The Deslondes, named for the street in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans where they lived back in the day, has been one of Americana’s most impressive and creative bands for more than a decade. While fully committed to that ongoing project, their gravel-voiced baritone singer and writer Riley Downing has taken his most impressive step yet as a solo artist with Landfill Poetry on Oh Boy Records. He speaks with The String about his late break into folk music, record collecting, and yes, that job he had on a garbage truck.
ON DEMAND
VIDEO
Click here to watch WMOT's free livestream of the 2026 AMERICANAFEST Day Stage on September 16th-18th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.
NPR TOP STORIES
-
In leather pants and a power blazer, Cardi B brings a humble and humorous spirit to the Desk as she runs through a set packed with hits.
-
A car hit an Australian federal independent lawmaker on Monday, critically injuring her in an apparent deliberate attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. The driver was arrested.
-
Hint: It's not only because California counts slowly.
-
A large underwater wave moved up the West Coast, raising sea levels. Scientists say it's driven by El Niño and it's going to happen again.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter, featuring music news, contests and our concert calendar.
WMOT's video archive is now on YouTube. Click here to subscribe.
Click here to view the latest ticket giveaways.