Jody Watley. Photography: Albert Sanchez
I will be making it to the San Diego area July 21 at the Sycuan Casino. The show will of course also feature SRL.
Tickets go on sale June 2!! Get yours early. Here
I trust that amidst the various chaos and tragedies occurring somewhere in the world each day – you are reminding yourselves to control what you can and not stress over what is out of reach. Keep your patience, compassion and kindness always within your heart and remember to cherish and enjoy each day no matter the obstacles that you may face on any given day. It may be a simplistic outlook, however I don’t know know any other way to live or to encourage others. Laugh a lot, love hard including yourself..as well as my ‘Sanctuary’ reminds – “..fill these walls with happy times and fill these rooms with peace of mind..” and always good vibes into the universe. We should all work to be the change we seek in the most positive ways.
To bring you up to date on activities the past week:
I was honored at Long Beach Pride on May 21, 2017 by Senator Ricardo Lara with a California State Resolution. The LGBTQ community has always been a friend to me and my music throughout my career and I’ve always worked to reciprocate the love and support – before it was accepted in the mainstream.
Jody Watley and State Senator Ricardo Lara of Long Beach.
Jody Watley Honored with California State Resolution.
Jody Watley headliner Long Beach Pride 2017.
SRL joined me to perform some of our new music and a rousing version of one of the Shalamar classics I originated “A Night to Remember.” I can still sing it in the same key as back in the day – Nate and Rosero give it a fresh energy.
“Real Love” finale – fashion walk and pose..even the sign language interpreter (with headphones on) got in on it with me, SRL and the dance squad.
Chicago.
Early Morning TV Show on WCIU – You and Me.
Jody Watley with John “Havic” Gregory and Rosero McCoy. After performing “Sanctuary” I was joined by Havic and Rosero for a taste of “Still a Thrill” – in a nod to the anniversary of my monumental ’87 solo debut.
Ready to take the stage to a packed house in Chicago at The Promontory.
Chicago. Otis Richardson presents SRL with art inspired by our O.R.I.G.IN.A.L video.
Jody Watley Pop Up Shop. Bob Zebra Marketing.
Then we were off to Niagra Falls.
Beautiful venue.
Real Love. Music, Style and Attitude, joined by SRL. Jody Watley -Custom Lace Tuxedo by designer Kevan Hall Photography; Dean Voon
New York. Times Square. BB Kings.
It was capacity, standing room only – full of good vibes.
Jody Watley ft. SRL in full effect – building bridges everywhere we go – fabulous shows, music, great social communities getting together, one of the best concert experiences out.
Nothing like a Jody Watley, SRL concert experience and party. BB Kings Times Square, 2017
Leaving the stage and realizing Rupaul was in the house was an awesome surprise.
Jody Watley and Jesse Camp in the house mutual admiration going back to MTV days!
Fox 5 Good Day New York Fox 5 Green Room with the some the legendary ‘The Rockettes”
Good Day New York. Fox 5’s Antoine Lewis. We had a blast singing and dancing.
Talking music, business, career, SRL and more. Thanks again Good Day New York.
Another highlight of this week was spending time and getting to see my son Arie in NYC and going to our favorite pizza spot. Never get so busy making a living – that you don’t also live a life.
Pizza at our favorite spot with my son – it’s a tradition now.
Up next: Detroit June 4, 2017 Detroit Grand Prix
Out Now!!
Nate Allen Smith. Jody Watley. Rosero McCoy. SRL. Logo Design: Ray Easmon
Nate, Rosero and I have spent the past few months continuing to work on our forthcoming “Bridges” full length. It’s quite eclectic with each of our own personalities reflected and the creative bond we also share as a group. As Rosero says, it’s for millennials, club kids, people who like to kick back, people who like some introspection..all of it – truly bridging the gaps bringing it all together for this era and into the future. Rosero is the nightlife club person and he always has the pulse of the dancefloor from what he calls more hard ‘street’ beats to house, Nate is totally a combination of romance, feel good soul music mixed with nu electronic soul..I’m always of course very diverse in my musical directions – so it’s cool to also step back and be open to their ideas and vice versa. Follow our social media group pages, to see live posts, and behind the scenes videos; Instagram/officialsrl Instagram/nateallensmith Instagram/tophatro
Facebook.com/SRLOfficial and the new page with our updated name SRL. Facebook.com/OfficialSRL
SRL will be joining me on upcoming concert dates starting up again on Sunday closing out Long Beach Pride for an expected audience of 10,000. It’s all about love – a passion for living, a passion for life.
We’ve updated our logo, to a more 3D multi-dimensional look that is also chic and contemporary – which reflects who we are as a group. We’ve been changing things up since we got together in 2015..that’s what it’s all about, never settle, always looking at things and keeping the perspective fresh and evolving. The same principles I’ve applied to my solo career.
Bridges.
One the great things about this era is when you want to watch a video, you don’t have to wait for it to appear on a network, or if you want to hear a song, you can just stream it (Spotify, Aple Music, etc) or even better download it from one of the online outlets (iTunes, Amazon) – though streaming is outpacing paid downloads as the way fans get music. Times change and I continue to change too! The music is there within reach all the time.
Sanctuary, quality soul music with meaning…the kind people who don’t really support new music to begin with say is not being made – it’s here, just like I am!
These were the limited edition candles we did last year.
SANCTUARY Candle. Logo and Design Ray Easmon and Jody Watley.
The most dedicated of my fans have known about “Sanctuary” since the Paradise release..there are many more still discovering the single with the assistance of the new video. Keep spreading the word. I often come across comments where people lament the lack of quality music today..it’s here, you may have to look harder, it may not be dominating commercial airwaves however – because of many artists who do write, record and release good music, I say support it. Actions speak louder than words!
See what Poptastic Confessions has to say: Sanctuary
Jody Watley Shares A Rare Look At Her Family Life: Soulbounce
Upcoming concerts:
May 21 – Long Beach Pride
May 25 — The Promontory Chicago
May 26 Seneca Resort and Casino Niagara Falls Bears Den
May 27 BB Kings NYC
June 4, 2017 Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Chevrolet
June 23 Danversport Yacht Club, Danvers MA
July 8, 2017 Alameda County Fair
July 21 TBA
July 22 The Greek Theatre Los Angeles
August 5 TBA
August 12 TBA
August 26, The Fox Theatre Atlanta (Special Guest with Peabo Bryson and Stephanie Mills)
November 11-18 – 80’s In The Sand – Breathless Resort and Spa Punta Cana Dominican Republic
Inspired by my children, life and peace of mind in a crazy world – and hopefully a reminder to cherish the home environments we create and what we take into the world as well as those around us. These are snapshots small glimpses into my life away from music. When my son was born, I did stop traveling as much and really chose to stay vibrant creatively with various projects, and selective dates and of course probably sacrificing what others may feel as a need to always be in the spotlight. That’s never been my driving force. Looking back, and now that both my daughter Lauren and my son Arie are young adults – I don’t regret at all being present in their lives, being carpool Mom, sports Mom, etc. Time is always moving and you can’t get it back so choose wisely. I’m happy of the choices I’ve made placing my priorities on being there. It’s a blessing to be a songwriter and to have the luxury to make that choice..not all artists or parents do. We’re all doing the best we can..however in pursuing career, job and work goals never forget to create a life – an atmosphere of love, joy, fun, laughter and so forth. Those moments carry you through the more challenging times.
Visuals by Ray Easmon. Part 2 will arrive soon, with more of a performance vibe..this song is very special to me and I feel very important at this time in the world. We can’t control the politicians, and uncertainty that looms..however we can control how we live day to day in our own lives and we energy we give off to those around us.
“Sanctuary” EP available now at all digital outlets such as iTunes. To those who complain that good music isn’t being made anymore – I disagree. It may not make headlines, fuel the gossip blogs or top the charts – but it is here and I’m proud to continue to write and record it. It’s in the music!
