Biography
Louis Michot is a prominent Cajun and Creole musician, best known as the fiddle player and lead singer for the Grammy Award-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1979 and raised in Lafayette, Michot grew up in a deeply musical family; his father and uncles formed the traditional Cajun band Les Frères Michot, which immersed him in Louisiana French music from an early age. He began performing professionally as a teenager, first playing stand-up bass with Les Frères Michot at age 14 before picking up the fiddle at 19 and co-founding Lost Bayou Ramblers with his brother Andre in 1999.
Michot’s musical style is rooted in Cajun and Creole traditions, but he is known for his progressive and inventive approach, blending traditional Louisiana French music with punk, rock, and experimental elements. He has been a driving force in keeping the French language and local folklore alive through music, often singing exclusively in Cajun French despite English being his first language. Beyond his work with Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot has led projects such as Michot’s Melody Makers and Soul Creole, and in 2023 released his debut solo album 'Rêve du Troubadour.' He is also the founder of Nouveau Electric Records, a label dedicated to promoting experimental and traditional Louisiana music.
Michot’s legacy extends beyond performance; he is recognized for his cultural stewardship and environmental activism, notably incorporating solar technology into his music operations and supporting hurricane relief efforts in Louisiana. His innovative spirit and commitment to tradition have made him a central figure in the evolution and preservation of Louisiana’s musical heritage.
Fun Facts
- Louis Michot began playing stand-up bass at age 14, replacing his uncle in Les Frères Michot.
- He learned Cajun French by traveling through French Canada and singing traditional songs, despite English being his first language.
- Michot founded Nouveau Electric Records to promote both experimental and traditional Louisiana music, releasing over 20 records since 2018.
- He built a solar-powered studio and created the 'Solar Roller,' a mobile solar music stage, to support sustainable music production and hurricane relief.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Louis J. Michot, Jr. - Father and member of Les Frères Michot, introduced Louis to Cajun music and performance. (Les Frères Michot albums and performances) [1980s–present]
- David Michot - Uncle; Louis replaced him on stand-up bass in Les Frères Michot as a teenager. (Les Frères Michot performances) [1990s]
- Cajun French speakers and musicians - Louis learned Cajun French and traditional repertoire from elders in Louisiana and French Canada. (Traditional Cajun music) [1990s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Andre Michot - Brother and co-founder of Lost Bayou Ramblers; accordion and pedal steel player. (Lost Bayou Ramblers albums and tours) [1999–present]
- Kirkland Middleton - Drummer in Lost Bayou Ramblers and Michot’s Melody Makers. (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot’s Melody Makers) [2010s–present]
- Bryan Webre - Bass player in Lost Bayou Ramblers and Michot’s Melody Makers. (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot’s Melody Makers) [2010s–present]
- Mark Bingham - Producer and musician; member of Michot’s Melody Makers. (Michot’s Melody Makers) [2010s–present]
- Rickie Lee Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Batiste, Lucinda Williams, Aloe Blacc, Donald Byrd, Spider Stacy, Gordon Gano, Dr. John - Collaborated on recordings and performances. (Various collaborative projects and live performances) [2000s–present]
- D. L. Menard, Belton Richard, Vin Bruce, Hadley Castille, Luderin Darbonne - Performed and recorded with these Cajun music greats. (Various traditional Cajun music projects) [2000s–2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging Louisiana French musicians - Inspired a new generation to embrace and modernize Cajun and Creole music through his label and mentorship. (Nouveau Electric Records releases) [2018–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BABY DON'T | 2025-03-28 | Album |
| SEAUXLEAUX | 2025-05-30 | Album |
| Rêve du troubadour | 2023-09-22 | Album |
| A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey | 2016-05-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- laisse le bon temps rouler (laisse le bon temps rouler)
- Blue Moon Special (Bayou Perdu)
- Meche Perdu (SEAUXLEAUX)
- Amourette (Rêve du troubadour)
- laisse le bon temps rouler (BABY DON'T)
- Jole Blon (with Louis Michot) (American Epic: The Soundtrack)
- Boscoyo Fleaux (SEAUXLEAUX)
- L’Abandonne (SEAUXLEAUX)
- Rêve du troubadour (Rêve du troubadour)
- Souvenir de Porto Rico (Rêve du troubadour)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Louis Michot has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 7, 2025 | 11:56 | One Of These Daysfrom SeauxLeaux | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 22:15 | AMOURETTEfrom REVE DU TROUBADOUR | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Oct 1, 2025 | 00:06 | AMOURETTEfrom REVE DU TROUBADOUR | Over Night Musicw/ D Rootzmaster, MID - 3am |