Kyle Roussel

Multi-hyphenate talent Kyle Roussel is the spirit of New Orleans itself. The musician, producer, composer, instrumentalist, and performer is a cross-genre tour de force, proficient in piano, organ, keyboard, and drums, whether it’s in jazz, soul, gospel, funk, or any other genre under the sun.

Kyle Roussel is a modern voice for New Orleans music and is aiming to put the unique musical texture of the city he loves on the map in a big way as both an artist and producer. Current, experienced, and imaginative, Roussel is a seasoned touring artist who has developed his voice as an individual alongside his professional skill set in his studio in the Big Easy. Reminiscent of greats like Allen Toussaint, Dr John and James Booker, along with modern figures like Jon Batiste, Roussel added a new accomplishment to his growing list when he released the album NOLA A La Mode in 2023. That recording put his solo piano skills front and center in a collection of both covers and original music.

And when it comes to performing live, there are few names in the legendary New Orleans musical scene with whom he hasn’t crossed paths. He is a regular on tour with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Headhunters and has played with many other notable figures across multiple genres — Jon Batiste, Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Terrence Blanchard, Dave Matthews Band, Chance the Rapper, and many more. As lead producer on projects for bands including The Headhunters, and with over five years of production, mixing, and mastering under his belt, Roussel is able to embrace his intrinsic musical sensibilities in a studio setting, too.

“The people you meet are the best part of being a musician,” he says. “You have access to the entire spectrum, whether it’s cultural, economic, or otherwise. You can play for the President and play on Bourbon Street in the same week.”

His work has, indeed, taken him from New Orleans to over 40 countries across the globe, and he’s graced stages from Coachella to Carnegie Hall to Montreux to Madison Square Garden. Roussel has also leapt from stage to screen, most notably with a role on HBO’s 2022 Interview with the Vampire as jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton. He also lent his expertise to the documentary film Music Picture: New Orleans in the same year.

As he continues to act as an ambassador for New Orleans in all his work, he’s gearing up for another major year: two more projects are on the way for Roussel, including a jazz-funk organ record and a vocal debut effort. What’s clear is that no matter what genre, instrument, or role Roussel is embracing, he’ll be able to execute it to the fullest.