Jody Watley & SRL are sizzling. Watch the new Damien Sandoval directed video film “The Passion” set in the glamorous Hollywood Hills.
The single debuts on the U.K. Soul Chart at 22 and enters the popular British Solar Radio Sweet Rhythms Chart at 17.
While “Waiting In Vain” remains in the Smooth Jazz Top 10, Jody Watley again shows no signs of slowing down or clinging to past glories. Her new group Jody Watley & SRL will release their 4th single and video titled “The Passion” written and produced by the trio, with a video directed by young talent Damien Sandoval this summer.
The members had this to say:
“People ask what is SRL.. we are a Soul Revolution Of Love put forth in our music, live performances and through our budding fan community. The Passion is all about that.. love, living and the fire within.” -Jody Watley
Rosero Mccoy of SRL says “We’re building something new for ourselves and anything against the grain feels revolutionary to us.”
“Each video we bring something new and fresh. It’s dope to be a part of something we are creating together not something from the past, although we do draw on inspiration from soul R&B for sure, it’s one of the genres I grew up on.” – Nate Allen Smith
Often referred to by many of her devoted fans as “The Queen Of Cool” the singer, songwriter and founder of her independent label Avitone continues to fuel quality music, and one of the few black women in the game as a longstanding artist to continue to do what she’s from her Shalamar years, solo artist and now founder of a successful and much buzzed about new group.
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I love this fan made video by The Fantasy Clinic – the video is a mashup of the teen me on Soul Train blended with current visuals created by Ray Easmon out of the U.K. The remix keeps the essence of the song with a nice deep house edge – which you know I live for!
The new thing..the next thing are concept video’s which are shorter for this generation. The concept in this case being all about the celebration of dance – showing the music and with the confidence this brings. Music and movement get you out of your shell. It’s been at the core of my life and this was a way to bring it all full circle and to give dancers of all ages, the kids with dreams in class…an anthem about them. It’s you – it’s me.
With Rosero McCoy’s creative collaboration, a host of enthusiastic dancers of and Q Burdette on the lens we were able to make this happen. Note the cameo appearance by my Shalamar Reloaded Shalamates Rosero McCoy and Nate Allen Smith.
This is for the dancer in all of us. Freestyle. Werk iT!
Rosero McCoy and I had been talking about doing a dance video for a while, and I’m happy to say we finally made it happen. As he’s been doing with recent ‘concept’ dance videos (shortened video’s for a new generation) – Rosero made it all come together.
I’ve only used a lot of dancers once in a video (I Want Your Love) and it wasn’t the best experience. It’s such a gift of life to have other opportunities for a different outcome. This was magic. The energy, the kids, the parents there supporting their kids and their passion, the director Q, Nate from Shalamar Reloaded and the variety of dancers in various genres including of course waacking – everyone who was there made it a special night in celebration of dance, diverse cultures, confidence and going for your dreams. As inspired as I was – when the video is done, it’s my desire that others will be inspired too.
There was a dancer named Dor, fresh from Israel in America to pursue his dreams of being a professional here. I met him by chance while rehearsing with Rosero, and we reeling him in..he was looking lost and had gotten the schedule wrong for a class.
There was also little Jaxton in the video working his first job – at 7, just going for it. It was an inspirational night – they are me and I am them.
Dancing is where I first found a sense of escape and confidence, it was my field of dreams..the music, the creativity.
I believe a dancer lives in all of us – the drive, the passion, the learning of confidence and the feeling you were born to shine no matter what your circumstance, passion or job is. We are all navigating. DANCER.
Love these two little one! Tati and Tahani. This is our second time working together – I’m in awe of them. Next generation!! Clock the hoop earrings! Photo via: Michelle McQuay/Instagram (Tati’s Mom)
DANCER. After wrapping the video. Photo: Michele Soulchild / Instagram
Dor from Israel and Jody Watley. DANCER. Follow your dreams!
Nate Allen Smith from Shalamar Reloaded, The Waackers, Jody Watley and Gene Tapia. DANCER.
Jody Watley. DANCER. Selfie (during month of December use #DonateASelfie) on Instagram meals will be donated #FeedingAmerica
Jaxton and Jody Watley. DANCER.
Hip hop, locking..freestyle. “Get In The Music! “Good vibes. DANCER.
DANCER. The kids getting it in! “Clock this confidence..lose yourself..”
Rosero McCoy (Rosero Inc) choreographer, dancer, artistic director, Jody Watley, Nate Allen Smith. Shalamar Reloaded. We are all have a common bond as dancers. DANCER.
Get the single: iTunes