Colby O'Donis

(image via www.colbyo.com)

Colby O'Donis entered the limelight a few months back with the peppy R&B song What You Got. Standing just behind the fresh-faced, guitar-playing R&B singer is a slightly better known artist by the name of Akon. The African-American sensation not only sings on Colby's debut, he owns the label that released the track.

We asked Colby a few questions about his new album, his private life and how he hooked up with Akon.

Colby, you're now living in Los Angeles, but you're originally from New York, right? And you're Latino?

I am one hundred percent Latino. My mom is from Ponce, Puerto Rico and my pops is a Nuyorican. He was born in New York and both his parents were from Puerto Rico. I grew up with rice and beans and during the holidays, pasteles. My mom would always watch novelas and dance to salsa music. My pops was like every typical Latino father: overprotective. LOL. I got my rhythm from all the parties I went to as a kid.

How did you hook up with Akon?

I met with Akon after he heard my demo. We vibed really well and set up a lot of meetings after that.

You're bilingual, so you can reach a wider audience than most. Would you sing in a third language?

Yes, being respected by those who share your ethnic background is really cool. If I could, I would love to sing in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.

How much of you is in your upcoming album, Colby O?

I wrote 13 of the 14 songs on the album. I'm always involved in every aspect of production. I have my own professional studio in Hollywood. So from the writing, the arrangement, the melodies, the mixing to all the edits, I want it to sound like I hear it in my head.

What do you want to accomplish as an artist?

To write songs that move us to dance, that move us to romance and that move us to take action. Mainly, to write songs that move us to enjoy our lives somehow.

What are you like on and off stage?

I'm reserved, even though on the stage I burst out. Privately, I am shy and never initiate first contact. I never intrude in any one's life, just out of respect. I'm humble yet confident. I am appreciative of everything that happens 'cause I've been grinding for such a long time that now that it finally arrived I am really enjoying every step and everyone I am blessed at meeting. The love my fans show me at every show blows me away and it is so humbling to know how far some of them drive just to check me out. Thank you one and all.

You cite Justin Timberlake, Usher and Michael Jackson as artists you admire. Is there any other type of music you like or would like to try?

Yes, Spanish music. I just did a Spanish version to "What You Got" featuring Akon and I love the reaction of all the Latinos – they are so proud to see me stepping up and representing. It warms my heart to know that they really appreciate that I took the time out to get it right! LOL.