What a delight it was to find out PARADISE made the Hot 16 List on Soulbounce amongst an eclectic list of young and emerging talent – that is quite fabulous for a vet like me. To remain fresh and true to myself always keeps my soul rooted in my work. I always hope my efforts and collaborations resonate with audiences large, small and diverse as well as the young without pandering and the young and heart. It’s in the music!
See the full list and discover other artists outside of the usual : Soulbounce
The music also made an appearance twice on the Dave Higdon’s Favorites of 2014, including ‘DANCER’ in the Top 3: Poptastic Confessions
Of course, my diehard fans have already supported the single “Nightlife”, fallen in love with the various video’s including the Dave Doyle Remix, watch: Here
However working outside of the mainstream means it’s a constant process of educating the fair weathered, those who have lost touch with me because they only look to the mainstream, and as well a younger eclectic fan base who may like the music just because it’s good and not based on my past. So I’ll keep posting, and encouraging you to help spread the word, after all as I wrote for “Nightlife” – it’s in the music!
Pick up the original Count De Money mix, Moto Blanco, Jodie Harsh, Dave Doyle, Soulpersona Disco Mix, Soulpersona Classic Soul Mix, or Luminodisco mix. All are available at iTunes, Amazon, Beaport and various digital outlets globally. 12″ vinyl of the original mix extended versions are also available at my online boutique. If you missed it “Nightlife” was Top 20 (#18) Hot Billboard Dance Club Play, and #5 Urban and #6 Commerical Pop on Music Week in the UK for those who are chart watchers, again – it’s really about quality music and artistic evolution, always moving forward.
Thank you for your continued support on the musical journey. You the people – are my Clear Channel, Radio One, mainstream gossip blogs and so on – and helping spread the word.
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER, SONGWRITER AND POP/R&B PIONEER
JODY WATLEY
BRINGS BACK THE FUN AND GLAMOUR WITH FUNKY NEW SINGLE,
“NIGHTLIFE”
DANCE FLOOR TRACK FEATURES ORIGINAL SHALAMAR LEAD
GERALD BROWN
NEW ALBUM, PARADISE, SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE IN 2014
Los Angeles, CA – September 23, 2013: Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer, Jody Watley, one of Pop/R&B and dance music’s most enduring and stylish trailblazers, returns with her new single “Nightlife.”
Ms. Watley, who has mastered a career in keeping a career in dance and R&B music going, continues her legacy on the shimmering dance floor classic, inspired by her well documented roots in funk and soul music. The veteran song stylist has created an energetic dance floor anthem that is innovative, while also paying homage to her many influences. “Nightlife” is available on iTunes and select digital outlets and limited edition 12″ vinyl. The single also features fellow original Shalamar lead singer Gerald Brown.Watley’s soulfully spirited, up-tempo album Paradise is scheduled for release in early 2014 on her longtime imprint Avitone http://jodywatley.net/avitone/
“People love to dance to feel the groove,” says Jody. “I wanted ‘Nightlife’ to capture the spirit of vintage soul and deliver a song that people could play at either a house party, getting ready for a night on the town, at clubs, to get the dancers on the floor, or simply make people feel inspired to be fabulous. Everyone feels better dressed up, especially in difficult times. From the song’s intro, to the energy on the track, we worked to make the music come alive,” adds Jody. Serving again as both performer, co-writer and co-producer on “Nightlife,” she collaborated with the emerging production duo Count de Money from the UK. “I’ve always been about the style of music. I wanted to paint a picture with the music and evoke an uplifting emotion. I find this missing in a lot of music today. Soul music is not just ballads, it has also always been about a quality rhythm with a message as well.
Jody‘s career as a chart-topping hit maker has surpassed more than three decades in her successful career. Her last album The Makeover was a #1 Top Electronic Albums on iTunes and produced three Top Ten Dance Singles. Jody has achieved thirteen #1 singles in Dance and R&B, six Top Ten Hot 100 Singles, (including the influential and ground-breaking “Friends” featuring Eric B. and Rakim) and fifteen R&B Top 40 records. Jody’s diversity in her music and continued embrace of being on the cutting edge is apparent on her collaborations with the young electro duo French Horn Rebellion and on their summer 2013 song “Dancing Out,” with a video premiere on Billboard. Additionally, she has collaborated with Stone Throw Records’ Boogie Funk Ambassador Dam-Funk, the UK’s Mercury Prize winners 4Hero, DJ Spinna and other cream of the crop soulful dance music producer/musicians.
Ms. Watley, who continues to groove on stages and clubs all over the globe, including an appearance at the 2013 Essence Festival, is no stranger to the world of dance music. In 1987 she released her groundbreaking self-titled album which featured the hit single “Looking For A New Love.” The song became a pop/soul sensation that garnered her the coveted Grammy Award for Best New Artist and pioneered her career into fame to become an international star. Jody’s dose of her own distinct sense of style, fashion and individuality in her music and video from the song captured the attention of fans around the world. She became a trendsetting sensation, gracing the covers of some of the most prominent magazines, fashion layouts and early celebrity ad campaigns throughout the United States, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Her influence can still be seen and heard in younger female artists today.
Jody Watley continues to put genuine artistry and quality into everything she does, making each musical moment into a wonderful experience. There is no better way to wait for Paradise than to dance and enjoy the “Nightlife.”
Various remixes are being finished including work from Jodie Harsh, Moto Blanco, Luminodisco, Soulpersona for a soulful UK offering among others. People rush to ask “When is the CD coming out?” It’s like asking for dinner before you’ve even tasted the appetizer for me. What is the rush – especially when so few albums sell anyway. “Paradise” will arrive early 2014. Every song with be choice. I know we live in the digital age, and I enjoy this element, however because of the vastness – it makes even more sense to let things build and unfold. This isn’t teen-age pop culture disposable stuff, grab the headlines and on to the next type of approach whatsoever. Classic.
Get to know the single, support it by telling a friend, share on your blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter, download it, work out to it, get ready to go out to it, dance to it, create your own ‘Nightlife’ video or photo collage to it. I’ll be marinating you on it for a while, just getting started. Limited edition vinyl, video and other promotions on the way. This not a rush rush thing – all classic and taking time with it, like a finely made couture item! People complain about the lack of quality music and artistry – well, here it is. How are you supporting what I’m doing today with my music, or are you stuck on my past? That life was lived already – here we are. I’m all about remaining and being fabulous NOW – join me! Create new fab memories. “It’s In The Music!”
One of the producers of my forthcoming “Nightlife” Julien Aletti (Count De Money) single (coming August 2013), came up with this fun mash-up (two or three songs mixed together) includes George Michael’s “Fast Love” and a splash of Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots” just for fun. Included in the backing vocals for “Nightlife” is Gerald Brown original lead singer of Shalamar – “it’s in the music!” Sashay, twirl, workout, share!
I’ve been performing “Nightlife” live in concert for the past year or so. It’s been encouraging to see the positive reaction to Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.” The fans have responded positively and dancing along to it as if it’s already a familiar tune which bodes well! This is a nod to my Shalamar disco funk (including guest vocals from one of Shalamar’s lead vocalists Gerald “Take That To The Bank” Brown) past melded and updated into a distinctly modern Jody Watley funky soul dance jam.
Written by Jody Watley (Jody Watley Music, BMI), Julien and Raphael Aletti (Aletti Brothers) Produced by Count De Money and Jody Watley
