THE BAND

From New Orleans East to stages across the world, Douane Waples has always carried the sound of his city in his horn. His journey with music began in the fourth grade at Little Woods Elementary, but the story really started years before. At just four years old, he heard a song in a late night TV music compilation commercial that stopped him in his tracks. It was smooth, soulful, and full of feeling. Something inside him knew instantly, “I want to sound like that.” That spark turned into determination, and the saxophone became his voice.

 

Growing up in New Orleans meant being surrounded by rhythm everywhere, from the church pews to the second lines, from block parties to brass band rehearsals spilling into the streets. While many kids were just hanging out after school, he was practicing scales and melodies, trying to chase down that sound he had heard years before. The city’s jazz and brass traditions wrapped around him like a second language, and over time, his saxophone became not just an instrument, but an extension of who he was.

 

Waples drew inspiration from a wide range of artists. Jazz giants like John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon laid the foundation, teaching him discipline, tone, and storytelling through sound. Later, hip hop producers like J Dilla and groups like A Tribe Called Quest opened his ears to rhythm in new ways. He often says that his influences change depending on the day, the month, or even the year because music, like life, never stands still. That openness is a big part of his artistry, keeping his playing fluid and unpredictable.

 

Performing with The Soul Rebels gave him the perfect outlet to bring all those worlds together. The band’s explosive energy, fearless creativity, and deep rooted connection to New Orleans matched everything he believed music should be. Every time he steps on stage, he channels whatever he is feeling in that moment, letting the saxophone speak for him. Sometimes that means fire and ferocity, sometimes it means smooth and soulful, but it always means honest.

 

One of his most powerful memories with the band came during the 2025 Super Bowl. Playing on one of the world’s biggest stages and feeling the electricity of the crowd was unforgettable. It was not just about the performance, it was about representing New Orleans, brass band culture, and the sound that shaped him. For him, that moment symbolized how far the journey had come since those days of practicing as a kid in New Orleans East.

 

Among the many songs The Soul Rebels perform, Rebelosis stands out as a favorite. Its horn driven funk and intensity embody everything the group is about: boldness, unity, and the raw force of sound. But more than any one song, what excites him most is seeing how different audiences respond. Some listeners lose themselves in the rhythm immediately, while others take time to find the groove. That mix keeps things fresh and proves how universal music can be.

 

Away from the stage, Waples has a quieter side. He loves diving into Black history, exploring new developments in technology, and relaxing with video games. Though he may come across as reserved, those close to him know he is passionate and enjoys real conversations. He does not play music to force people into one emotion. He plays to create a space where each person can find what they need in the sound.

 

Joining The Soul Rebels was more than just joining a band. It was stepping into a legacy he had admired since childhood. He grew up listening to their music, watching how they carved out their own lane, and respecting the stances they took musically and culturally. Becoming part of that story felt like a dream realized, and now he adds his own chapter, blending his unique voice with the band’s ever evolving sound.

 

Looking to the future, Waples sees The Soul Rebels continuing to push boundaries and surprise audiences worldwide. With each performance, he brings not only his skill on the saxophone but also his personal journey, his inspirations, and his vision. Together, it is all part of carrying New Orleans forward, keeping the traditions alive while shaping the next generation of sound.