Jody Watley “RENDERINGS” EP Turns 5: Art, Music and Creative Reinvention

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Admin

JODY WATLEY | RENDERINGS EP — MUSIC ANNIVERSARY!

Released October 22, 2021, Jody Watley’s ‘RENDERINGS’ Alex Di Ciò Remixes EP is another example of her creative evolution, blending electronic soul, dance, funk, and pop with fresh interpretations of selections from her acclaimed catalog.

Where music meets art!

Album cover for 'Renderings: The Alex Di Cio Remixes' featuring Jody Watley, showcasing a vibrant and stylized graphic design. — Jody Watley ‘RENDERINGS’ The Alex Di Ciò Remixes

Inspired by digital artwork created by Watley fan and graphic designer Shawn West, ‘RENDERINGS’ took shape through remixes by acclaimed Italian DJ/producer Alex Di Ciò, a frequent Watley collaborator whose work has contributed to multiple Top 5 UK Soul Chart releases.

‘Renderings‘ went on to reach #4 on the UK Soul Chart in December of that year, another chart milestone for Watley and her Avitone Recordings imprint.

Featuring reimagined selections from Watley’s The Makeover and Midnight Lounge albums, the EP gives fan favorites and deeper cuts a vibrant new dimension — from “Photographs,” “Love Hangover,” and the empowering “A Beautiful Life” to the thought-provoking “Clouds,” “More,” and uplifting “Whenever.”

Also included is the poignant “Not A Single Day Goes By,” a song of remembrance featuring renowned guitarist Levi Seacer, formerly of Prince’s New Power Generation.

Originally released as a limited-edition CD Digipak featuring an expanded collection of dance mixes, with an abbreviated digital edition, ‘RENDERINGS’ celebrates the timeless possibilities of musical reinvention and Watley’s ongoing commitment to release quality music via her own label Avitone, founded in 1995.

Three artistic portraits of a woman in various poses, showcasing vibrant fashion, with the name 'Jody Watley' displayed in a stylish font beneath the images. — Jody Watley RENDERINGS Art by Digital Creator / Graphic Designer Shawn West

A Jody Watley CD case opened to display the disc and cover art featuring a bold design. — Jody Watley “Renderings” EP The Alex Di Ciò Remixes Limited Edition CD Digipaks, 2021.

As Jody Watley reflected:

“The thing about music is that it can be fresh and new to someone at all times, especially in the digital age with various ages and demographics. As a creative, I also continue to explore new ways to drive music listeners to my contemporary independent catalog as well. Through the music, I do it with love and joy and want people to feel that too.”

“Jody Watley has managed to stay on the airwaves and in our ears for nearly five decades. That’s thanks in part to an expansive catalog that shows she’s willing to take musical risks…” — SoulBounce

Five years later, the music continues to find new listeners! Jody Watley continues to Inspire!

Watch the ‘RENDERINGS’ 5th Anniversary Video Short: Here on Jody Watley YouTube Channel

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

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Admin

-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.

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.