Showcasing the Sounds of New Orleans
The New Orleans Public Library is looking for local musicians to help showcase the sounds of the Big Easy. Submissions are now open for Crescent City Sounds, a music streaming platform made up exclusively of New Orleans-based artists.
Artists can submit their music for consideration through October 2. The library plans to select 60 records this year, with each selected artist receiving a $300 honorarium.
Launched in 2022, Crescent City Sounds was created to give local musicians another way to grow their audience, connect with the New Orleans music scene, and preserve a record of the music being made throughout the city. Library associate Joshua Smith, who spearheaded the project, is leading the platform's fifth round of submissions.
A team of library staff and community volunteers will help review this year's submissions. Community curators include people from different areas of the city's music industry, including musicians, DJs, event producers, talent bookers, and record label professionals.
How New Orleans Artists Can Apply
Artists interested in submitting their music must primarily perform in New Orleans and their recordings cannot be more than five years old. Both albums and EPs are eligible, and musicians from all genres are encouraged to apply.
The program is open to artists at different points in their careers, from musicians performing at local open mics to those playing some of the city's largest venues. Crescent City Sounds currently accepts a wide variety of genres, including everything from jazz to experimental music.
To make the application process easier, the New Orleans Public Library will host four information sessions throughout September. The first will take place at Algiers Regional Library on September 9 at 5:30 p.m., followed by Norman Mayer Library on September 12 at 2 p.m. Central City Library will host a session on September 16 at 5:30 p.m., and the final session will take place at East New Orleans Regional Library on September 29 at 5:30 p.m.
These sessions will give prospective applicants a chance to learn more about the submission process and ask questions before applying.
Artists have until October 2 to submit their work for the 2026 selection round. Submission guidelines are available through the Crescent City Sounds website, where listeners can also stream music from New Orleans artists already featured on the platform.
