Feature Friday: Jay Ray

Highlighting Our People in Podcasting!

Hope ya got a nice extended weekend ahead but first it’s Feature Friday!✨

“I see podcasting as a way to educate and entertain, and that's what keeps me in the industry.”

Educate and entertain…as podcasting grows we see that more and more. It continuously keeps Jay Ray in the industry as he and co-host DJ Sir Daniel create the super fun, and informative podcast Queue Points. The name was inspired their mutual love of DJ’ing, his from a dancers perspective…and DJ is well a DJ. 🎶 But their podcast is about Black music history, and just as DJs cue up songs, similarly they cue up important conversations by dropping the needle on Black music history. Oh…and they’re independently produced as well by the way💅🏾

The discussion on Black music and not just in Black music month is so dope, it’s another example of how conversations around our culture are larger than being put in boxes, themes and months ✊🏾. And the conversations on Queue Points are pretty expansive, going beyond all genres of music.

They often use their podcast to create special series to highlight important topics in Black music history. For instance their Country Music Series is a four-part series that discusses the origins of Country music, the impact of Charley Pride, contemporary Black Country artists and the music of Black women in Country. They even highlighted the little-known fact that Tina Turner's 🕊 first solo album was a Country album - "Tina Turns The County On!" Folk.

I had no clue!! 😲 That’s so cool!

Though Jay Ray got his start in podcasting back in 2015 it began with his podcast Seeing Sounds, which ended in 2020. Jay was able to really evolve and get comfortable in finding his voice on Queue Points, though it took some time.

To know me is to know that I’m very good behind the scenes. That’s a comfort zone for me, being out front is less so. I wish I had more trust in my voice and musical perspective sooner. I also wish I had more of a grasp on the marketing pieces when we started.

Jay…Imma tell ya…i think we all wish we had those marketing pieces in place when first starting. But hey it’s all part of the growing pains in podcasting and you’ve got yourself a great show as a result of all the hard work. So when you get a chance check out Queue Points. The conversations about music and musicians are meaningful, and at times they feature stories that are forgotten. Also, they are talking to an audience that has a voice that over the time, has been muted or overlooked. As they’re unapologetically a Black music podcast hosted by queer Gen-Xers. Hands down their perspective is a unique one.🏳️‍🌈

Listen, when you find someone you can vibe with and start creating with, I feel like those are some of the most fun, and best podcasts out there. So the vibe is right, the discussion is cool, but…what are some of the things learned along the way?

1. Absolutely join groups to help you improve your skills. I've gotten tremendous insight from the Black Podcasters Association and BIPOC Podcast Creators. 2. Go to conferences and meet ups. Conferences like Afros and Audio are spaces for Black folks by Black folks, and you gain invaluable knowledge and connections there. 3. Position yourself as an expert in your space. Submit abstracts to present at podcasting conferences. It helps you improve your presentation skills, and raises awareness about your podcast to folks who may not be aware of you. For indie podcasters, it's one of my most valued cheat codes to visibility.

Visibility, the ultimate cheat code 🎮…it’s so true…that’s how we know you’re there, you have to position yourself in a way that you’re seen. So network, understand your show and don’t be afraid to speak on it, great tips all around.

So let’s continue to uplift each other…annnddd you can start with this newsletter and this dope podcast. I’m just sayin…🤷🏾‍♀️

Hey until next week…don’t count the days…just make the days count…❤️😘

And while you’re at it listen to a podcast…

☮️ ✌🏾-Adell

If you’re loving my features….give your girl a share and a shout out on IG @iamadellcoleman and Twitter @iamadellcoleman too!

Psst…by the way if you’re interested in being my next feature Firday🙏🏾 fill out this form …by the way…it could also mean an additional feature on my other newsletter Your Podcast Playlist as well!

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Oh and a little about me…this is the hard part, talking about myself!

I’m Adell Coleman Chief Operations Officer of DCP Entertainment. I’m a multi-award winning podcast creator, producer, and host. I host and EP the podcast Say Their Name. I like talking so you may have seen me around at a few conferences!

One of my favorite things to do is to amplify and uplift those BIPOC and marginalized creatives who aren’t just hosts but are doing many different things in the podcast space.

At DCP, we distribute podcasts that share stories, podcasts, interviews, and insights by and for underrepresented voices. Feel free to check us out!

Check out our website dcpofficial.com, IG, and Twitter @dcpofficial to learn more!

Feel free to follow me on IG @sky_kiss3d and Twitter @skykissed too! It’s just me sharing, my fav podcasts, my adventures, my husband, and a little of our two daughters we lovingly call CoCoBean.

Chat soon!

Adell C