We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Maria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Great question Kevin. My thought process behind starting a Smooth Jazz Internet Radio station was a few reasons. If I had to pinpoint one – it would be my love for the genre – Smooth Jazz. Although I’m a music lover by nature “Smooth Jazz” has the ability to take the listener to another place. Meaning it creates an ambiance – a vibe that relaxes & entices while stimulating the passionate side of the listener. Another reason for creating the station was there very few women in the industry that are behind the mic that is operating the station and making pertinent decisions.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
On my station, SJCafe’ I have a segment where I personally introduce you to a Smooth Jazz Artist with an Up Front & Personal Conversation. Up Front & Personal is a segment of the SJCafe’ that features Smooth Jazz Artists that have persevered in the Music Game.

While the Music Industry has been known for its Pitfalls, Deceit, and Rejection, Up Front & Personal allows you into the lives of your favorite artists, through Intimate Conversations Angela has with them.

Up Front & Personal removes the shield and reveals the innermost thoughts of artists. This segment also discusses “Key” individuals within the artists’ lives that were pivotal to their success as well as detours that were taken to take them off, their path.

Although the ingredients of their success are discussed, layers are peeled back regarding where & who they rely on when their faith gets weak.

It’s very motivating as anyone can pull strength from it to apply it to their story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmmm…. Of course, I’m going to have an evening planned with Live music to cap off the evening! Our very 1st stop upon waking up would be to hit Spa Stinny in Grayson. They give the absolute best full-body massages within a relaxing & tranquil ambiance. We’d then hit Barney’s for breakfast – I haven’t been there yet as I’ve always wanted to try the 24Karet Gold Pancakes. Afterward, we may hit Phipps Plaza. We’ll return to my place and freshen up to cap the evening off at City Winery for some live music, food, and cocktails.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I am here on the shoulders of a few people. Mainly God as he birthed the talent and vision coupled with placing the following people in my path. As a child, I grew up on Wes Montgomery, Nancy Wilson, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn, and Gene “Jug” Ammons. My parents would play Jazz throughout our home. Although I listened to all genres of music throughout my childhood and teenage years – there was something about “Jazz” that captured my attention.

Blessed with given the opportunity to start my Radio Career with Satellite Music Network, one of the first satellite-delivered networks then owned by ABC with 24-hour Syndicated Stations having 32 affiliates. Program Director, Glenn Cosby hired me for “The Touch” which was an Urban formatted station. Glenn took me under his wing and taught me everything about the station; Production, operating a Massive Soundboard, reading a Rotation Clock, Opening/Closing the mic, etc. To start my Radio Career with an ABC-Owned/operated Network was an experience of a lifetime!

Returning to Chicago, I joined WJPC 106.3 FM – after receiving a call from Program Director, Al Greer to host overnights. WJPC was an Urban/Old School/Steppers formatted station. Under Al’s programming, the station was a major contender in Chicago Radio for Stepper’s Music. Al taught me the importance of song placement regarding programming music.

With much prayer, deliberation, and planning Angela relocated to Atlanta, GA after sending “Air Checks” to a couple of stations. Receiving offers from both stations, Angela joined “JazzBeatsRadio” to host the drive time slot. CEO, Darryl Davis educated me on the Operations of an Internet Radio Station. JazzBeatsRadio also provided the opportunity to have TOTAL control regarding, Producing, Programming, Scheduling, Selecting Artists’ for Interviews, and the overall concept of my show.

Website: https://sjcafe.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamariaonair/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/angela-maria-williams-78913842

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smoothjazzangelamaria

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.