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Behind the Scenes: Creating 'My Southwest Louisiana Home' Video and Original Song

Behind the Scenes: Creating My Southwest Louisiana Home Video and Original Song   By Angie Manning
When the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) team set out to showcase not just the attractions of Southwest Louisiana, but the authentic feeling of experiencing this vibrant region through video, music naturally emerged as a key element. Blessed with stunning natural beauty, abundant resources, rich traditions, diverse culture, and delectable cuisine, Southwest Louisiana blends a profound sense of home with lively nightlife. Capturing this essence in a single video required something special.
As executive director Shelley Johnson and I discussed the 'My Southwest Louisiana Home' project, we knew music would set the perfect tone. An off-the-shelf song wouldn't suffice for something so personal. We needed an original composition that evoked the spirit of our beloved home.   Behind the Scenes: Creating My Southwest Louisiana Home Video and Original Song Wendy Colonna and Angie Manning
Wendy Colonna, a Southwest Louisiana native and acclaimed songwriter renowned for her storytelling lyrics, was the ideal choice. Her gritty, honeyed voice and swampy Southern tales perfectly aligned with our vision.
For the video production, partnering with Adam Boozer and his team at Stowaway was seamless from concept to final cut. Stowaway excels at distilling a destination's heart—the emotions, scents, and spirit of its people—into compelling visuals that inspire travel. Behind the Scenes: Creating My Southwest Louisiana Home Video and Original Song Adam Boozer of Stowaway
Following Adam's scouting trip to immerse in our unique culture, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB organized a one-week shoot. We collaborated with Parker Brand Creative and leveraged local tourism partners, volunteers, and talent to produce an exceptional video.

 


From our first discussions, Wendy, Adam, and I shared a clear artistic vision. Lyrics and themes bubbled up like ingredients in a hearty gumbo, refined by Wendy's masterful touch into a perfectly seasoned song.
Wendy returned to Lake Charles to record with top Louisiana musicians: Matt Moss (bass guitar), Brandon Ledet (accordion), Joel Savoy (fiddle), Sam Broussard (slide guitar), and Doug Gay (drums). The track was recorded and mixed by Matt Moss at EMF Productions in Lake Charles Music Plaza.
The CVB is thrilled to unveil our first commissioned song, 'My Southwest Louisiana Home.'
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/gXGLq9NAykI

Discover more about songwriter Wendy Colonna in this two-part Austin Chronicle interview.

Read the lyrics to 'My Southwest Louisiana Home'

 

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