In late 2007, New Orleanian John Michael Rouchell decided it was time for a change in his life. He set out to write, record, and release one song a week for the entire year of 2008 under the name MyNameIsJohnMichael (MNIJM). What began as a solo project with Rouchell tackling every instrument and even engineering duties on occasion soon grew to the huge project with an ever-expanding following it is today.
Beginning in March 2008, Rouchell met up with local musician Eric Rogers (Antenna Inn) to talk about his project, now in full swing. Rogers began sitting in on drums and from there, additional musicians signed on drawn by the strength of the weekly tunes and the prolific manner in which Rouchell was turning them out. Before long, this one-man show turned into a six-man spectacle, keeping the steady flow of fresh material, building a fan base through live shows, and pushing through 2008 with an unyielding goal of 52 songs in 52 weeks.
These musicians include New Orleans natives Joe Bourgeois (bass in Antenna Inn) and multi-instrumentalists Cory Schultz (Antenna Inn and Rotary Downs) and Richard Dubourg. MNIJM suddenly had an expansive resume and its line-up was nearly complete. In the summer of 2008, local frontman and guitar player/multi-instrumentalist of The City Life, Leo DeJesus was added and the band was complete. With such a widely trained group on stage care of some of the most promising New Orleans indie rock acts, you never know what instrument will become a part of the next song. Glockenspiel, trash can percussion, and four part harmonies are not beyond the realm of the group's imagination.
A force to be reckoned with, MNIJM explodes on stage with songs that OffBeat Magazine says "are split between dark, ambient ballads and Springsteen-inspired panoramic rockers." Conveying stories of isolation and triumph in the modern era, John Michael's "Bright Eye'd vocals," as described by Blog of New Orleans, are grounded by the drive and swagger of the rhythm section (Rogers and Bourgeois) and vibrantly accented by the ever-changing timbre of guitars, trumpets, synthesizers, percussion and vocal harmonies provided by the team of multi-instrumentalists (DeJesus, Dubourg, and Schultz), creating a wall of sound that is both hook-laden and earnest.
In an ever-ailing music industry, the young men of MNIJM are working hard to make a debut record for the fans, chosen by the fans, "turning the famously caustic A&R process into a democratic love-in" (Blog of New Orleans) to be out in early 2009.
Due to the rigorous recording schedule of 2008, MyNameIsJohnMichael has only just begun to tour regionally, but the group has big plans for what started as a small project. The only way to understand what MyNameIsJohnMichael is setting out to do is to check out www.mynameisjohnmichael.com and enjoy! As each week passes, a promising 2009 debut comes more clearly into focus.
Open Frequency Monthly Live Music/Art Expo Free Admission All Ages Events 2-11pm @: Acadiana Center for Film & Media [ACFM] 700 Lee Ave & Main Downtown Lafayette Booking/Vendor Spaces Available Monthly openfrequency700@gmail.com Open Frequency Facebook
EVENT DATES: Nov 21st, Dec 19th, Jan 16th, Feb 20th, Mar 20th, Apr 17th, May 15th, June 19th
Party tonight at 1614 Esplanade! Haunted Treehouse / Naked Zombie Bloodbath party! Don't forget your costume! Or completely forget it altogether. BYOB (Ice and water provided) ZOMG BLOODBATH
There is currently a search for two types of bands for record label consideration.
*** Note: PLEASE IDENTIFY IF YOU ARE IN GROUP 1 OR 2 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR RESPONSE. Emails are being reviewed by different representatives.
1. A Pop/Rock/Commercial band with female lead. Band must consist of 2 guitars (Prefer both guitar players to be of lead caliber. However, one lead and one rhythm is acceptable), keyboard/piano, bass, and drums. Lead vocal, followed by backing vocals, in that order, is a plus as it relates to other members of the group. Average age of the band cannot exceed 28 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
2. A Modern Rock band with male lead. Must be a complete band but there are no prerequisites as it relates to the make up of the band. Average age of the band cannot exceed 23 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
XXX - If you meet the minimum qualifications as described above. Email a link for your MySpace Page and if applicable, a link for your website to: recordingartistsearch@gmail.com
Only send one email with your links. Due to the volume of responses normally received for these types of opportunities. After review of your material, you will only be contacted if there is an interest in attending one of your shows by a label representative. As such please to not send any follow up emails regarding selections. If you were not contacted back, there was not an interest.
Thank You.
PS: Before You Enter Any MySpace Contests You Might Want To Also Review The Website At: www.st
I wish I could have been in Lafayette for your SHOW last night @ ARTMOSPHERE... but oneday..it will work out again....last time You played @ BLUE MOON for GERONIMO FESTIVAL..me & Mike were there & loved your show...We will be in BREAUX BIDGE SUNDAY...for a gig there... I'll bet they went wild for ya'll @ ARTMOSPHERE last night..I love the music in your player...Ya'll check out the new music bulletin in Jan.2010...You guys & Snarky PUPPY are going to be on THE ARTISTS & BANDS BULLETIN...
Thank you for adding Tyrants Of Steel. Hello from Shreveport, dig your site. Please check out the songs on our site and tell us what you think. Help us come to your town. U are helping in Keeping the METAL Alive!!
