March is coming to a close and it’s been productive with writing, recording and other projects. I hope it’s been a good month for you – and if not..be encouraged not discouraged because every day presents a new opportunity to achieve a new goal or to implement a new plan, whatever that may mean to you and your life. It could be budgeting, moving to a new job, eating healthier, losing weight…it’s whatever it is for you. Some days can be blue – full of doubt and disappointment – the next can be filled with hope and enthusiasm. Push yourself. That’s what I do. I don’t always hit my marks, but you can trust and believe I’m always keeping it pushing – doing, trying, getting back up..and as my Mom would say “Change the tape you play in your head.” It’s great advice and so it’s in my heart to put that out there again today as I write this blog. Keep your head up – the beat don’t stop…just keep it moving on and on and on..and..
I’m included in the cast of the new concept show FULL OUT. Created by Rosero’s (of SRL) son Eric McCoy, we can’t say too much about it but we did shoot the pilot for it this weekend. I have a soft spot for kids and this is a lot of fun, terrific concept. They all also adore me..passed along from their parents and also getting to know me and so that makes me feel uplifted as well. Like ripples on a pond. Some have worked with me previously as a part of our universal all age dance squad, and so we are all looking forward to more.
Wrapping table read for Full Out.
Doing a scene with Tahani Anderson, she’s so talented! Full Out. Stay Tuned! I passed up on an acting career many moons ago..it’s never too late!
Watch it Now! More than a concert, it’s an experience of hits, new music, dance, style and social fellowship rooted in positivity, diversity with a passion for living and life.
PRE-ORDER, at Jody Watley Boutique – these will sell out. NEW. Add this to your Jody Watley Collection. This is a limited quantity pressing of Jody Watley “Sanctuary.” The beautifully packaged Digi-pak arrives in time for spring fold out CD Single features:
Written by Jody Watley, Jody Watley Music BMI and Rodney Lee, Dream Planet Music BMI
Original Produced by Jody Watley and Rodney Lee for Innocent Bystander Productions
Sanctuary Original Mix: Bass and Guitar: Andre Cymone, All Other Programming and Keys, Rodney Lee
Sanctuary Original version Mastered by Steve Hall for Future Disc Systems
Sanctuary Raregrooves Soulpersona Mixes: Produced, Arranged, All Instruments and Programming
by Soulpersona Recorded at Soulpersona’s Place, Brighton U.K.
Sleeve Design: Ray Easmon
Photography: Albert Sanchez
“Create an Environment of Love”
Avitone Recordings, 2017
Domestic Release Pricing included USPS Priority Shipping with Delivery Confirmation.
International orders will require and additional 20.00 in shipping fees for standard first class mail.
Will officially go on sale April 10 with digital release – and ship April 20, 2017.
Jody Watley “Sanctuary” written by Jody Watley and Rodney Lee. Cover and Graphic Design: Ray Easmon. Photography: Albert Sanchez
Dream. Believe. Do. Repeat..and don’t over think. Make it happen for yourself in life – live it! Create your environment of love.
The fabulous Ray Easmon from the United Kingdom was inspired by the blooms of Cherry Blossoms while he’s been in Asia. I mentioned it would be nice to add an infusion of color to the art and when he sent the updated ideas, this one won me over right away. It’s so beautiful, we may do a limited quantity of 7″ vinyl for collectors..stay tuned. As well, as soon as the Pre-order link is viewable in iTunes / Apple Music. it will be posted as well.
“Sanctuary” EP is now scheduled for an April 10 release and will include the original single version which has live bass and guitar as well the extended SoulPersona Raregrooves 12″ Remix and the accompanying instrumental.
The release is even more timely with all of the chaos and stress as a result of election results especially in America. The song serves as a reminder when life feels out of balance, overwhelming, one of the things we can control is our home environments.
We don’t want to be the Black Eyed Peas, BEP though we wouldn’t mind their success as a contemporary trio making eclectic fun music with style!
MUSIC is elixir for the soul, wings to imagination, hope when feeling despair, joy when you want to dance, melody when you need a good cry, a soundtrack for love, romance, celebration, revolution, self empowerment – and motivation when it’s time to kick into grind mode.
As most of you know, my music is always linked with fashion and style. It’s still it’s a blessing to continue to inspire other new talent.
As a note, my entrance into fashion magazines and subsequent layouts born from the style impact of my music video’s and album covers. My debut appearance in Harper’s Bazaar, solo debut 87. Jody Watley 30. My “Real Love” video..I just wanted to be on the runway – thank you David Fincher for making the vision come to life! This video remains one of MTV’s Most Nominated.
Working the runway – 2006 LA Fashion Week with designer Kevan Hall
LA Fashion Week 2006
in 2014 French shoe designer Jerome Rousseau featured a Jody Watley tribute shoe (bootie) in his collection.
Jerome C. Rousseau Billboard Magazine Feature. August 13, 2014 Issue
I’ve had a top named after me on HSN, Christos Garkinos collection.
Jody Watley in “Jody” top Eureka by Christos Garkinos – Photography: John Tyler Curtis
Designer Malan Breton, who is not only talented but a total sweetheart, and I consider him a friend. We’ve been exchanging messages through the years via social media. Inspirational messages of encouragement – we can never have enough. Malan is now known for his international elegant couture designs once cited me as an influence and made a custom design for me during his Project Runway era – I’m so proud of his continued evolution . Read the archived Project Runway Blog : Here
His A/W 2017 collection was exquisite opening night of LA Fashion week. I’m happy to finally be able to catch one of his shows always to rave reviews in NYC and Paris.
Malan Breton and I in 2006.
Arriving to see Malan Breton A/W Collections 2017.
Last night I sat in awe as new designer Richard Hallmarq (we met many years ago as he reminded me a chance encounter where we talked and as well with some youth he was with at the time). Richard showed his collection at LA Fashion week with a collection inspired by Jody Watley with a remix soundtrack featuring a few of my runway ready classics. It was awesome to be in town to see this.
New Designer Richard Hallmarq and Jody Watley. Pacific Design Center LA Fashion Week 2017.
Backstage, LA Fashion Week 2017 Pacific Design Center with Richard Hallmarq and some of this glam team and models.
It’s in The Music! Living life full of gratitude; my inspiration continues to come from living, life, young people or anyone pursuing their dreams, making things happen in life in their own way – no matter the obstacles. To those I’ve touched, they continue to inspire me in return.
You never who know who you can inspire, we all possess the power to do that in one capacity or another. Never forget that.