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| Janelle Monae |
Janelle Monáe recently introduced her latest magnum opus to an intimate crowd of music lovers who praised the singer/songwriter's penchant for taking her sound to a new level. The album titled The ArchAndroid, is a reflection of Monáe’s artistry and bold quest for the future of music.
“Its about self-realization, realizing your super powers and using them for good.”
The Sound
The melodies and the rhythms on each track break the mold. Songs like “Many Moons,” “Tightrope" and “Violet Star Happy Hunting ” are part of a sound that's been smoldering beneath the R&B streets reminiscent of barrier breaking women like Kelis, Missy Elliot or Santigold. The formula is a blend of classical elements, punk and old school funk.
“We know y'all are going to be jamming to this album, it has passed all the jam tests,” Chuck Lightning Creative Director of The Wondaland Arts Society says. “The revolution is definitely televised and digitized.”
Each song from Suites I and II are soulful with an edge that creates a sound that can only be described as novel and the lyrics poignant. Monáe recently signed with Bad Boy Records and collaborated with Big Boi of Outkast, co-executive producer of the album, adding elements of hip hop that blend smoothly with Monáe’s style. For the singer/songwriter making music is about taking creative risks - a full orchestra can be heard on much of the album blending seamlessly with finger snapping beats. It's this authenticity that makes Monáe one of the most intriguing musicians of this generation.
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| Janelle Monáe dances with attendees |
The Message
The Wondaland Arts Society is Monáe’s independent label made up of a band of savants each with an immeasurable amount of talent. Named a musical genius, her views about gender and life leaves her on the peripheral of mainstream society. However, she strives to find a delicate balance between entertaining and enlightening her audience. The ArchAndroid oscillates between the drama of a Federico Fellini film and a symphonic masterpiece.
“I don’t believe in categories. I think people should accept others for who they are,” Monáe says. “We need to do away with labels. We should not make judgments based on gender or race.”
A self described alien from outer space, you can find her on any given stage dancing with moves taken from greats like James Brown dressed in some variation of a tuxedo. Though she remains unconcerned with popularity, or the male gaze, her talents have landed her among the most esteemed fashion rags.
“I've been in Vogue three times and have worn the same thing. I love Anna Wintour she has been very supportive,” Monáe says laughing. “I look at my clothes as a canvas.”
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| The ArchAndroid released May 18, 2010 |
“I am absolutely influenced by The Civil Rights Movement. I remind myself all the time about the people who died for me. It’s because of The Movement I can be in a restaurant and not be escorted out and be on my own album cover,” Monáe says. “It started in Atlanta and it is going to stay in Atlanta and travel throughout the universe.”