Jody Watley. Blue Issey Miyake Plastic Body Mold. Performing on Soul Train 1988. I had red as well as black though I believe I had the red customized to black.
I originally wore the Issey Miyake plastic bodice on my U.K. solo single in 1984. The label didn’t believe in the project or my direction so things never got off the ground—until I returned to USA
In 1984 – London ironically not fitting their image and box of “R&B artist” the UK label wanted me to just be the girl from Shalamar and to do something similar .. I had other plans. “You have to have a vision and believe in it. It paid off for me ultimately” – Jody Watley
I was tagged in a post with the very fashion forward Zendaya rocking a Tom Ford plastic bodice this week. Gorgeous.
Finding a variety of ways to release my music remains important. When releasing “Paradise” EP in 2013 I discussed in many interviews that with short attention spans, albums not being the same experience with fans being able to pick and choose which songs to add to their own playlists EP’s would probably be the way to go.
In that spirit, I’ve decided to do a series of seasonal themed EP’s for my Avitone imprint starting with “Winter Nights” coming in February.
The EP will feature a new Jody Watley & SRL single, the ambient “Weigh On Me Pt 1” Alex Di Cio’ Remix along with two additional songs from my catalog, overlooked gems that we think deserve a fresh look getting the Di Cio’ Remix treatment perfect for cozy winter nights to warm you up. The vibe is intended to be a listen from start to finish in this concept running just 15:37.
“Winter Nights” will be beautifully book-ended with the title song instrumental. Short, sweet, soulful and sexy ambience.
Limited edition digi-paks for “Winter Nights” as well are in the works along with seasonal themed titles for Spring, Summer and Fall to follow, a new way to add new songs and remixes. Collect them all.
The tempos will increase and by the time we hit summer – it will be dance party time with some of my deep cut remixes, and more new Jody Watley solo material.
More details to come. Winter Nights, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Don’t let the world and life get you down. We can only change that within our reach so don’t oversaturate your mind with bad news. Live life and cherish each day. Wattage!
Up next January – February, back to the music.
January 24- Gulfport,MS :: Island View Casino Special Guest with Lisa Lisa and Taylor Dayne
January 31-Westbury, NY :: Theatre at Westbury Special Guest with Lisa Lisa and Taylor Dayne
February 1 – Atlantic City:: Tropicana Showroom Special Guest with Lisa Lisa and Taylor Dayne
February 8 – Washington, D.C. :: The Howard Theatre
January 24, 2020 :: Gulfport, MS Island View Casino: Tickets
January 31, 2020:: Westbury, NY, Theatre at Westbury :Tickets
February 1, 2020:: Atlantic City, NJ, Tropicana Showroom : Tickets
February 21, 2020:: Stockton, CA, Bob Hope Theatre : Tickets
March 27, 2020:: Lake Charles, MS – Golden Nugget : Tickets
Of course my music transcends many genres and eras 70’s (starting with Shalamar disco as a teen), 80’s, 90’s, 00’s 10’s and now into the 20’s – needless to say I also understand the significance of the commercial pop radio era and so many stations that continue to keep the music in heavy rotation.
Let’s party celebrate these great classic hits along with the fun pop culture and pop music of the 80’s.
One of the things I enjoy and haven’t done for a while is going to sweat relaxation. The funny thing is in general I don’t like being too hot but I was curious about this infrared sauna and heat therapy. Benefits include good for skin, weight loss, cardiovascular health, stress release, lowering blood pressure, boost metabolism.. improve sleep. The liver naturally detoxifies our bodies however, sweat does also detoxify the body and mind as well.
Infrared heat sweat therapy is very relaxing, once you get past feeling like a baked potato (if you’re doing the blanket technology method)! I don’t watch TV or anything when I go it’s all nature sounds and dim lights. There are infrared saunas and pods available now as well as various types of sweat spas. It’s not for everyone and maybe a long hot steam shower will do – the point in the moment is to unplug – breath in, breath out. Release and relax, rejuvenate.
Try something new this year, treat yourself to a massage from time to time – you owe it to yourself and your well being.
Full page ad Billboard Magazine, 1987 for my subsequent crossover smash debut hit – first Number 1 – AMA’s, Soul Train Awards, NAACP and Grammy nominated solo debut single “Looking For A New Love.”
The single was was of the biggest of the 1987 and the 80’s in general – a pop culture phenomenon, trendsetting style – as well with the catchphrase “Hasta La Vista Ba-by” later further popularized by Arnold Schwarznegger.
Written by Jody Watley and Andre Cymone. Produced by Andre Cymone and David Z. Photography: Victoria Pearson, Art Direction: Jody Watley & Lynn Robb. Styling: Jody Watley.
The single set the stage for one hell of a solo debut album ‘Jody Watley’ to follow. Despite my naysayers saying I’d regret leaving Shalamar, I’d fail, future in doubt as some of the black magazines wrote I succeeded then and continue to do so over 3 decades later and still on my own terms – most of all I’m happy, healthy, working and enjoying myself with my spirit and soul intact. It was never about being solo – it was to live life with joy, the greatest success. Having this all roll out this way was a gift from God and the universe – a bonus for looking after my own well being on my life’s journey. There’s so much more to say about this time, it will be in my memoir. Until then..
Thankful and full of gratitude a song of this magnitude is a part of my discography. As a note: “Looking For A New Love” also made a bit of history with the 2005 Remixes going to Number 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Charts, one of the first hits to become a hit again in an entirely different decade. Thanks so all the 80’s and Classics stations that keep it in rotation and shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pose and beyond for the exposure to a younger generation.
What I’ve said for decades now is I hope my career and being represents to others is believe in yourself and to never be afraid to remove yourself from any situation that on the outside might look good to others – but to you it’s everything but that. You will always have doubters – just never let it be you and always be the best version of yourself – keep growing and going no matter the obstacles, often the universe will align in one way or another.
Happy 33 Anniversary — ‘Looking For A New Love”!! Timeless jam and still a damn good break up and empowerment anthem.
