Water Seed was founded by drummer, composer, and vocalist Lou Hill at Xavier University in New Orleans in the early 2000s. In August 2006, the band released its debut EP, Two Words, independently, generating a groundswell of buzz that sold roughly 6,500 units within its first six months. Early lineups included keyboardist J. Sharp, flutist Cinese, bassist Marius Tilton, and vocalists including Ryan Johnson, with the band earning a reputation for tight musicianship and an electric live show rooted in New Orleans street beats.
After Hurricane Katrina, Water Seed relocated to Atlanta, spending several years honing its sound and business before returning to New Orleans roughly three years later. The band's return coincided with a period of significant growth, culminating in We Are Stars, which reached #27 on Billboard's R&B chart and #8 on the Heatseekers chart, establishing Water Seed as certified Billboard Top 40 recording artists. Their 2017 single "Open Sesame," filmed live at the Blue Nile, showcased the band's coordinated choreography and 1970s-influenced sound, further building their reputation among New Orleans music legends, including Cyril Neville, who became a vocal fan after seeing them perform.
Today, Water Seed's core lineup includes Hill alongside keyboardist and vocalist Jentleman Sharp, flutist and vocalist Cinese Love, and vocalists Rahim Glaspy and Ten. The band coined the term "Future Funk" to describe their fusion of classic funk, R&B, and jazz with hip-hop, electronic, and rock elements, and in 2022 released their own comic book, Sounds of the Wasteland, alongside a companion soundtrack album. In 2023, Water Seed won the Big Easy Award for Best Funk Band, and the group continues to perform at major New Orleans festivals and venues, including a memorable collaboration with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
