Alex Smith, Mack Swans and More Music News from Around Louisiana

Alexandria native Alex Smith puts Louisiana country on the map

While he may live in Nashville now, this emerging country star still pays homage to his Louisiana roots. His song “A Few Beers Ago” is the perfect song to add to your tailgating playlist. On the flip side, “Beaumont and Baton Rouge” is the type of reminiscent song you blast in the car while singing to the top of your lungs and riding down Louisiana back roads. The song “Rhythm of the Rain” paints a powerful picture of preparing for a hurricane in Louisiana. He sings, “Louisiana sky crying, Mississippi River rising … Cyprus swinging, swamp saints singing … rocking to the rhythm of the rain.” This singer’s good-ole-country-boy twang is as refreshing as an ice-cold beer. Must-listen songs: “A Few Beers Ago” (Boot State Edition), “Beaumont and Baton Rouge,” “Bootshake.”

Shreveport | Mack Swans

This up-and-coming hip-hop artist embodies the sweetest parts of 2000s hip-hop. He has an organic sound and makes moody music with relatable lyrics and memorable verses. His raw vocals on his 2023 mixtape “Age of Insomniacs” have a stripped-back and nostalgic sound. He pairs experimental flows with soothing beats to produce songs ideal for driving home after work, relaxing under a tree or cleaning around the house. The Shreveport artist’s bouncing cadence and deep, rich country voice reveal his Southern upbringing, while his confident delivery and occasional singing add the cherry on top. Must-listen songs: “Continuum,” “Fractals,” “Doctor’s Note.”

Lafayette | Rusty Metoyer

Go ahead and start practicing your line dancing moves. Listening to this zydeco artist’s live performances makes you wish you were at a Lafayette nightclub wearing denim on denim and shuffling around in some flashy cowboy boots. His latest album “Comin’ in Hot Vol. 2” includes 14 recordings from live performances ranging from covers to original songs. The Creole musician brings a fresh zydeco twist on classic hits like Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature,” T-Pain’s “Buy U a Drank” and Shai’s “If I Ever Fall in Love.”  This album features dancing music every age group can appreciate with nods to the ‘90s and early 2000s. Must-listen songs: “Headscarf / Buy U a Drank” (Live), “If I was Your Man” (Live), “Do It All Night / Follow Me Down” (Live).

New Orleans | Mahmoud Chouki

Music lovers, do yourself a favor and listen to this artist’s 2024 album “Caravan: From Marrakech to New Orleans.” The expertly curated album by the Moroccan string virtuoso and composer is a tribute to the city he fell in love with: New Orleans. The album, recorded at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, reflects the artist’s travels through North Africa, the Middle East and Spain. He plays oud, guitar and banjo. The record has a global sound with a generous melting pot of cultures celebrated in each song. The song “Safar” feels like going on a bright train ride through various towns, getting a peek of the musical influences from each region. “Mahmoud’s Blues” has a romantic and passionate Spanish vibe fit for doing the tango in candlelight. Must-listen songs: “Safar,” “Mahmoud’s Blues,” “Caravan.”