In 1995, when Jody Watley launched Avitone Recordings with the release of “Affection,”the move signaled more than creative freedom—it marked a long-term commitment to ownership, resilience, and quality in an industry that often prioritizes immediacy over legacy. Reflecting on thirty years ago, founding an independent record label was not the popular—or protected—choice it might appear to be today.
Since her iconic MCA years (1987–1994), Jody Watley has continued pushing past boundaries, navigating an ever-changing music landscape while remaining committed to the core principle that defines Avitone: Fueling Quality Music.
Independence Is Not a Shortcut
Being an independently released artist—especially one with an iconic legacy—comes with unique challenges. There is no major-label machine, no guaranteed playlist placement, no 24/7 publicity cycle. Instead, there is strategy, patience, and persistence. Every release must earn its moment on merit, consistency, and trust built over time.
As the industry evolved—from physical sales to digital downloads, streaming, and now algorithm-driven discovery—Jody Watley and Avitone evolved alongside it. Not by chasing trends, but by adapting thoughtfully while maintaining artistic integrity. That evolution has resulted in critically acclaimed releases, dance-floor chart toppers, UK Soul chart success, brand partnerships, and licensing deals that continue to expand the Jody Watley catalog across platforms and generations.
Navigating Culture, Algorithms, and Expectations
Today’s environment presents new complexities: gossip culture, controlled algorithms, and attention economies that often favor virality over substance. For artists with a long history, there is also the reality that a portion of the audience may only engage with earlier classics—while overlooking the breadth and depth of new work.
Yet growth doesn’t always happen at scale. Sometimes it happens in niche pockets, where listeners actively choose quality, intention, and artistry. Those pockets matter. They sustain momentum. They build community. And over time, they compound.
A powerful example of this ongoing growth is the 100,000-subscriber milestone and Silver Creator Award on YouTube—an achievement that is far from automatic for an iconic “legacy” artist. In fact, it’s one of the hardest spaces to grow authentically without sensationalism or algorithm gaming. Reaching that milestone signals something meaningful: continued relevance, curiosity from new audiences, and a willingness to meet fans where they are—without compromising identity.
Thirty Years, Still Moving Forward
Avitone’s journey includes three #1 Dance / Electronic Albums—Midnight Lounge(2003), The Makeover(2008), and Let’s Dance Vol.1 – Hit Them Beats(2025)—with the latter reaching #1 on iTunes Top Dance Albums and Amazon Music UK Hot Dance / Electronic. These Jody Watley moments are not outliers; they are the result of sustained effort, creative belief, and long-view thinking.
Thirty years in, Avitone is not about nostalgia—it’s about continuity. About proving that independence can be durable, that quality still resonates, and that evolution doesn’t require erasure of the past.
The journey continues with gratitude for every listener, supporter, and partner who understands that real independence is built over time—and that quality music always finds its audience.
About the Artist:
Jody Watley is a GRAMMY award winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer recognized as a style icon. Winner of Best New Artist in 1988, only the third black artist in recording academy history at the time. Jody Watley is listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time and Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time.
The recipient of Crossover Music Icon from Black Music Honors 2017, Inductee in Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard Dance Music Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (Joe Biden), various proclamations for her contributions in women’s & artist and LGBTQ rights, with an ongoing diverse music discography spanning decades in Disco /R&B / Pop / Dance /House Music / Spoken Word/ Dance Electronic – 80s, 90s, 2000s-Present
As a solo artist, for over four decades; the Pop and R&B singer-songwriter -producer has 6 Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten Singles (Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Friends ft. Eric B & Rakim and more), her video for the now classic hit “Real Love” remains one of the most nominated MTV VMA’s of all time, 13 Number 1 Dance Singles, 2 R&B Number 1’s, 15 Top 40 Singles, Gold and multi-platinum albums in the USA alone as a solo artist.
Watley’s eventual fusion of jazz, and deep house music made her a long time staple in underground club culture. The ease with which she crosses genres opened the doors for greater acceptance of black women thinking outside the box in music and fashion is notable.
The versatile songstress and Chicago native was recognized by People Magazine in their 50 Most Beautiful People Issue, and appeared in breakthrough ad campaigns for GAP, Saks 5th Avenue and LA Eyeworks of many ongoing milestones in her solo career.
Learn More: Jody Watley Bio
