Tag Archives: Avitone Recordings

Jody Watley’s The Makeover: An Innovative Album Release Journey

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Album cover for Jody Watley's 2006 release 'The Makeover,' featuring a stylized image of Watley with text stating '#1 iTunes Top Dance/Electronic Albums 2006.'

On this day in 2006, Grammy-winning artist Jody Watley released her 8th full-length album, The Makeover — a bold and forward-thinking project that fused timeless style with modern electronic dance grooves. This aligned with the concept rooted in reminding people to not get so caught up in celebrity culture which was becoming ‘a thing’ with the onset of social media at the time. In addition she spoke on superficial beauty standards, inspired ironically by a layout she’d seen in a VOGUE Italia cover story called “Makeover Madness”. Jody Watley says in the liner notes to be your own personal superstar.

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Shifting Paradigms in Music Releases

Long before independent releases and creative brand partnerships became standard practice, Watley redefined the album rollout experience. For The Makeover, her Avitone label partnered with Virgin Megastore, high-end cosmetics brand Shu Uemura, and select beauty salons for an exclusive direct-to-retail launch. Fans were treated to live performances, meet-and-greets, autographs, and even full beauty makeovers — turning the album release into a glamorous, multi-sensory event.

“Cannily cross-marketed with her appearance on Bravo’s “Workout” .. finds space in the material for layers of fresh meaning.- Time Out NY

“new paradigms..damned if the album didn’t debut as the chain’s best selling release..” Hits Daily Double 

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Chart-Topping Success Without Radio

Screenshot of the Virgin Megastore top ten album sales chart from August 15, 2006, featuring Jody Watley's album 'The Makeover' at number one.

The results were undeniable. The Makeover debuted at #1 on Virgin Megastore’s chain-wide sales chart, holding the position for five consecutive weeks — without the push of a radio single. On iTunes, it entered at #3 on the Top Electronic Albums chart, rising to #1. Eventually spawning three Top 5 Billboard Dance hits:

• #1 – “I Want Your Love” (also #1 UK Commercial Pop, giving Watley her first UK #1 in 20 years 🇬🇧)

• #2 – “Borderline”

• #5 – “A Beautiful Life”

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Reimagining the Familiar, Creating the New

The Makeover masterfully blended fresh originals with inventive reworkings of pop classics. Watley’s interpretations of “Borderline,” “Love Hangover,” “Waiting in Vain,” and CHIC’s “I Want Your Love” sat seamlessly alongside originals like “Bed of Roses,” co-written with acclaimed UK collective 4Hero.

Production credits included Watley herself alongside Rodney Lee, with contributions from King Britt, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent, 4Hero, and Mark de Clive-Lowe — a roster that underscored the album’s genre-crossing sophistication.

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Legacy & Influence

As the follow-up to 2003’s Midnight Lounge, The Makeover solidified Watley’s reputation for innovation in both music and marketing. Its success foreshadowed the now-common trend of artists creating immersive, lifestyle-driven release campaigns. Nearly two decades later, The Makeover still feels fresh — proof that style and substance never go out of fashion.

Jody Watley holding her album 'The Makeover' at a promotional event in front of a Virgin Megastore backdrop.

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Listen to The Makeover: Streaming at digital platform of your choice.

Follow Jody Watley on her official social media pages.

#TheMakeover #JodyWatley #Avitone30 #DanceMusic #Electronica #IndieArtistPower #JodyWatleyDiscography

Jody Watley Gives Us An Exclusive Making of ‘Dancer’

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A large group of dancers poses together in a studio with a brick wall backdrop, showcasing a diverse range of styles and expressions.

In continued celebration of 3 decades of Jody Watley independent label Avitone Recordings, she takes on an exclusive behind the scenes look for the making of the official video for the single DANCER, originally from her critically acclaimed glamorous soulful ride of “PARADISE”. The song is about self confidence no matter what you do in life onstage or off. It’s about the freedom of letting go.

A joyful woman laughing while participating in a dance rehearsal, surrounded by children and dancers in a studio setting.

Written by Jody Watley and Federico Costantini (Italy), DANCER is more than a club track — it’s a declaration of self-belief.

Hit Them Beats – Lose Yourself – Get IN the Music!

Watch the Newly Released Behind The Scenes Making of Exclusively on The Official Jody Watley YouTube Channel: Here

Stream the music at the digital music outlet of your choice for Jody Watley Music.

Jody Watley – PARADISE EP (2014) | A Legacy of Sound

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Jody Watley posing with hands near her face, wearing a stylish black patterned outfit, with curly hair and the word 'PARADISE' prominently displayed in the foreground.

On July 28, 2014 Jody Watley released her “PARADISE” EP – a cohesive blend of nu‑disco, house, soul & jazz, following acclaimed albums “Midnight Lounge” & “The Makeover” from her Avitone Recordings. 

The EP features productions of Jody Watley with an international cast Count de Money/Bill Coleman for Peace Bisquit; Mark De Clive Lowe, Soulpersona and Luminodisco; plus live strings by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

“NIGHTLIFE” – the lead single and video – became Jody Watley’s 19th Billboard Solo Dance Top 20 hit (#18) and charted in the UK (#5 Urban / #6 Commercial Pop).

Tracklist:

Nightlife • Dancer • The Dawn • Tonight’s The Night (MdCL Remix) • Paradise • Sanctuary (Soulpersona Remix)

Photography: Albert Sanchez

Art Direction & Design: | Graphics & Logo Design Ray Easmon | Video Visuals Ray Easmon 

A milestone in Jody’s evolution as an artist, writer & producer, as well as for her Avitone Recordings.

“Watley’s R&B has always been progressive and the arc of Paradise is no different from Watley’s past endeavors―somewhat. This time, Watley exchanges the electronically charged rhythm and blues from her last three records with a classic / contemporary fusion of disco. 

Understand, this isn’t your little brother’s hipster disco, nor is it just a retroactive 70s redux. “PARADISE” melds elements of the aforementioned disco genre from today and yesterday. “ Quentin Harrison, Albumism 

Inspiration for Paradise? “It’s basically a party record created and inspired in classic soul dance records in many ways..a celebration of feel good music, with lyrics that make you feel like getting out, or turning up the volume in your car. Paradise is about living life and creating special moments today with music as the motivator, the backdrop. I’m very much about that – to remind people of that. “ – Jody Watley, Interview Excerpt 2014

Limited Edition CD Digipak + NIGHTLIFE vinyl were also released.

Revisit the vibes. Listen now & rediscover the journey.

“PARADISE” – A Legacy of Sound, A Vibe That Endures.

#JodyWatley #Avitone30 #AvitoneRecordings #IndependentArtist #PARADISE #itsinthemusic  #rnb #dancemusıc #nudisco

Jody Watley: A Legacy Of Sound, A Vibe That Endures

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Jody Watley Takes Control Of Her Own Destiny With New Label Avitone

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-Billboard Magazine, The Rhythm & The Blues – J.R. Reynolds
June 1995 

A feature from the archives of Billboard Magazine, 1995.

“Watley Takes Control Of Her Own Destiny”

Jody Watley launched Avitone Records to release her own music, beginning with the album “Affection” (July 11, 1995). The debut single made waves at R&B radio while the album, co-written & produced by Watley and Derrick Edmonson, blended uptempo grooves with soulful intimacy and live instrumentation. Affection was manufactured, marketed and distributed by Bellmark owned by music veteran Al Bell. Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive. He is best known as having been an executive and co-owner of Stax Records Al Bell is an American record producer, songwriter, and record executive.

He is best known as having been an executive and co-owner of Stax Records. He later started his own label, Bellmark, whose releases included Tag Team’s single “Whoomp! (There It Is)” (1993) and Prince (1994 single) The Most Beautiful Girl In The World for Prince’s NPG label. 

“I’m an artist who likes to keep changing and developing. It was time to take another chance.” – Jody Watley

By year’s end, Billboard named:

#7 Top Indie R&B Label – Avitone

#8 Top Indie R&B Single – Affection

Do it yourself. Believe in your vision.

Fast forward 3 decades, we celebrate the milestone with Jody Watley – “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” 

The album vaulted to #1 iTunes US Dance Albums 7.11.25  and #1 Amazon Music U.K. Top Dance Electronic Albums. Let’s Dance becomes Jody Watley’s third #1 independent album release following “The Makeover” in 2006 and “Midnight Lounge” 2003 Top Dance Electronic Albums iTunes.

Let’s Dance Vol. 1 is a nonstop dance extravaganza featuring mixes by Craig C. Quentin Harris, Josh Peace, Mark de Clive-Lowe, John “J-C” Carr, Morgan Page, Love To Infinity, Jodie Harsh, Alex Di Ciò, Ron Trent, Brian Power.

Celebrate 30 years of Jody Watley’s Avitone Recordings label with “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” — a sizzling new album of indie dance gems, remastered Avitone club classics and chart-topping faves.

Available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms worldwide.

Feel free to Support | Download | Stream | Like | Share | Add to your Playlist.

About The Artist:

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, and Jazz. A visionary in music and fashion,

Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, her influence continues—decades strong.

Jody Watley – LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 Hits Top Charts

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OUT NOW!

Jody Watley LET’S DANCE Vol.1 (Hit Them Beats) VAULTS to Top of the iTunes and Amazon Music Top Dance Electronic Albums Charts.

After 8 successful albums and singles at MCA 1987-1994 (4 full lengths, gold and platinum albums, 2 remix albums, 2 Greatest Hits Collections) Grammy artist Jody Watley in 1995 started Avitone Recordings as the vessel to release her music independently.  

LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 Hit Them Beats is a celebration! 

▪️A new club-fueled compilation celebrating 30 years (!) of Remastered Club Classics, Top 10, #1’s and chart-topping faves of indie dance gems and collaborations released on Jody’s Avitone label.🎉🪩

▪️Vol. 1 features Craig C. Quentin Harris, Josh Peace, Mark de Clive-Lowe, John “J-C” Carr, Morgan Page, Love To Infinity, Jodie Harsh, Alex Di Ciò, Ron Trent, Brian Power

A&R: Jody Watley Bill Coleman & Angelo Pepe Skordos for Avitone Recordings & Peace Bisquit

🎧 Download • Stream • Playlist • Share – Upgrade Your Summer Music Playlist

#JodyWatley #LetsDance

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, and Jazz. A visionary in music and fashion, Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, her influence continues—decades strong.

Celebrate Jody Watley’s 30 Years of Independent Music Innovation

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Long before “independent artist” was a trend, Jody Watley was already setting the blueprint. Over three decades strong doing it HER way, after a chart-topping era on MCA, she started Avitone as a vehicle for her music in 1995. She’s been pushing boundaries since that time with numerous critically acclaimed, chart topping releases and dance-floor favorites.

A Legacy of Sound. A Vibe That Endures.

Celebrate 30 years of Jody Watley’s Avitone label with “LET’S DANCE Vol. 1 (Hit Them Beats)” — a sizzling new album of indie dance gems, Avitone club classics, and chart-topping faves.

Available July 9 on all digital platforms!

Download • Stream • Playlist • Share

A&R: Jody Watley, Bill Coleman (Peace Bisquit), Angelo “Pepe” Skordos

Art Design: Shawn West & Jody Watley

Jody Watley is a GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer and style icon. Named Best New Artist in 1988, she’s one of Billboard’s Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, with 6 Top 10 Hot 100 hits, 13 No. 1 Dance singles, and genre-spanning success across R&B, Pop, Dance, and Jazz. A visionary in music and fashion, Watley helped pave the way for Black women to break boundaries. Honored as a Crossover Music Icon by Black Music Honors, her influence continues—decades strong. To lear more : Jody Watley Bio

Jody Watley’s Summer Wishes and Music Updates

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As we enter a new summer season, Jody Watley extends well wishes to everyone. With so much going on, especially in LA please be safe, cool and informed.

Life can be tricky – Stay in your magic!

Watch the NEW video upload here and other recent uploads including a rare video interview from 1987. Jody Watley talks with Richard Blade about the moment she first heard “Looking for a New Love” on the radio — and the creative vision behind her iconic debut video. A true original, then and now.

Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for a new music release announcement celebrating 3 decades of being independent via Avitone coming soon.

30 Years of Avitone: The Evolution of Jody Watley

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30 YEARS OF AVITONE. STILL SETTING THE VIBE.

Jody Watley  is celebrating 30 years of her independent label Avitone, the vehicle to release her music.  “Midnight Lounge” released in 2003 is one of many notable releases. 3rd album for the label following 1995’s Affection, 2000’s Saturday Night Experience Vol. 1 which ushered in the new millennium and a new artistic era for Watley.

#1 iTunes Electronic Album.

Critically Acclaimed.

Soulful. Sleek. Ahead of its time, Written and Produced by Jody Watley, Rodney Lee and Ron Trent.

✨“Best album of her career.” – Blues & Soul UK

✨“Smooth house vibes, a delightful soulful surprise.” – URB

✨“A brave record… classy & cool.” – AP / Washington Post

💫Independently iconic. Forever evolving.

Jody Watley. Midnight Lounge Cover Art.

Revisit | Discover this Jody Watley Classic Independent Release and Avitone 30the anniversary milestone. The album and other Avitone releases are streaming at platforms of your choice and help celebrate this album and the boldly independent artist, writer and producer continued evolution.

Explore Jody Watley’s Genre-Defying Discography

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Jody Watley has an eclectic genre defying discography spanning decades 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s. The Grammy winning artist shares insights on the significance of The Saturday Night Experience with Jody Watley album on the Official Jody Watley Youtube Channel.

The Saturday Night Experience with Jody Watley was originally released exclusively to Japan in partnership through her Avitone Recordings imprint and Universal Victor (a subsidiary of Universal Music Group).

The Saturday Night Experience with Jody Watley Vol. 1
Jody Watley. 1999. Mood. The Saturday Night Experience. Happy 25th Anniversary.

Watch the video now on Youtube. Here

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