JODY WATLEY

Jody Watley, Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Businesswoman, is one of the architects of 21st century pop. From her groundbreaking marriage of rap & R&B (1987’s “Friends,” a collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim) to her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion and music in the ‘80s (long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre, Jody Watley forged the template that is now everybody’s playbook.

How did you choose the songs you write?

I generally have a concept or topic I’d like to express.

How has this pandemic affected you?

I’ve had to face reality concerts that may not return in a longtime, so I’ve started to take this as if I’ve been forced into early retirement causing me to revise my business outlook and plans. It’s also made me want to inspire others to not give up and make the best of now moving forward despite how challenging it is. Bills don’t stop - so we can’t.

Tell us about doing advocacy work for musicians and artists impacted by the pandemic?

As a member of the Recording Academy I’ve been a part of being a District Advocate working with local politicians with a presence in Congress and the Senate on initiatives that are beneficial to our industry - the vast majority are self employed. It’s an ongoing process of outreach and trying to get bills passed to help.

Tell us about the Jody Watley Boutique?

I’ve had an online boutique for nearly two decades offering music related limited edition items. The pandemic has finally given me time to start to expand into other areas such as home and wellness. What’s it like knowing that you coined the pop culture phrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-By? It’s awesome to not just have signature hits but to be a part of pop culture like that...npt every artist can say that. You created your own label which is pretty impressive.

What led you to start your own company?

I was inspired by Prince when he left Warner Brother’s in the 90’s...my contract had expired with MCA, they’d been sold to a beverage company at the time. I even went to the same distributor Bellmark (owned by music legend Al Bell, Stax) as Prince that he’d used for his initial indie offering ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World.’ My initial offering was the R&B, Jazz, Funk conceived ‘Affection.’

Tell us about Avitone Recording, how did you come up with the name? And what’s the meaning behind it?

Going independent seemed the wise choice because the industry was changing with the majors being less compilations, exclusive brand partnerships. It’s fairly common now in 2020 ..it wasn’t back then in the mid 90’s. about artistry and growth - more about stock holders bottom line.. so, that was the birth of Avitone. My entertainment company is Avid Music Inc..and as an extension I came up with Avitone -- I kept thinking about fuel and energy. This thought process led to ‘Avitone Recordings’ with a mantra of ‘Fueling Quality Of Music’ - I’ve been doing that since 1995, ownership with global licensing deals ranging from exclusive releases. video games, compilations, exclusive brand partnerships. It’s fairly common now in 2020.. it wasn’t back then in the mid 90’s.

Is there a difference for women today in the music business vs. when you started?

Oh gosh yes. You couldn’t even be pregnant publicly then.

Did you have music in your house as a kid?

Yes, music has always been a staple, from Jazz to Motown, Pop Music,Folk, Funk, all of it.

I understand you went to school for dance and started out as an actress. Can you tell us about the moment you realized that you wanted to do music?

I actually never went to school for dance. I went to regular public school. As a child I had many dreams - to be an entertainer, design clothes, be a writer, have my own business.. I get to do all those things.

What are your plans for the future?

I still have so many things I’d love to achieve including a memoir, biopic, coffee table book of some of my iconic images.. expanding my new home line and beyond! I always encourage people to add to new goals and dreams - never stop!

Briefly talk about the late Don Cornelius, creator of “Soul Train,” and what he meant to your career?

Mr. Cornelius created such an iconic show and it’s such an honor to have been a part of the series as a teen, chosen by him to be in Shalamar and always given a platform on the show as a solo artist one of few he devoted an hour to on the show, so it’s eternal gratitude to him.

From your own catalog of work, do you have a favorite album or favorite video(s)?

I love and am proud of all my work.. it’s gotten better over time though, the masses tend to still connect with my early solo work when they were in high school or college - it hits differently. That’s often disappointing in a way, because people get stuck and closed off.. missing a continued evolution of an artist, songwriter, producer... but it happens to all artists, especially if you’re fortunate enough to tap into the pop culture zeitgeist.

You’ve got your family, Grammys, hit-selling singles and albums, a new record, you’ve got your new single “The Healing” and are respected around the world. What’s left to accomplish?

Quite a few things, more to come!

You spent many years in the major label system, so what’s been the benefit of working independently?

I’ve always been able to be authentic.. MCA allowed me to do that, going indie is more of that.. it’s just that it’s all investing in myself.. out of pocket, no machine, less commercial radio which is geared to younger artists and hip hop.

Who are a few of the current artists that you are into now?

I love Kaytranada, would love to work with him.. lend backing vocals.. whatever. I’ve done a lot of collaborations - especially by some of my fav contemporary artists, like Dam Funk and The APX. Mega commercially - I love Rihanna. She’s a badass and a fashion icon like me.. she’s been able to take it to higher heights.

What do you think of someone like Rihanna whose music and style is somewhat reminiscent of yours? And do you think she is aware of you?

Love love love, Rihanna! I feel like she is me and some of my fans have sent photo sessions imaging that she’s done that appear to be ‘inspired by’. She may not even be aware, but the influence is there, I know I’m studied for reference by quite a few artists and their teams back in the day and today. the public and industry evoled into the times and was ready for in the times.. edgy, fashion forward, every changing, outspoken, couture / street fashion.. and evolved into a mega business entity. Back in the day I was trying to expand into fashion, beauty etc because so many were being influenced by me... it fell upon deaf ears,meetings would fall flat. I love what she’s doing.

What are your thoughts on the current rapping phenomenon? And how does your music fit into that musical landscape?

My ‘Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim’ was the first Rap Song Collaboration to Crossover Top 10 on Multiple Charts - The First. We helped change the game, my vision helped shape the template in 21st Century Pop Music.. I’m a part of every artist’s playback, whether given credit for the shift or not.

Can you share about your new release, ‘The Healing’? The song is very timely, especially in our current climate, what led you to write it?

I was working on my ‘Spring’ EP, a follow up to ‘Winter Nights’, which came out in Feb 2020. My plan was to do a seasonal series of EP’s ‘ Winter’, ‘Spring’, ‘Summer’, Fall’ - the pandemic changed my plans of course. ‘The Healing’ is about living in the now, learning the lessons of life, personal growth and self-renewal. The song was for the ‘Spring’ EP, but once the pandemic hit and shutdown I thought this song is so timely for now. I hesitated initially for my label which I’ve had since 1995 to release it.. and then it was like - people need to hear this, even the opening line ‘I don’t know who needs to hear this..’ something often said on social media.. it’s spoken word (my third in that format) which makes it even more poignant and jarring. It’s a dance groove with an inspirational message often lacking in contemporary music.

Cover Photo: Albert Sanchez, MUA: @billybmakeup, Channel Coat: @covetbychristo