Artist Spotlight: JANELLE MONAE

Janelle Monae is, well…a little different than your average artist. Citing influences such as Outkast, Bjork, Mick Jagger, Madonna and even Colonel Sanders (!?), hot new artist Janelle Monae is blowing the minds of music fans on the alternative and neo-soul music circuit everywhere. This beautiful and talented songstress is best described as quirky, unique, funky and original in every aspect of her persona, from her voice, lyrics, stage presence and fashion sense (where Colonel Sanders’ influence comes in). Janelle says that even as a child, she “began to see how music could change lives, and…began to dream about a world where every day was like anime and Broadway, where music fell from the sky and anything could happen…” Janelle’s zany and cool style has been cultivated under the tutelage of mentor Big Boi of Outkast, and through performances in small arenas that have given her a cult-like following among underground fans who have grown addicted to her distinctive style.

Janelle’s unusual perspective on the world and her music eventually led to her creation of the Metropolis Suites, a funky and innovative twist on music that “surpass[es] the pressures and expectations of needing to be confined within a genre, or for that matter, a moment in time.” The concept of the suite release was inspired by the iPod generation, who listens to playlists of their favorite three or four songs instead of buying and listening to entire CDs. Janelle’s response to this will be her quarterly release of a small number of songs every few months in “suite” fashion- allowing her fans to hear “fresh” music on a continuous basis instead of forgetting about her in between lengthy CD releases. Janelle hopes this will also allow her to experiment artistically and grow creatively with her audience.

With the release of “Suite I: The Chase,” Janelle’s innovative subject matter and sound incorporate elements of electronica, hip hop, rock and soul into a new genre called cybersoul. Her eccentric style is reflected through the unexpected storyline her music weaves, with songs revolving around the escapades of a female android in the year 2719. If this sounds different than anything you’ve heard of before- that’s because it definitely is! Get ready music fans, because this futuristic star is definitely one to watch!

Find out more about Janelle Monae at www.janellemonae.com