Kidsday talks with singer Colby O'Donis
Photo credit: Newsday Photo / Pat Mullooly | Singer Colby O'Donis with Kidsday reporters, from left, Casey Cronin, Samantha Frontario and Laura Fallick in his suite at the US Open.
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On Saturday, Aug. 23, we interviewed rising singer Colby O'Donis on Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the U.S. Open. Colby sang two of his songs, "Don't Turn Back" and "What You Got," in front of a big crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He sang between exhibition tennis matches and after Demi Lovato also sang.
It was really fun to interview him in his suite before he sang. He was very nice, kind and funny. He had good answers to our questions. He thanked his parents for supporting him when he was younger. Colby signed autographs for us, and he even signed Laura's red Kidsday shirt!
What is your favorite instrument to record with?
My favorite instrument to record with has to be my guitar. I have been playing that for 10 years.
What is your favorite type of music?
To generalize, I like all types of music but I listen to a lot of R&B, soul music, a lot of pop, rock, I like that too.
Who inspired you to start singing?
Michael Jackson inspired me.
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
My dad. He has always been there. He has supported me since day one. He has helped me out a lot with my career and everything.
Who is your favorite singer and musician?
Akon is definitely one of them. Another one is Brian McKnight. Usher, Justin Timberlake, definitely those guys.
How did you meet Akon?
I met Akon a little over three years ago. I got into the studio with him and played him my demo, which was a demo I recorded when I was 15. He fell in love with it and after that we got together a bunch more times in the studio and created music together. The chemistry was there so he signed me to his label.
Are most of your songs played on the radio?
Right now, the only we have is "What You Got." That is on the radio a lot. We just released my second single which is titled "Don't Turn Back," which is available on iTunes.
When did you start your music career?
I started my music career when I was 9 years old. I got signed to La Force, you guys wouldn't know them; they were more back in the day with my parents' age. They did a lot of stuff with Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jennifer Lopez. At 10 years old, I got signed to Motown Records to sing on the "Stuart Little" soundtrack. And actually before I got signed with Akon, I had six independent albums that I did on my own. I have been at it for a long time.
Do you find it difficult creating songs?
Sometimes. It depends on what kind of songs I am trying to do or what the feel of the song is. Sometimes it is easy and the words come. Sometimes it is harder, it is more what the vibe is, what you are feeling like and what your emotions are that day.
Have you ever made a mistake on stage?
Yes. I have made mistakes. I'm human! It is good to make mistakes because you have to fall to be able to get up. So you learn from your mistakes and you brush off and then the next time you do the show you make sure that doesn't happen again, and hopefully it doesn't . . . It is a process and you learn from your mistakes.
Do you like writing songs or singing songs better?
I actually like both. When I am in the studio I enjoy writing a song then when I am on stage I enjoy singing it.
Were you excited when you started working with Akon?
Oh yeah. I always looked up to Akon musically. Like he is a genius when it comes to that kind of stuff. In the studio. To be able to work with someone that I admire was like a blessing and an honor for me. Coming out as a Latino artist just starting off in the game trying to make it he gave me that and helped me get to the top.
How did you get started producing?
My dad bought me my first little production studio when I was 12. He bought me a little beat box machine and I just started playing around with it. For two years I just kind of messed around and had fun. At 14, I started taking it more seriously and seeing what kind of fruits of that you can benefit for it if I took it more seriously.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When I have free time which is like never now. I try to go to the movies and see the most current movies. I just saw " Tropic Thunder" which is pretty cool. Or just hang out with my family and try to see them more.
What is your favorite song that you wrote?
I actually have two: "Don't Turn Back," my second single, and then there is another song which I wrote called, "Let You Go." It is a real deep song when people hear it, it is heartfelt and real true story about a relationship. It is real touching song for anyone who has been in a breakup situation.
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