Music is more than entertainment—it’s the soul of a community. On Queue Points, DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray sit down for a one-on-one with Trey Payadue, a New Orleans native and day one Queue Points supporter. Raised on the West Bank, Trey’s childhood echoes with the sounds of gospel, R&B, jazz, and Bounce, all steeped in the city’s legendary Black culture.
“Music is powerful…and especially in the diaspora, it’s one of those things that connects us.” - Trey Payadue
Throughout the episode, Trey shares how growing up in Marrero and the Black Catholic Church fueled an “infectious passion for music.” He reflects, “On any random night, you can go somewhere in New Orleans and you’re gonna find at least five bands playing…all playing different music, different things.” From Mardi Gras to the Essence Fest, those local events have shaped his identity and support for Black musicians.
Central to the conversation is Bounce music—New Orleans’ original take on hip hop. Trey explains, “Bounce culture started here in New Orleans…then you had a period in the 2010s where Black artists nationwide were drawing from that sound.” Respect for the city’s musical traditions is a recurring theme, especially as Trey talks about “interlopers” and the challenges of preserving authentic culture in the face of outside influence.
As the episode unfolds, Trey opens up about the artists who shaped him—Janet Jackson’s “Velvet Rope” album marks a milestone in his own journey. He also drops knowledge about rising Louisiana stars like Tank and the Bangas, Lucky Day, and Jelly Joseph, urging listeners to dig deeper than the mainstream.
At its core, this episode is a celebration of connection, musical legacy, and the communal spirit of New Orleans. Trey say it best: “Music is powerful…and especially in the diaspora, it’s one of those things that connects us.”
