We had the good fortune of connecting with Louis Heriveaux and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Louis, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Well you would think in my field the music would come first, but people who handle their business I believe make success easier to achieve. The best players are not always the most successful, I would even say most of the time they are not the ones at the top. While creatives are being creative there are business people somewhere behind the scenes making more than the artists themselves. I decided to create something that took the business side more seriously that will also reward the musicians who have put all of their time and energy into perfecting their craft. So the answer is handling business meaning contracts, negotiations, an emphasis on being on time, dressed appropriately, and in general reliability. Being an accomplished musician myself I advocate in this way for myself and other quality musicians in the arts and music world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Playing jazz music is tough, and like most jazz musicians I spent all my time trying to learn how to play better and better. Waiting for the phone to ring instead of taking control of my own destiny. I did reach a high level and I make sure all of the musicians in our camp have, so the music is high quality. Myself I have toured with Russell Malone, Russell Gunn, Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Cobb, Rodney Jordan, Jason Marsalis, Jeanie Bryson, Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy, and many more. If you google me I am well represented out there. But jazz is not the popular music but it is great music. If you have all great musicians you can create an audience. This is not achieved by waiting for the phone to ring, you have to get out there!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The more regular weekly stuff you can catch ASAP musicians on Wednesday nights at Aye Tea Ale in College Park, Thursday nights at The Whitley Hotel in Buckhead, Saturday and Sunday brunch at C. Ellet’s Steakhouse at Battery Park and at Ray’s on the River (TBA on their website.) Those are our try out new stuff, and relaxed vibes. But we do a lot of private events, wedding events, but our most highlighting performances are when we do concerts on stages, in listening rooms, or festivals. It is so much more inspiring in front an audience that came specifically for the music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Regynald G. Washington is a friend of mine who I met because he became a regular at one of my weekly performances. When I got to know him, I found out that he was the CEO of a half a billion dollar company. I listened when he spoke business and tried to take as much mentorship on his principles of business as i could while he was coming to enjoy our music.

Website: Asaplivemusic.com

Instagram: @asap_live_music

Other: Louiskeys.com My personal website.

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