new orleans
what it is
The music of New Orleans assumes various styles of music which have often borrowed from earlier traditions. New Orleans, Louisiana is especially known for its strong association with jazz music, universally considered to be the birthplace of the genre. The earliest form—and perhaps most popular—was dixieland, which has sometimes been called traditional jazz, 'New Orleans', and 'New Orleans jazz'.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make new orleans a playlist
turn these 31 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is new orleans?
The music of New Orleans assumes various styles of music which have often borrowed from earlier traditions. New Orleans, Louisiana is especially known for its strong association with jazz music, universally considered to be the birthplace of the genre. The earliest form—and perhaps most popular—was dixieland, which has sometimes been called traditional jazz, 'New Orleans', and 'New Orleans jazz'.
What are good new orleans albums to start with?
Try Backatown by Trombone Shorty, Struttin' by The Meters, In the Right Place by Dr. John, and Yellow Moon by The Neville Brothers.
Who are some women making new orleans?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/new-orleans/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making new orleans, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20