Real talk with R&B star Colby O’Donis

Although only 20 years old, do not assume that Colby O’Donis is inexperienced in the music industry. You might have first noticed him from Lady Gaga’s music video “Just Dance” or heard him in Akon’s hit “Beautiful,” but O’Donis has been on the music scene since he was 9 years old. By the age of 15, he had written 100 songs that were co-written by musicians such as Justin Timberlake, Usher and Michael Jackson.

Now signed on to Kon Live, Akon’s record label, he has been proclaimed as a “rising star,” according to New York Daily News. O’Donis has recently released his album called “Colby O” and is currently working on his next album and music tour.

Indiana Daily Student: Have you always known that you wanted to do R&B-style music?
Colby O’Donis: I always loved R&B music and knew that’s what I wanted to do. My parents have always played the old school hip-hop stuff, so I listened to that growing up.

IDS: At what age did you sign to Full Force’s record company?   
O’Donis: I got signed when I was 9, then a couple of years later I got signed to Motown. Before I signed on to Akon’s record label, I already had six independent CDs out. Signing to Full Force really helped with other opportunities.

IDS: How has Akon helped you music-wise besides just by helping getting your name out there?
O’Donis: Akon taught me a lot musically and business-wise. He is just a great influence in my music and in my personal life – a great mentor overall.

IDS: You’ve worked with a lot of different singers. What other artists are you interested in collaborating with in the future?  
O’Donis: I’m definitely looking forward to working with Ludacris. I really like him as a performer, and I’ve wanted to do a song with him for awhile.

IDS: At the age of 15, you were already opening up for famous artists such as Backstreet Boys, Brian McKnight, JoJo and *NSYNC. Were you prepared for the large audiences that you would have to perform in front of?
O’Donis: I get nervous when I’m just about to get on stage, but as soon as I get on I‘m not nervous anymore. I have performed since I was really young, so it gets easier.

IDS: You’re a really young guy, and your fame has only begun to sky rocket. Do you ever wish that you would have taken a break from pursuing music and went to college or experienced a “normal life”?
O’Donis: No, it has all been good. I have really been enjoying what I’ve been doing and the opportunities I have had. I don’t regret anything yet, and I don’t take anything for granted.

IDS: Other artists your age seem to get themselves caught up in the spotlight – some in negative ways. How have you dealt with the fame in the spot light? How do you keep yourself grounded?
O’Donis: I stay away from those artists. I’m just kidding. I stay with my family, which keeps me pretty grounded.

IDS: Are you on tour or planning to be on tour soon?
O’Donis: We are setting up on some tours now and just getting everything prepared. The tour will start soon.