VOODOO EXPERIENCE | WORSHIP THE MUSIC | OCT 30 / OCT 31 / NOV 1, 2009

After bouncing around the local music scene for a few years, New Orleans singer-songwriter / guitarist John Michael Rouchell found himself frustrated, disenfranchised, creatively starving and struggling to maintain a sense of direction. In late 2007, lacking motivation and in need of inspiration, a friendly wager and a tasty filet-o-fish ignited and incited Rouchell’s resolve, sending the wayward songsmith on a yearlong journey whose humble beginnings paved the way for one of the most exciting, ambitious and innovative musical adventures to date.

“One night, my friend called me the laziest songwriter on the planet. He told me that there was no way that I could write a song a week for an entire year. I bet him a piece of fish over it – and he didn’t believe I was good for it. So I began on January 1st, 2008.”

John Michael Rouchell – vocals, guitar

Determined and alone, under the moniker MyNameIsJohnMichael, Rouchell began writing, recording and producing his weekly excursions. Gradually, the project gained momentum within the local indie rock scene. He decided that he would release a track a week on his website, allow fans to vote for their favorites and record his album based on the results. There was only one piece missing in this collaborative experiment – a band. About three months into the project Rouchell asked drummer Eric Rogers, who had previously added drums to some of his early tracks, to assemble the cast.

As Rogers set out to find his musical dream-team, John Michael continued to churn out songs week-in-and-week-out. Eerie and insightful, pensive and profound, animated and invigorating, JM’s tales of longing and redemption expose a fascinating world filled with enigmatic characters. With a full ensemble established, MNIJM colored their frontman’s tracks with sharp melodies, vivid layers, tugging harmonies, springy grooves and rich atmospherics. From a lone songwriter to a six-man troupe, about mid-way through 2008, it became apparent that MNIJM was more than just a song a week, a fun side-project or a freewheelin’ experiment.
“I was in a few bands at the time. Then I saw this mammoth group of mammothlytalented musicians. And I’ll be honest – at first it was more about playing with these guys than anything. I quickly fell in love with the music, but the initial draw for me was the band.”
Leo DeJesus – percussion, keyboard, vocals

“John Michael called me in early on to sprinkle a few lines on top of a melody. And it turned out that things worked really well. I kind of just fit in exactly where they needed me. I try to bring an outside perspective to the group – look for something that’s completely different than what’s going on.”
Cory Schultz – trumpet, guitar, percussion

“It didn’t take long for me to get comfortable in the band. I’ve always liked the music John Michael’s written. Though, I do consider myself slightly an oddball in the group. I gravitate more towards punk and ska music, so it was completely different playing in an indie band. But I’m able to make my funky, punk influences work here.”
Joe Bourgeois – bass

Passionate, driven and dedicated, MNIJM honed their talents, solidified their sound and quickly established a reputation as one of the most exhilarating and enchanting up-and-coming acts in New Orleans. From the fateful musings of a restless wayfarer came an intriguing work-in-progress that evolved from a winsome long-shot to an underground groundswell that resonated throughout a community struggling to reconcile its storied past and redefine its sense of identity.
“ So far we’ve gotten a really strong reception. I think that one of the reasons behind it is that I feel that we bring a certain New Orleans flavor to the music. Not so much in a traditional sense, but underneath – in the arrangements – it carries with it unique undertones that fit really well into what’s happening in the city.”
Richard Dubourg – keys, guitar, vocals

“I think New Orleans is a city that’s constantly sought out as a weird underdog. I think the songs – they’re a little bit about hurt, a little bit about slipping through the cracks and a little bit about striving for something better. I definitely think that’s something that New Orleans has always had.”
John Michael Rouchell

Upon the turn of 2009, MNIJM retreated to the studio to stitch together an album of their best composite sketches. Released in late March, The People that Come and Go is much more than a glorified compilation. It fully embodies the living consensus of an existential crisis. Frantic and fuzzy, radiant and reflective, People revives the high hopes of the downtrodden, eludes the rigors of the withdrawn, and revels in the lush optimism of a golden era.

-Aaron Lafont
Groovescapes.com