If you've ever found yourself in New Orleans, Louisiana, you're probably aware of the certain je ne sais quoi that surrounds the city. The people, the music, the food—it's all dripping in soul, joining forces to create a hospitable environment just begging you to cut loose and have a good time. It's no wonder, then, why the Big Easy's hottest up-and-coming artist, Pell, carries the N'awlins torch—repping his city everywhere from Twitter to his live shows.
With the release of his newest track, "Patience", we can't help but fall deeper for the young emcee. The bouncy beat (crafted by the ever-talented London On Da Track), pairs with his hypnotic flow like a fine wine, giving way a "good times or bust" vibe. Our advice? Jam to it with the windows down on your next road trip for an optimal listening experience.
Ahead of his Red Bull Sound Select Presents: 3 Days in Miami performance on Friday, we chatted with the talented musician about his favorite city on the map and what hotspots are essential for visitors. From Po'boy staples to jazz clubs, we've got your insider's hookup on how to do NOLA the right way. Check it out below, then make sure to Track him on Bandsintown so you don't miss him when he comes to a city near you.
Since it’s Mardi Gras season right now, what’s the one go-to parade in the city that everyone should be checking out?
Zulu, Krewe du Vieux, Bacchus.
First place (besides home) you like to go when you come back to New Orleans?
Mojo Coffee.
If you had to choose, what’s your favorite music venue in The Big Easy?
House of Blues.
Vintage/clothing or local t-shirt shop that will always be your #1?
Tie between Defend New Orleans and Nola Grown.
We saw that you recently performed at Peaches—what’s a record store in New Orleans people have to check out?
Disko Obscura.
Where is your favorite place to get a Po'boy / Muffaletta / Snowball / King Cake?
Parkway Bakery & Tavern for Po'boys.
NOLA has some pretty awesome festivals, from Boogaloo on the Bayou to Jazz Fest to Buku, which is your fave?
It's impossible to choose, But Voodoo Fest is pretty major. Buku and Jazz fest are close favorites as well.
Frenchmen Street boasts some of the best jazz music venues, which one would we find you in on a Friday night?
Blue Nile.
Weirdest non-venue that you’d love to perform in (Audubon Park, Steamboat Natchez, Metairie Cemetery, etc.)?
Audubon Zoo—I love animals.
NOLA is filled with the brim with historic locations—what’s one that has always spoken to you?
I'd say the Superdome. I've seen some pretty awesome things there, and it's the staple of the New Orleans skyline.
If you’ve ever been to Dat Dog, what’s your menu staple?
I go to Dat Dog frequently and get the Duck Special.