I hope everyone had a great week – a mixture of work and rejuvenation, ready to begin anew each day.
It was a nice time for me, with my son Arie being home for a week. Though his schedule was very busy to see his friends, father and his family we definitely spent quality time before he headed back to NYC to prepare for his fall semester and back to work. We went to our favorite family restaurant with my Mom joining us – and shared a favorite dessert creme brulee’. My daughter Lauren, and son Arie remain the lights and loves of my life! Make sure to make a life and not just a living..that’s how I’ve felt since they were born balancing motherhood and continuing to pursue my own goals and dreams. Now that they’re young adults now, it still gets me a bit melancholy (I loved raising them and all of those priceless moments that come with little ones) – that said I’m so proud that they turned into such grounded wonderful people. That is any parents wish – health, and happiness and with the will to pursue their goals and dreams. We empower each other.
Shalamar Reloaded dropped a new teaser featuring Rosero McCoy for ‘In The Mood’ from our forthcoming new album. Keep up with us on Facebook.com/ShalamarReloaded Instagram/ShalamarReloaded and Twitter
Shalamar Reloaded also made another positive step forward getting support from WSDI, The People’s Hour Syndicated Show which airs in over 72 countries.
I was reminded by a few people on Instagram that August 8 was the 10 year anniversary of my groovy electronic ‘The Makeover’ collection. It was a very forward thinking project from a business perspective as well. From my Facebook page:
The window August 8, 2016 Virgin Mega-Store Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA. There were displays like this at all of their stores around the country..something that never happened even when I was at my most commercial phase.
#TBT. August 8-15 2006. I’ve always been about making moves my own way as an artist, writer and business woman. — Shifting Paradigms. 2006. On Watley’s unique collection “The Makeover” Avitone partnered with music retailer Virgin Megastore, high-end cosmetics company shu uemura and local beauty salons for an exclusive release with special in-store listening booths, prime window display, in-store appearances, fan make-overs, live performances and autograph signing. The partnership was an early successful strategic partnership signaling the continued changing landscape for artists releasing music independently. The Makeover release debuted at #1 for the chain where it remained for 5 weeks without a radio single. Upon release at iTunes, “The Makeover” debuted at #3 Top Electronic Albums and subsequently produced 3 Top 5 Billboard Dance Hits (Borderline #2, A Beautiful Life #5, I Want Your Love #1). The Jody Watley makeover of the CHIC classic “I Want Your Love” also went to #1 Commercial Pop in the U.K. according to Music Week, giving Watley her first UK #1 in 20 years.
Eternal thank you’s and gratitude to the fans in the bay who first gave me the inspiration to make it a record after a concept show I did of songs I like and told stories about the significance..the songwriters for the permission to reimagine these classics with my spin on it — thank you Rodney Lee, my main collaborator and co-producer on this, DJ Spinna Danny Krivit Max Sanna, Aris Kokou from Greece (the wonders of Myspace music connections back then!) and 4Hero (Dego and Marc) and a host of remixers on the 12″ tip thank you Bill Coleman Peace Bisquit for coordinating the remixes that followed, thank you Mike Ruiz photography, Billy B Makeup, Christos Garkinos who connected me with Virgin Mega to make it all happen, Van Roy who supported this project in so many ways to help it all come to fruition, Gerry Etcheverry for connecting me to Shu Uemura — so would could serve glamour with fabulous lash and beauty makeovers, to Wallace Butts at Avid / Avitone, to Doug Blasdell (R.I.P.) ‘Workout’ Bravo and a dear friend he believed in me so much, Ali Mon Atelier and all of my diverse hardcore music journeymen and women like me who just like quality music and the connection we share. #itsinthemusic #JodyWatley#themakeover
I’m not sure if any female artist has ever achieved this..as an independent with her own label..veteran artist, no machine or major label support. 2006. I began Avitone in 1995 and have been able to do a lot of specialized releases, license deals and partnerships and still doing so today. So – though fans don’t hear a lot about me in the media because in over a decade the focus shifted to gossip based stories – who’s dating and marrying who..who’s in trouble..etc. Jody Watley is always handling business.
#1 Best Seller. Jody Watley, Virgin Mega-Store NYC Union Square.
The Makeover had a makeover for the UK in 2008 after being picked up for license via Avitone. Artwork and Design by Ray Easmon.
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To the now in my week in review, I went to get fitted for another custom hat for my upcoming Hawaii trip of shows with Gladys Tamez at her new studio.
Looking forward to our Blue Note Hawaii residency for 4 days! Jody Watley and Shalamar Reloaded. All sorts of hotness going down!
This was a top quote from my social media..like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram/JodyWatley – check me out on those too. It’s very important to inspire others and to share these reminders.
A colorful selfie! #JodyWatley
Congratulations to all of the athletes including Simone Biles, Simone Manuel, Monica Puig to name a few for making history over in Rio and of course Michael Phelps!! Well done to them all who were dedicated and worked hard enough to make it to the Olympics – and especially those that succeed despite the odds and obstacles they may face!
