David Villalta, renowned studio owner, producer, and General Manager of Louisiana Red Hot Records, is calling for the inclusion of local New Orleans artists in the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. While he praises Jay-Z's selection of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner, Villalta echoes New Orleans Entertainment Ambassador Master P's sentiments that homegrown talent like Lil Wayne deserves a place on the national stage.
"New Orleans is the birthplace of American music—from jazz and rock to rap," says Villalta. "I applaud the inspired choice of Kendrick Lamar, but we have an abundance of local talent that can fill the Superdome with the authentic sounds of our city. Master P founded No Limit Records, and there's truly no limit to the talent here."
Villalta's advocacy is rooted in his deep connections within the music industry. A Ponchatoula native, he launched his career working with Grammy-winning rap artists. His early work includes engineering for producer Juicy J and assisting on Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Allderdice mixtape. He then became the chief engineer for Oscar-winning group Three 6 Mafia, touring and performing with them as David V. "Not only is he a longtime friend and little brother, but he's also a hell of an engineer," says DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia.
Beyond his engineering prowess, Villalta has collaborated with artists like Jelly Roll, using music to inspire those battling addiction. After a life-changing car accident in Las Vegas, Villalta returned to his hometown to focus on his recovery and mentor fellow artists on a similar path.
At Studio 55, which he founded upon his return to Louisiana, Villalta has been instrumental in nurturing local talent. As General Manager of Louisiana Red Hot Records, he has produced and overseen releases that showcase the rich musical heritage of the region. Notable projects include Corey Henry's Foot Work, Roland Guerin's EP PROG, and collaborative works featuring artists like Lilli Lewis, James Andrews, and Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove.
"Quality, integrity, understanding, creativity—these are the words that describe David," says Roland Guerin. "He has the unique ability to capture the essence of an artist and bring out the best in people."
Villalta is currently working on his own album, despite his numerous ongoing projects. "With the diverse and incredible talent of this roster, it's truly an honor to work among esteemed artists and colleagues that I also call my family," he reflects.
As New Orleans gears up for the 2025 Super Bowl, Villalta remains committed to ensuring that the city's vibrant musical landscape is well-represented. "From rock to rap, Louisiana has a winning musical roster," he asserts. "I look forward to the Super Bowl events showcasing the talent of my home state."
For more information about David Villalta and Studio 55, including artist testimonials and images of his studio mascots, visit www.Studio55DavidV.com.
Follow David Villalta on social media:
- Instagram: @dvillalta
- Facebook: David Villalta
- TikTok: @studio55davidv
About David Villalta
David Villalta is a producer, engineer, and multi-instrumental artist with over a decade of experience in the music industry. A graduate of The Los Angeles Recording School, his career began by engineering for Juicy J and assisting on Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Allderdice mixtape. He later became the chief engineer for Three 6 Mafia, contributing to their recordings and live performances.
In 2015, Villalta returned to Ponchatoula, Louisiana, to establish Studio 55 and invest his expertise into the local music scene. As General Manager of Louisiana Red Hot Records since 2020, he has been pivotal in promoting New Orleans and Louisiana artists on a larger scale. His work encompasses producing, engineering, and releasing music that resonates with the cultural richness of the region.
Explore a playlist of projects produced, engineered, or released by David Villalta: Spotify Playlist.
