Calling New Orleans Artists: Crescent City Sounds Seeks New Music

The New Orleans Public Library is accepting music submissions for a new class of Crescent City Sounds artists through October 7. The Library-built music streaming service first launched with 30 New Orleans artists in October 2022, and this submission round marks the fourth time the platform will add new music

Supported by software designed by Rabble, Crescent City Sounds aims to help up-and-coming musicians build a following and gain access to the local music scene, as well as establish a lasting record of what New Orleans music is today.

Library associate Joshua Smith spearheaded the Crescent City Sounds project and is leading the 2025 selection process.

“I think I am more excited for this submission round than any other except for maybe the first one,” Smith said. “Working on this for the last few years has given me the opportunity to connect with so many amazing artists that work in this town. Hearing their stories, seeing their shows and watching them make new connections has been great.”

For Smith, working on Crescent City Sounds makes him feel more connected to his community and the city’s music scene.

“I love hearing names I know on the WWOZ Livewire and seeing them on gig posters posted around town. Supporting the folks that make our culture is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I cannot wait to listen to their submissions,” he said.

Other curators for this submission round include LSD Clownsystem’s Toren Hardee, Brooke Paulus, and Rickt Ostry; local musicians Bennett Kirschner and Kevin the Persian; pop music scholar and author Kyle DeCoste, veteran event promotor and former director of marketing at Live Nation New Orleans Mark Roberts; and Threadhead Cultural Foundation founding member Dan Ring.

A team of Library staff will also assist in the curation process.

Crescent City Sounds Fall 2025 Submission Round

Crescent City Sounds, a Library-built, locally-focused music streaming platform, is accepting submissions for new music from Sept. 2 through Oct. 7.

This year, the Library will add 75 albums to the platform, bringing the collection to a total of 225 local albums. Each band that is selected will receive a $250 honorarium.

New Orleans Public Library Executive Director and City Librarian Emily Painton said Crescent City Sounds signals the Library’s commitment to supporting local art, culture, and finding unique ways to give back to the community.

“A core pillar of the Library’s mission is to preserve the history and culture of our city and its community,” Painton said. “The Crescent City Sounds project is such a wonderful example of how the Library can support, uplift, and document the current cultural scene in New Orleans. Every time we add new music, the platform becomes a more complete snapshot of our city’s diverse music scene. It’s a joy to watch it grow, and I am so proud of our staff for creating this unique service.”

All chosen artists will receive a $250 honorarium to have their albums on the platform, maintain the copyright to their work, and have their albums hosted on Crescent City Sounds for five years.

Prospective artists must primarily perform in New Orleans and submissions cannot have been recorded more than five years ago. Artists can submit a single track, but if selected, should have an album with a minimum of four songs or be at least 20 minutes in length. For detailed guidelines and to stream local music now, visit crescentcitysounds.org.