He discusses the importance of music in New Orleans schools, why he left a successful LA studio gig and returned to New Orleans, plus favorite memories that include pianist/keyboardist Nigel Hall and DJ Soul Sister at Mimi's in the Marigny, and bassist Doug Wimbish.

Royal is a graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) and Berklee School of Music. Catch Khris with his own band, Dark Matter, playing at Le Bon Temps Roule or the Maple Leaf, or touring with Rebelution or George Porter, Jr. Khris will also play Jazz Fest 2012.

Video by 504otos.com/Greg Rhoades