From New Orleans East to stages across the world, Douane Waples has always carried the sound of his city in his horn. His journey began in the fourth grade at Little Woods Elementary—but the spark came earlier. At just four years old, he heard a smooth, soulful song in a late-night TV music commercial and knew instantly: "I want to sound like that." That spark became determination, and the saxophone became his voice.

Growing up in New Orleans meant rhythm everywhere—from church pews to second lines, block parties to brass band rehearsals spilling into the streets. The city's jazz and brass traditions wrapped around him like a second language until the saxophone became an extension of who he was. His influences run wide, from jazz giants like John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon to hip hop innovators like J Dilla and A Tribe Called Quest. He often says his influences change by the day, the month, the year—because music, like life, never stands still.

Performing with The Soul Rebels gave him the perfect outlet to bring all those worlds together. Every time he steps on stage, he channels whatever he's feeling in that moment—sometimes fire and ferocity, sometimes smooth and soulful, but always honest. One of his most powerful memories came during the 2025 Super Bowl: playing on one of the world's biggest stages while representing New Orleans and the sound that shaped him. Among the band's songs, "Rebelosis" stands out as a favorite for its horn-driven funk and intensity.

Away from the stage, Waples has a quieter side—diving into Black history, exploring new technology, and relaxing with video games. He doesn't play 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 stepping into a legacy he'd admired since childhood, and now he adds his own chapter—carrying New Orleans forward and helping shape the next generation of sound.