About to Pop: Colby O'Donis

Who: Colby O'Donis
Album: 'Colby O'
Single: 'Don't Turn Back'
Hails From: Richmond Hill, NY
For Fans Of: Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake

Why He's About to Pop: Colby O'Donis was born in New York City, but spent a large part of his childhood in Orlando, FL, cultivating his musical talents. He was formally trained in guitar and piano, not to mention singing and dancing. By the time he turned 9, the Puerto Rican star-in-the-making was already working with top producers and demoing songs in pursuit of a record deal. It was through a fortuitous meeting with singer/producer Akon that the 19-year-old finally got his wish and signed to Akon's label, KonLive. Though it took time and persisistence, O'Donis is ready to release his album, 'Colby O,' which features his hit single 'What You Got' and his new R&B banger 'Don't Look Back.' Catch him on tour with New Kids on the Block through October 4.

Three Questions with Colby O'Donis:

What inspired the songs on your record?

Understand that the majority of my songs have been written from my life experiences, so when I break up from someone, then I am motivated. When I make up with someone, then I am inspired. When I care for someone, then I am guided by my spirit. When I lose at something, then I am bewildered. When I am chasing a dream, then I am hustling. When I am grinding, my song is unwinding. When my friends are happy, I am rejoicing. When I am happy, I want to dance. When I am excited, I want to share that feeling, and it's like a spirit moves me to turn those feelings into song. It just flows.

What's your favorite song on the record?

I have several. Of course 'What You Got (feat. Akon)' -- it helped me connect with my peoples. Then 'Don't Turn Back,' because that's my advice -- to never turn back, move forward and chase your dreams because life is a dream. It truly is what you make it. My pops always said there are 10 two-letter words that can change the world: "If it is to be, it is up to me." I live my life by that. Then the song written with T-Pain, 'Natural High.' Genius flows through him. And my 'Hard to Let You Go' -- that really happened to me so I get a little emotional sometimes singing it, and I love the ways it relates to other people. I notice that when I don't try to sugarcoat things and speak from my heart and soul, so many people can relate. I no longer feel alone. When I get the "I can relate" feedback from my fanbase, saying I am reaching their souls with words from my soul, it's magical.

What did you think life as a musician would be like when you first started out and how does it compare to what it's really like for you now?

Wow, I thought it would take forever to get there. I started at 9 years old with the mega producers Full Force, the black magic behind *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. It was fun then. I didn't know that my journey was gonna take ten years to create, but it's so true -- the size of your foundation will determine how big your skyscraper is. My foundation took ten years to build. I toured America two times as an independent artist with six indie albums under my belt. All of those albums were from 11 years old to 15 years old, but 'Colby O' took three years to make because I wanted every song to be a single.

Buy 'Colby O' on iTunes