Country of origin U.S. Founder Jody Watley | Official website www.avitone.com Founded 1995 | |
Genre Pop, R&B, electronica, dance, jazz Distributor Alternative Distribution Alliance | ||
Avitone Recordings is an independent record label formed by singer/songwriter Jody Watley in 1995, established after Watley departed ways with MCA Records. The singer formed the label as a vehicle to support her own musical evolution outside the major label system [1]. Watley's fifth studio album, 1995s Affection, was the labels first release.
History
Initially the label was distributed by the noted independent Bellmark Records. In 1999 Avitone via music license aligned exclusively with Universal Music Group Japan, for the release of her seventh studio album Saturday Night Experience, Vol. 1. In the United States, distribution for the release of the single "Saturday Night Experience" was handled by Giant Step Records.
In 2003, Avitone entered into a license agreement with Shanachie Records for the release of her eighth studio album, Midnight Lounge. In 2006, the label entered into a unique partnership with the Virgin Megastore chain to be the exclusive provider for Watley's ninth album The Makeover, which debuted at number one for the chain according to Hits Daily Double. In 2007, in conjunction with Sony Special Products, Avitone with released Watley's live album, Super Hits Live.
In May 2009, Avitone announced its international distribution agreement with the London branch of Warner Music Group's independent music distribution network, Alternative Distribution Alliance (also known as ADA).