Like David Bowie and Prince, Janelle Monáe creates her own world through music
Janelle Monáe is the antithesis of her stage persona in interviews. She is an animated performer, akin to one of her musical heroes David Bowie.
However, Monáe, who will perform at a soldout concert July 23 at the Ritz, dials it down during thoughtful chats about her career. There’s typically a five- to seven-second delay between questions and answers.
She’s also more reticent to talk about her personal life. This spring, she spoke about her sexuality in a Rolling Stone cover story, identifying herself as a “queer black woman in America.” That might have been the end of it, but just last month, actress Tessa Thompson addressed her close relationship with Monae in an interview with PorterEdit, hinting that their relationship goes beyond friendship.
Shortly after that interview made headlines, Monáe told The News & Observer she’d rather just talk about her art, which today encompasses both critically acclaimed music and film.
“It’s about the music,” Monáe says while calling from Nashville. “It’s about the entertainment.”
Monáe is on a hot streak. The Covergirl spokeswoman is touring behind her latest album, “Dirty Computer,” which dropped in April. She also has starred in Oscar-nominated films “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures,” which racked up awards in the same year — 2016.
It’s a far cry from her hardscrabble existence growing up in Kansas City during the ’90s.
Collaborators and mentors
When asked when she was aware she possessed such a golden set of pipes, she again pauses before answering.
“That’s a pretty difficult question to answer,” Monáe says while calling from Nashville. “I don’t know the answer to that, but what I consider more significant is when I found my purpose as a recording artist. There are many singers out there but not as many singers who find their purpose.”
The charismatic Monáe, 32, didn’t find her purpose until she left Kansas City for Atlanta the previous decade. That’s when she met OutKast’s Big Boi, who helped Monáe discover what she could achieve as a recording artist. The uncompromising Monáe combined soul, funk and hip-hop while making her avant-pop album “The ArchAndroid,” which was released in 2010.
Big Boi wasn’t the only big name helping Monáe. Prince became enamored with her work and offered considerable advice.
“Prince wasn’t just a musical hero of mine, he was a mentor,” Monáe says. “He received the first copy of ‘The ArchAndroid.’ There isn’t a day that goes by in which I don’t miss him. There was never anyone like Prince. The same can be said for David Bowie.”
The common denominator between Bowie and Prince is that each created their own world. Monáe does the same courtesy of her funky, spirited music.
“I just try to be true to myself,” Monáe says. “If people want to listen, that’s great.”
“Dirty Computer” moves in a number of stylistic directions. Monáe has no problem venturing from R&B to funk and to pop. Each of the 14 songs takes listeners to another place.
“I wanted this to be an album for everyone,” Monáe says. “I wanted it to be for the LBGT community, for blacks and minorities and for those whose voices aren’t heard.”
‘Dirty Computer’ guests
A diverse group of guests help shape the album, including the iconic Brian Wilson; the emerging Grimes; and the legendary Stevie Wonder.
“I’m fortunate that I have the opportunity to work with so many extraordinarily gifted people,” Monáe says. “They’re beyond talented. And Stevie and I have such a connection.”
A few years ago Monáe was asked to perform the same night at concerts with Prince and Stevie Wonder.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Monáe says. “I asked Prince what to do and he told me to perform with Stevie. That’s just the kind of guy he was. You don’t hear about that side of Prince that often but he was the kindest, most generous and hilarious person you could ever meet.”
Movie career
Monáe’s roles in “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures” were significant highlights in her career. “Moonlight” became the first film with an all-black cast and the first LGBT film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. She also was heralded for her work in “Hidden Figures,” another film that celebrated overlooked African-American women in history.
“Some people want to try and connect my music and film careers,” Monáe says. “It’s all just the opportunity to be creative. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be in such amazing movies.”
Monáe has come a long way from her humble roots. “What I’ve accomplished shows you that you can achieve,” Monáe says. “It might not be easy but you have to do your best and try. Something amazing just might happen.”
Details
Who: Janelle Monáe
When: 7:30 p.m. July 23
Where: The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Road, Raleigh
Tickets: Sold out
Info: 919-424-1400, ritzraleigh.com
This story was originally published July 20, 2018 at 6:14 PM with the headline "Like David Bowie and Prince, Janelle Monáe creates her own world through music."