Biography
Marc Paradis is a New Orleans-based musician, best known as a key member of the funk rock band Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, formed in late 2001. He grew up studying classical music, including cello in youth orchestras such as the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra and one near Kansas City after a family move. Paradis attended Loyola University's classical music program, initially considering Cal Arts before financial issues led him elsewhere. His early career involved diverse experiences, from youth orchestras to forming bands post-9/11, blending classical training with rock influences.
Paradis describes his music as eclectic funk rock, drawing from Caribbean, African, Baltic, klezmer, reggae, classical, and rock genres, prioritizing danceable, fun live performances. As a guitarist and harmonic force in Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes—a power trio with horns—he has performed extensively, hosted the radio show Mega Music Monday on WHIV FM 102.3, created festivals, and acted in the film Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets as a bartender-musician. He also plays in tribute bands like ABBA Delight and under aliases like Pepe Pelo in Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers.
His multifaceted career spans music performance, radio, film, and promotion, emphasizing live energy and genre fusion without rigid categorization.
Fun Facts
- Formed Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes just 9 days after 9/11 as a humorous battle-of-the-bands entry, competing against future major-label acts like World Leader Pretend.
- Moved to Kansas near Kansas City as a youth, where he unexpectedly picked up cello in a youth orchestra before returning to New Orleans.
- Hosted Mega Music Monday on WHIV FM 102.3 and appeared in Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets portraying a bartender who is also a musician.
- Band nickname origin: A member was 'christened' Busting Out on stage, using it for years until his mid-30s.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Loyola University Music Program - Classical music training including cello (Youth orchestras and general theory lessons) [Late 1990s-early 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes - Permanent band member (guitar, harmony, horns integration) (Band formation and performances since inception) [2001-present]
- ABBA Delight - Tribute band performer (ABBA tribute shows) [Ongoing]
- Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers - Performs as alter ego Pepe Pelo (Band performances) [Ongoing]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Marc Paradis has been played 13 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.