenced her evolution as a vocalist and individual. The discussion also touches on Nigel’s newfound passion for bowling, travel nightmares, cannabis culture in New Orleans, and the relatable joys of simply providing groceries for your family.Join the conversation for another authentic, entertaining, and insightful episode of The Shadow People.Timestamps:0:23 – Welcoming special co-host Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph2:33 – Reflections on LBJ’s memorable Juneteenth visit and humorous band stories4:58 – Nigel’s emotional Father's Day week spent with his son13:37 – Jelly’s Pride weekend performance with Big Freedia and upcoming France trip with Galactic15:11 – Jelly announces working on a solo project and discovering her artistic voice26:16 – Jelly discusses the journey to finding your identity as an artist32:47 – Nigel’s song "Groceries" and the value of authenticity in music42:18 – Danny's News: The worst travel day ever and memorable life-on-the-road adventures#ShadowPeoplePodcast #AnjelikaJoseph #NigelHall #Fatherhood #BlackMusicMonth #NewOrleansCulture #PodcastLife

In this very special episode of The Shadow People, we welcome the esteemed Lebron Joseph aka LBJ to the studio to discuss New Orleans' complicated historical handling of Juneteenth, the ways in which the media game has changed, and the legacy of Sly Stone (RIP). LBJ has been a broadcaster in New Orleans for over 40 years. He’s the anchor of Good Morning New Orleans on WGNO and hosts New Orleans Music Playlist on NOLA 38. LBJ is also an announcer on iHeart Radio’s WYLD-FM.

His range of humor, practicality, our city’s musical history, and local charm puts him right at home with the Shadow People.

We were thrilled to have him as a guest and are excited to share this episode with the Shadow People family!

In Part 2 of our conversation with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, we examine more deeply the truth behind the music industry: mastering myths, artistic ego checks, and what it really means to create music that moves people.Jeff talks candidly about the modern music landscape, why mixing and mastering are often misunderstood (and overpriced), and how emotion, not perfection, is what listeners really want. Plus, he breaks down what makes a great DJ set, the difference between performance and overkill, and the importance of surrounding yourself with groove-first collaborators.Also in this episode: Derrick and Nigel celebrate the retirement of Saints QB Derek Carr and get inspired by Jeff’s unapologetic creative process, pandemic-era breakthroughs, and his mission to build real community through music.Whether you're an artist, DJ, producer, or just a fan of creative honesty: this one’s for you.Timestamps0:00 – Intro & DJ Jazzy Jeff Pt. 2 Setup1:00 – Saints Fans Celebrate Derek Carr’s Exit4:00 – Jeff on the Collapse of Industry Barriers6:40 – The Truth About Mixing, Mastering & the “Compression Scam”12:00 – DJ Sets as Emotional Storytelling: Planes, Not Rockets16:20 – Jeff’s Musical Roots & Letting Go of the Drums19:00 – Real Production Means Letting Others Shine24:00 – The Struggle to Release Music in the Streaming Era27:00 – Building Fanbases in the Age of Algorithmic Gatekeeping30:00 – Jazzy Jeff on Twitch, “The Lunch Break,” & His New App33:00 – Nigel’s Reflections on Creative Validation & Stockpiling36:30 – Be a Musician First: Final Thoughts & FarewellHashtags#djjazzyjeff #ShadowPeoplePodcast #musicindustry #MixingMyths #neworleansmusic #phillymusic #podcastinterview #creativeprocess #producerlife #GrooveFirst #behindthemusic

DJ Jazzy Jeff on Philly, Neo-Soul, & Why You Need to Release Your MusicIn this monumental episode of The Shadow People, Nigel and Derrick sit down with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation. From his early production days in Philly to the birth of Jill Scott's iconic debut album, Jeff shares wisdom on music, legacy, and why creatives shouldn't die with unreleased work stuck on a hard drive.Topics include the origins of "Who Is Jill Scott?", the Philadelphia music scene, the importance of finishing and releasing your music, and how the music industry gatekeepers often miss greatness. Plus: reflections on the cycle of regional music scenes, the "Neo-Soul" label, and the magic of collaboration without interference.This is part one of a two-part episode. Stay tuned.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Birthday Surprise for Derrick6:20 - DJ Jazzy Jeff Joins the Show8:00 - "Die Empty": The Urgency of Releasing Your Music13:00 - Why You Can’t Wait for the Right Artist to Use Your Track14:50 - Thoughts on Licensing vs. Creation16:20 - You Have to Have Something Ready to Play17:00 - Jeff on Producing Jill Scott’s Debut Album20:00 - Spontaneous Collab That Led to "A Long Walk"22:30 - How a Hand-Burned Demo CD Took Over Sony24:00 - Hidden Beach's Trust in the Vision26:00 - The Industry Ignoring the Same Music They Later Celebrated27:10 - The Unspoken Divide in Philly’s Music Scene30:00 - Why Everyone Left Philly32:00 - How the Industry Exploits Division34:00 - The Rise and Fall of Neo-Soul as a Label36:00 - The On/Off Switch of Global Attention on Cities Like Philly and New Orleans38:00 - Outro & Shoutouts#DJJazzyJeff #ShadowPeoplePodcast #PhillyMusic #NeoSoul #JillScott #MusicIndustry #DieEmpty #NewOrleans #PodcastInterview #MusicProduction #musicindustry #musicianlife

Jazz Fest is over and The Shadow People are back—tired, reflective, and ready to speak on it. In this episode, hosts Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall share raw, funny, and emotional stories from this year’s Jazz Fest, including a show-stopping set with Nikki Glaspie and their crew at the Maple Leaf. They get personal about sobriety, creative evolution, and what it means to perform with your real-life friends.

But it’s not all love and light—we also get real about the chaotic behavior of out-of-towners, including the now-infamous plaque theft incident at Tipitina’s. Plus: your comments on the Shedeur Sanders Short stirred up some heat, so we read them live and respond in classic Shadow People fashion.

This one goes deep—from musical brotherhood to American arrogance to why playing with your day-one people hits harder than any stadium tour ever could.

🎥 Filmed at Brown Hound Sounds Studio in New Orleans
🎧 Thanks to Crescent Canna
✉️ Contact: [email protected]

👇 Chapters / Timestamps:

0:00 – Opening disclaimer & sleepy introductions
1:22 – Jazz Fest reflections & gratitude
2:41 – Derrick praises Nigel’s unforgettable performance
4:50 – Singing with Nikki Glaspie & band chemistry
8:15 – Musical roots and deep bonds with longtime friends
11:45 – Why music with friends hits harder
13:50 – Why some musicians won’t be on this podcast
15:00 – Mental health, sobriety, and the podcast’s real mission
17:13 – Derrick’s Jazz Fest misadventures
20:00 – Losing your wife at a gig and finding yourself on Frenchmen
23:40 – Sobriety, gigs, and setting boundaries with promoters
25:40 – Derrick reflects on aging, exhaustion, and grace
27:04 – “Festing in Place” and missing the real Jazz Fest
28:06 – Shoutouts to Jameson Ross & singing drummers
30:00 – A live sip of Crescent Canna’s THC water ("Sexy Zexi")
31:40 – The New Yorker invasion & American behavior breakdown
34:00 – Respecting New Orleans vs. disrespecting the culture
36:00 – The Tipitina’s plaque theft scandal
39:00 – “Be Nice or Leave” and why it matters
40:50 – Tourists vs. humility: how to earn a place in NOLA
42:00 – Rage Fest or Jazz Fest? The cultural identity problem
44:00 – Playing Quincy Jones badly at 4 a.m.
46:00 – America’s image abroad & why we must do better
48:00 – Cultural preservation isn’t optional
50:00 – Closing the episode & looking toward future guests
51:30 – Reading the Shedeur Sanders backlash comments
57:00 – Final thoughts on Shedeur, Deion, and football media bias
1:03:00 – Wrapping up & gratitude for Jazz Fest performers (and slackers)

#JazzFest2024 #NewOrleansCulture #TheShadowPeoplePodcast #NigelHall #DerrickFreeman #NikkiGlaspie #CrescentCanna #ShedeurSanders #DeionSanders #MusicianLife #SoberMusician #NewOrleansMusic #PostJazzFest #JazzFestFails #AmericanTourists #RespectNewOrleans #MapleLeafBar #BehindTheScenesMusic #PodcastRealTalk #THCWater #ShadowPeople

Drummer, bandleader, and all-around powerhouse Nikki Glaspie (Dumpstaphunk, Beyoncé, The Nth Power) joins Derrick and Nigel for a raw, hilarious, and revealing episode of The Shadow People.

From playing stadiums with Beyoncé to mushroom-fueled tours through Colorado, Nikki shares the road-tested wisdom and wild memories that shaped her career. She and Nigel revisit their time in The Nth Power—including the moment he unceremoniously quit the band on Twitter mid-cocaine spiral—and reflect on the healing, awkward, and often ridiculous aftermath. There’s Jazz Fest hot takes, ghost stories, blown tires, cheese factory stops, and enough band drama to fill a Netflix docuseries.

If you’ve ever toured, been in a band, or just wondered what happens behind the curtain, this one’s for you.

🎥 Filmed at Brown Hound Sounds Studio in New Orleans

👇 Jump to your favorite moments:

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Who is Nikki Glaspie?
4:27 – Touring with Beyoncé & jumping into the deep end
9:12 – Nth Power days: cocaine, Twitter exits & awkward reunions
15:46 – Colorado tour stories: mushrooms, Cabot cheese & blown tires
21:05 – Band dynamics, trust, and the burden of leadership
25:10 – Jazz Fest chaos & why New Orleans is a different animal
29:02 – Do artists ever really get a day off?
32:59 – Tour ghost stories & classic Shadow People tangents

🔗 Links:
📸 Follow Nikki Glaspie @nikkidrums – Instagram
🎶 Produced by Brown Hound Sounds – @brownhoundsounds

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE.
New episodes every week(ish).

#NikkiGlaspie #TheShadowPeoplePodcast #Dumpstaphunk #TheNthPower #TourLife #JazzFest2025 #NewOrleansMusic #PodcastLife #BehindTheScenesMusic #DrummerLife #BandStories #MushroomTrips #TourChaos #BeyonceBand #ShadowPeople

It’s Jazz Fest season in New Orleans, and The Shadow People are back with a heavy-hitting episode featuring trombonist, arranger, and all-around musical badass Alex Wasily—best known for his work with Dumpstaphunk, Earth Wind & Power, and the Very Good Mondays series.Alex joins Nigel Hall, Derrick Freeman, and Danny Abel for a full-on hang in the Brown Hound Sounds studio, talking everything from the importance of rehearsal, the legacy of horn sections, and learning to lead from within, and the deeper meaning of “no covers.”

🔥 Key Topics in this Episode:

How Wasily got called up to join Dumpstaphunk

The origins of Very Good Mondays, an original jam night with no covers allowed

The jazz school mindf*ck and finding your way back to music

Shoutouts to Earth Wind & Power, Natalie Cressman, Brad Walker, and Stevie Wonder

What it means to truly listen on a gig

How music can still be spiritual in an industry that often isn’t

Why Alex considers a “monetary loss a spiritual win”

Recorded deep in Jazz Fest madness, this episode is a love letter to New Orleans music, community, tradition, and transformation.

🎷 Produced at Brown Hound Sounds

📢 Like, share, and hit that subscribe button to support real musicians having real conversations.

📸 Follow us @ShadowPeoplePodcast for new episodes, behind-the-scenes, and Shorts.

❤️ Much love to Crescent Canna for the delicious seltzers and waters

📩 Email [email protected] for any concerns, comments, questions, or confrontations. 

👇 Drop a comment below—especially if you’ve caught a Very Good Monday, a Dumpstaphunk set, or for whatever

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & guest reveal: Alex Wasily joins the show
1:36 – Jazz Fest rehearsal stories & the importance of preparation
4:00 – Alex breaks down what a horn section leader really does
6:14 – Alex’s origin story: Egypt → Savannah → Dumpsterfunk
7:43 – First gig with Dumpsterfunk and getting invited to Jazz Fest
9:31 – Horn sections, arrangements, and the New Orleans tradition
13:10 – Cover bands vs. precision musicianship
14:42 – Earth, Wind & Power tribute: origins and chart arranging
16:04 – Jam Cruise memories & Earth Wind & Fire-level praise
18:33 – Artistic competition, social media, and the death of gratitude
21:47 – Nigel’s mantra: “I am unavailable for that project”
27:25 – Very Good Mondays: how the jam session series began
30:28 – No covers rule & the problem with jamfluencers
34:06 – How to move to New Orleans the right way
36:57 – Ivan Neville’s 5-word masterclass on restraint
38:43 – Social media clout vs. real musical chemistry
40:12 – Sampling vs. stealing — and calling out content thieves
44:08 – The reset button: jazz jams as workouts for musicians
46:04 – Mondays in New Orleans: a deep tradition revived
48:35 – Dungeons & Dragons? No—Do Not Disturb
50:51 – The Pope is dead? Political absurdity & betting on the next one
54:54 – Nigel holds back—for now: racial and social frustration builds
59:01 – Why the podcast exists: connection, healing, and brotherhood
1:02:25 – Final shoutouts: vintage Rhodes, Crescent 9, and Very Good Mondays

#ShadowPeoplePodcast #JazzFest2025 #AlexWasily #dumpstaphunk #VeryGoodMondays #neworleansmusic #TromboneTalk #HornSections #NoCovers #RehearsalFest #Crescent9 #thcseltzer #EarthWindAndPower #DannyAbel #nigelhall #derrickfreeman #brownhoundsounds #podcaststudio #MusicianPodcast #LiveMusicCulture

It’s Festival Season in New Orleans, and The Shadow People are back with another killer episode. Nigel Hall and Derrick Freeman dive into French Quarter Fest highlights, Jazz Fest prep, and the legendary hustle of gig life in the city.Then, things get funky as the crew holds the first-ever 70s Musician Draft, assembling dream bands from a curated list of groove masters, soul icons, and jazz-funk legends. 🥁🎹🎤 Who drafted the better band? Vote in the poll or drop your pick in the comments!Later, Danny joins the conversation—and the chaos—and the episode wraps with an intimate (and hilarious) video of Nigel indulging in a classic Philly cheesesteak.Produced by Andrew Meehan (aka Drew Meez on the Keys) of Brown Hound Sounds.⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 – Festival season check-in & gig talk9:40 – Crescent Canna THC seltzer segment18:30 – Behind the scenes: Life as a working New Orleans musician25:00 – 🎸 The 70s Musician Draft begins52:00 – Clyde, Bernard, Duke, & Sly—Draft commentary1:06:00 – Political satire & New Orleans mayoral chatter1:11:55 – 🍽️ Nigel eats a Philly cheesesteak in an emotional finale💬 Vote in the poll and comment below: Who drafted the better band—Nigel or Derrick?Got a name idea for either of their fictional bands? Drop it in the comments.#ShadowPeoplePodcast #jazzfest #70sFunk #neworleansmusic #MusicianDraft #CrescentCanna #georgeduke #michaelmcdonald #slystone #podcastclips #nigelhall #derrickfreeman #PhillyCheesesteak #MusicNerdsUnite #festivalseason This episode contains a casual discussion of legal hemp-derived THC products compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill. These products are for adult use only (21+) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Please consume responsibly and in accordance with your local laws.

Episode 10 of The Shadow People Podcast is here, and Nigel Hall & Derrick Freeman have plenty to unpack—starting with Louisiana's wild recent election where Governor Jeff Landry’s proposed amendments were unanimously rejected. Find out why Derrick was baffled by receiving a personal voting reminder from none other than 50 Cent, who's apparently now a "Louisiana property and business owner."But the madness doesn’t stop there. The hosts pull no punches discussing controversial pastors like Marvin Sapp, who recently locked his church doors until congregants forked over $40K, and the infamous Brooklyn preacher flaunting stolen cash. Is church just another form of entertainment? And what’s lost when mega-churches replace real community connection?Nigel also opens up about personal creativity, sobriety, and why competition in music is toxic. Plus, Derrick shares hilarious yet disturbing insights into his vivid dreams when not using THC, and there's an emotional tribute to legendary jazz musician Lonnie Liston Smith.Authentic, raw, hilarious, and thought-provoking—tap in now for another ride with The Shadow People.Hosts: Derrick Freeman, Nigel HallProducers: Drew Meez, Danny Abel (Brown Hound Sounds)Shout out to Crescent Canna and their delicious seltzers!Subscribe and hit that notification bell for more real talk from NOLA's finest.#ShadowPeoplePodcast #50cent #louisianaelection #jefflandry #churchscandal #megachurch #marvinsapp #sobrietyjourney #LonnieListonSmith #jazzfest #neworleansculture #podcastcomedy #churchdrama #louisianapolitics #PastorGoneWildTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro & Shoutouts 2:16 – Louisiana's Election Madness & "Janky Jeff" Landry 3:12 – 50 Cent Texted Derrick to Vote?! 4:08 – Sneaky Election Shenanigans & Voter Suppression 5:46 – Derrick’s Epic Rant on St. Tammany Parish 8:38 – Nigel’s Netflix Pick of the Week 9:09 – Nigel’s Special Gig Announcement & Birthday Plans 10:11 – Shoutout to Crescent Canna 11:06 – Nigel’s Sobriety Journey & Dream Stories 15:30 – Derrick’s Dark Dreams Revealed 16:43 – Danny's Dark Side Appreciation 18:04 – Louisiana Politics & Trump's Influence on Jeff Landry 20:55 – Education Under Attack & The Importance of Voting Locally 21:34 – Want a LIVE Shadow People Show? 21:51 – Nigel's Emotional Experience with Lonnie Liston Smith & Butcher Brown 26:34 – Crescent Canna Intermission 26:44 – Reflecting on Episode 10 & Podcast Growth 30:08 – Marvin Sapp Locks Church Doors for $40K Donation 33:28 – When Church Turns Violent (Brooklyn Pastor Robbery) 34:04 – Mega-Church Commercialism vs. Real Community 35:35 – Remembering the “Cussing Pastor” (Thaddeus Matthews) 37:40 – Pastor Excess & Scandalous Church Leaders 38:12 – Nigel’s Deep Dive: Competition & Creativity in Music 52:47 – Derrick & Nigel Reflect on Artistic Authenticity & Sobriety 56:47 – Upcoming Jazz Fest Plans & Surprise Appearances 58:27 – Gratitude & Final Thoughts

In Episode 9 of The Shadow People Podcast, Derrick Freeman and Nigel Hall sit down with legendary New Orleans musician Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk, Neville Brothers, The Rolling Stones). Ivan dives deep, sharing powerful stories from his wild early days, behind-the-scenes adventures touring with the Neville Brothers, and candid reflections on his journey to sobriety. From hilarious tales of local icons to confronting vulnerability through music, Ivan keeps it real, raw, and insightful. Plus, Nigel and Derrick unpack the sketchy economics behind music festivals, navigating tough conversations around race and culture, and why the music scene needs honest dialogues more than ever.Tap in for a heavy dose of authentic New Orleans swagger, laughter, wisdom, and music industry truths that only The Shadow People can deliver.Follow The Shadow People and stay tuned for more episodes!Hosts: Derrick Freeman, Nigel HallSpecial Guests: Ivan Neville, Danny AbelProducer: Andrew Meehan, Brown Hound SoundsTimestamps:0:00 Intro / Real Talk on Race & Controversial Situations07:28 The Sketchy Economics Behind Music Festivals15:28 Ivan Neville Joins the Show18:13 Early Days with Nick Daniels & Neville Brothers Stories27:03 Wild Times, Funny Memories, and Iconic Performances37:46 Sobriety, Personal Growth, and Music as Healing#IvanNeville #ShadowPeoplePodcast #NewOrleansMusic #Dumpstaphunk #NevilleBrothers #MusicPodcast #SobrietyJourney #JazzFest #MusicIndustry #NewOrleansCulture