We were completely head over heels watching Colby O'Donis lay down some Spanish lengua for his hit song "What You Got". With his super sexy voice it's no wonder este chico is winning the hearts among all the ladies! We snuck into the recording studio and snapped some candid pics of Colby doin' his thang until our cover was blown and we were kicked out (hehe). But at least we were able to get some great shots and personal one on one time with Colby after his recording session for our exclusive interview!
How did you hook up with Akon?
I met Akon about two years ago. Our managers hooked it up with some connections they have and I got in the studio with him and played him my demo. It was a demo I did when I was 15 years old and he absolutely loved it. When I first originally met Akon, there was a lot of people in the room and it was kinda hard to vibe the way we wanted to so he set up a separate studio session just for me and him to work and vibe and the chemistry was just crazy, it was off the chain. After that he was like yo I got this new label, it’s called Konvict Muzik and I want you to be a part of it. So we ran with it.
Since getting signed to Konvict Muzik how has your career changed?
People are starting to recognize me now, everybody knows my song. It’s a great feeling. I started when I was nine, I was signed on to Full Force (Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, NSYNC) and they were huge producers back then. I was also signed to Mo-Town records when I was 10-years-old to sing on the Stuart Little soundtrack “Mouse in the House.” I’ve been at it for a long time and it’s finally good to see all the hard work that I’m doing is starting to pay off.
What influences you during the music writing process?
I get it from different subjects, from different experiences that I’ve gone through in life, if I had problems with friends. But I make it more generalized for everyone to be able to relate. I never really try to make the songs particularly about me but generalize for everyone to be able to relate to that’s going through that kind of subject in that matter.
How did you get started playing guitar?
Actually Carlos Santana’s rhythm guitarist, Johan Oiested, he taught me for about 7 years and then I moved out to L.A. and then I taught myself ever since but he taught me from a good amount of time.
Where are you from?
I’m a native New Yorker (from Jackson Heights, Queens). [Then I] moved to Florida to chased my career for a little while and then everyone [there] was telling us you guys are chasing this way too hard. You’re not catching the right people’s eye. Go back to New York or to L.A. cause that’s where it’s poppin. So we decided to make that move to L.A. cause we’ve already been to New York. We got to L.A. and about a year later I met Akon.
Colby with his madre Olga
Explain the role your family plays in your career?
My dad is actually my manager. He’s been my manager since I was 9 years old. He’s the reason why I’m here right now. He’s the reason why I play guitar and dance and sing. He’s my main drive. My mom is also very supportive too. She makes sure I’m healthy all the time, make sure I eat right, she makes sure I take my vitamins and take care of myself. She’s pretty much a mother. She does what she does and he’s (pointing to his father who's sleeping on the couch) more of a drill sergeant guy (laughs).
Does this make your work stress easier?
Definitely, it makes it a lot easier cause I know I always got people that are looking out for my best interest. Without family you never know who’s really out looking for what’s best for you. When you have your family around you know they are always looking out for your back.
What do you do to relax from work?
Just go into a quiet room and play guitar. I like quiet, quiet is nice. I never party ever. The only times I got to clubs is when I’m performing at them. I don’t drink or smoke, I don’t have any tattoos or anything, I’m not a really crazy person so clubs aren’t exactly the most fun for me cause I’m sober the whole time and I’m just watching everybody dance. I choose to stay home, just play guitar, just watch TV (Colby brought all three seasons of his favorite show, LOST, which he watched in one week!) or sleep.
Are you getting comfortable singing in Spanish?
I love singing in Spanish cause it’s my background (Colby is Puerto Rican) so I definitely love to show that love back and give Spanish people something to listen to.
Any words for your fans?
Don’t forget to check out my MySpace and thank you guys for all the support that you guys have given me. Cause of the fans I got on the top 50 on the iTune's charts, the top 50 on the Billboard charts. Thank you guys for that. Also you can catch the exclusive Spanish version of “What You Got” called “Cuánto Quieres” on MTV Tr3s.
“Cuánto Quieres” is available today on Descubre and Download!
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