For XPN Artist To Watch, Trombone Shorty, measuring success doesn’t necessary seem like it equates to album sales or tangible assets. For Shorty it appears more about creation, collaboration and the excitement of the music he plays. It’s a veteran like perspective, but that’s not surprising coming from the 24 year old virtuoso. He’s been leading bands since the age of 6, long before he arms could even extend the length of his instrument, and even less surprising from Shorty is his inspiring debut album for Verve, Backatown.

A product of New Orleans' historical and musical Treme neighborhood, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has been a musician since he was smaller than the trombone he plays. A bandleader by the age of 16, Andrews attracts both older and younger generations of fans with his virtuosity and energy.