Rising Stars: Meet Jordan “Jay” Waddell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan “Jay” Waddell

Hi Jordan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For sure! I’m originally from Raleigh, North Carolina and I fell in love with Hip Hop at a young age. I started making beats in high school, and once I got to college things really took off. I met tons of people from across the US, and it gave me the foundation that I needed to be successful. At that time Florida was becoming the new “go-to” in the music industry, and instead of chasing my dreams as an intern at a label in New York, I ended up moving to Florida after graduating from North Carolina A&T State University (the biggest HBCU in America. #AggiePride.) My original plan was to attend Full Sail in Orlando, Florida, but I quickly realized that with my music, and skills I didn’t need to go back to school to get in the Industry, and began to live in studios. I went on to launch an independent label Trackoholic Music Group, which was a full service entertainment company housing a record label, talent agency, and music production company. We composed and licensed music for film, television, video, advertising as well as the high-tech world of apps, games and online sites. While operating the label I had an opportunity to join the music technology world with AudioCommon, leading their music industry strategy as director of Artist & Label relations.

In 2018, I launched a new brand, VALOR, a boutique digital media agency that specializes in the development of creative brands in the realms of entertainment, sports & lifestyle. I have been fortunate to have worked with many labels, companies, and festivals over the past few years such as Warner Brothers, 300, ABC, BET, MTV, RevoltTV, A3C, SXSW and many more. I also manage DJ Five Venoms from Rolling Loud, Yung6ix & Cliff Savage.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, but I think that is what makes it all worthwhile. I’ve lost friends, been overlooked, lost in negotiations, you name it. Then comes this thing called COVID-19. I have found the beauty in the obstacles, and challenges that are thrown at me. So many times we think about what could have happened, or what should happen. The most important thing is making it happen. Whatever it is.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The industries that I am involved in don’t sleep, so it’s important to have someone on your team who can navigate the strenuous aspects of the global business. I’m known for operating 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and providing the results to match it. Whether it’s press outreach, dealing with curators at DSP’s, securing brand partnerships, I am on the line daily making it happen for my clients, and their brands. I am most proud of being able to watch my clients reach their goals, and change their lives.

What’s next?
The plan for the future is to continue to elevate the brands of our clients. The biggest change is going to be evolving with the sound, and direction of the business. Artificial Intelligence is becoming a real thing, and that will find its way into the entertainment industry. Cryptocurrency has the ability to change the world, and in-turn I am trying to find some unique ways to integrate this into my business & industry as it will break down borders, and barriers between fans and the artists they love.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@itsvalor.us
• Website: http://www.itsvalor.us
• Instagram: instagram.com/heirjordan & instagram.com/itsval0r
• Facebook: facebook.com/1valor
• Twitter: Twitter.com/Val0r