The other thread closed already.

Janelle Monáe has announced the release of her eagerly awaited debut album. “The ArchAndroid” will arrive in stores and at all DSPs on May 18th.


“The ArchAndroid” is an “EMOTION PICTURE” brought to you by Janelle Monáe and the Mad Minds of the Wondaland Arts Society. The star-studded featured cast includes the legendary Big Boi of OutKast, renowned poet Saul Williams, psychedelic dance-punk troupe Of Montreal, punk prophets Deep Cotton, and the Wondaland Arch Orchestra.

The album was recorded at Wondaland Studios in Atlanta, but written all over the world, including but not limited to Moscow, Prague, Istanbul, Berlin, Amsterdam, New York, and the Palace of the Dogs. “The ArchAndroid” was inspired not only by the energy of these places, but by such revolutionary musicians and artistic visionaries as Salvador Dalí, Walt Disney, OutKast, Stevie Wonder, Octavia Butler, David Bowie, Andy Warhol, and John Williams. The album was Executive Produced by Nate Wonder, Chuck Lightning, Janelle Monáe, and Sean “Diddy” Combs, with Co-Executive Production from Big Boi of OutKast.

Monáe is slated for a variety of live dates and TV appearances surrounding the release of “The ArchAndroid.” A charismatic and unique live performer who has previously toured with No Doubt, Paramore, Erykah Badu, and Raphael Saadiq, she will also be doing a series of exclusive residencies in a number of cities across North America (see attached itinerary below) – full details will be announced shortly.

What’s more, Monáe is set to join this summer’s much anticipated 2010 Lilith Tour, joining a star-studded array of female artists including Sarah MacLachlan, Norah Jones, Mary J. Blige, Loretta Lynn, Tegan & Sara, Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, and many others.

rialb said:

There doesn't have to be clearance, or lawyers involved. It doesn't work that way when you're inspired by someone or paying homage to them. No one said that when Stevie Nicks lifted "Little Red Corvette", her inspiration for "Stand Back". Same goes for "Sussudio" sounding like "1999".

ernestsewell said:

rialb said:

I just got the album and haven't listened to it enough to have an opinion but did anyone else notice the similarties between "Locked Inside" and Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady?" The similarities are fairly obvious. The drum beat is similar as are the vocal melodies, particularly the part that starts "and when I look into the future I see danger in it's eyes." In the booklet it says the song was "Inspired by the collage in Stevie Wonder's mirrored sunglasses (see the Music of My Mind LP)" so I'm sure the similarities are intentional but still if I was Stevie (or Stevie's lawyers) I'd be looking for a piece of the song. I wonder if it was cleared with him before it was released?

There doesn't have to be clearance, or lawyers involved. It doesn't work that way when you're inspired by someone or paying homage to them. No one said that when Stevie Nicks lifted "Little Red Corvette", her inspiration for "Stand Back". Same goes for "Sussudio" sounding like "1999".

thats a pretty thin line though because anyone then can claim "inspiration" on that. I mean Rihanna can say she was inspired by Prince (and she has) on the track "Sexuality" which is a carbon copy of "Controversy" but notice it hasnt made an album becuase litagation has been threatened.

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Balancing Act

Janelle Monae Gets Stable

Written by: Isoul H. Harris | Photography by: Marc Baptiste

June 2010

Janelle Monáe lives in a world of her own creation. It’s called Wondaland. Forget any correlation to the famous tale involving Alice and her motley crew of fantastical allies, enemies and misfits. Instead, Monáe’s Wondaland is an Atlanta-based collective of artistic individuals, including producers Nate “Rocket” Wonder, Chuck Lightning and Roman GianArthur, the ArchOrchestra and a recording label armed with a mission to change the world.

“We believe in the imagination,” says the toy soldier-sized entertainer. She’s sitting perfectly erect while a makeup artist readies her for the next look of what is turning out to be an all-day shoot at Atlanta’s Chastain Horse Park. Her naturally watertight and downy smooth mug is a wonder in its own right. Though clearly aware of her beauty, and, more importantly, her image (she has a Lopez-length rider for what she won’t wear in photo shoots), Monáe is focused on the Wondaland charge. “We stand up and fight for the individual, we want people to embrace the things that make them unique and use them as superpowers for change,” she says without a note of performance in her voice.

Oh, she’s serious. “Our mission is to push out the message of The ArchAndroid.”

The ArchAndroid (Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy/Atlantic) is not only the title of Monáe’s first full-length album; it’s also the result of years of dreaming, studying, auditioning, crying, accepting and growing. Five years ago, I met a then 19-year-old Monáe, pre-media and critical darling, who was on the verge of releasing her now Grammy-nominated EP, Metropolis, Suite I: The Chase inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent film, Metropolis. ArchAndroid is a continuation of the sci-fi morality saga and contains Suites II and III. “I have grown exponentially as a person and as an artist since then,” she says. “When I met you, I was just testing my feet in the water and now I am doing back flips and handstands. I am unafraid of making mistakes.”

The journey to bold and undaunted, which began in Kansas City, Kan., took her to New York (with Broadway ambitions) and then finally to Atlanta. A chance encounter with OutKast’s Big Boi at an open mic night put her on the fast track to fame. However, her beginnings were a far cry from the jet-set locales she frequents now (the album was written all over the world, including Moscow, Istanbul, Prague and Turkey) and the A-list accolades and superstar backers she has collected, including Prince (“A great supporter of me and has a great sense of humor”) and Sean “Diddy” Combs (“He is very smart. He’s a campaign endorser, a project champion”).

As referenced on The ArchAndroid’s first release, “Tightrope” (a retrograde James Brown-inspired sonic bomb) is this 24-year-old’s saving grace in the push-pull parallel worlds she inhabits. “My mother was a janitor, my father [who struggled with drug addiction] drove trash trucks and my stepfather still works at the post office. I am very connected to the everyday person who goes through obstacles,” Monáe says. “I have not had to check myself yet. My motto is, ‘Don’t get too high or low.’ Meaning, don’t get too high over the praises and accolades or too low over opinions or critiques.”

Janelle Monáe exists and thrives in a much insulated world (“Wondaland is my family and these are the people that I choose to be around”), but she’s determined to spread her gospel of individuality around the globe. “I want people to know [it’s fine] to experiment and go outside [your] comfort zone.”

So, does she ever feel pressured to depart from her decidedly-masculine, almost androgynous guise? “No, not at all,” she says swiftly. “There are so many ways we can be sexy and confident. I am not faithful to any of the clothes that the world says I have to wear to be more feminine. Strength and femininity come from me, not my clothes.”

Link

This has not been released in the UK yet (i think it is out 21st June) but i managed to get myself a copy.

Besides Badu's Return Of The Ankh, Yahzarah with ...Purple saint james and N'Dambi's Pink Elephant, this has to be one of the best releases this year (so far).

These albums are fresh, courageous and totally of the moment.

Janelle Monae really is a rising star and deservedly so, Archandroid really is a kick in the backside, her debut (Metropolis) was killer too.

Much more of this please!

ernestsewell said:

rialb said:

I just got the album and haven't listened to it enough to have an opinion but did anyone else notice the similarties between "Locked Inside" and Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady?" The similarities are fairly obvious. The drum beat is similar as are the vocal melodies, particularly the part that starts "and when I look into the future I see danger in it's eyes." In the booklet it says the song was "Inspired by the collage in Stevie Wonder's mirrored sunglasses (see the Music of My Mind LP)" so I'm sure the similarities are intentional but still if I was Stevie (or Stevie's lawyers) I'd be looking for a piece of the song. I wonder if it was cleared with him before it was released?

There doesn't have to be clearance, or lawyers involved. It doesn't work that way when you're inspired by someone or paying homage to them. No one said that when Stevie Nicks lifted "Little Red Corvette", her inspiration for "Stand Back". Same goes for "Sussudio" sounding like "1999".

I'm not sure I agree with you. This sounds like more than being inspired or paying homage. I don't know if Stevie owns the publishing to "Golden Lady" or not but to my ears there are enough similarities that he (or whoever does own the publishing rights) could sue for partial ownership of the song if they were so inclined. You can swap out her lyrics for the "Golden Lady" lyrics and the melodies are pretty much identical. (at least in part of the song)

Rialb, India Arie also paid a tribute to Sevie in her song Wonderful from her debut which sounded like it was written with every ballad from the Talking Book album in mind.

I think the fact that she awknowledged Stevie in the liner notes may relieve her from any future headache(lawsuit).

ernestsewell said:

That one-note verse is losing me.

Harlepolis said:

Rialb, India Arie also paid a tribute to Sevie in her song Wonderful from her debut which sounded like it was written with every ballad from the Talking Book album in mind.

I think the fact that she awknowledged Stevie in the liner notes may relieve her from any future headache(lawsuit).

That's kind of what I meant when I wondered if it was cleared with him. Maybe she asked him if he wanted credit and he turned her down so she said it was inspired by him?

Hers is a prodigious talent and, in my opinion, she has crafted an extraordinary album worthy of broader appreciation. I didn't think she could top Metropolis: The Chase Suite, but the Archandroid does exactly that.

[Edited 6/13/10 13:56pm]

Identity said:

Hers is a prodigious talent and, in my opinion, she has crafted an extraordinary album worthy of broader appreciation. I didn't think she could top Metropolis: The Chase Suite, but the Archandroid does exactly that.

You realize it's all part of one larger project, right? ArchAndroid is two albums in one. Notice the two "Overtures", each starting another "Suite". Notice the dots on the front of both CDs, noting which Suites are contained therein. There's still one more to go to finish off the concept albums.

Yes, I know. The albums are part of a larger futuristic serial, and I'm expressing my fondness for the latest pieces.

I love this!!

P2daP said:

I love this!!

Interesting. But couldn't they have given the poor "drummer" something to sit on?

ernestsewell said:

Identity said:

Hers is a prodigious talent and, in my opinion, she has crafted an extraordinary album worthy of broader appreciation. I didn't think she could top Metropolis: The Chase Suite, but the Archandroid does exactly that.

You realize it's all part of one larger project, right? ArchAndroid is two albums in one. Notice the two "Overtures", each starting another "Suite". Notice the dots on the front of both CDs, noting which Suites are contained therein. There's still one more to go to finish off the concept albums.

We're probably going to have to wait several years but I think it will be interesting to see how, if at all, she changes her style, both musical and visual, after the final part of this quadrilogy is released. Will her first album after Suite IV be radically different?

rialb said:

ernestsewell said:

You realize it's all part of one larger project, right? ArchAndroid is two albums in one. Notice the two "Overtures", each starting another "Suite". Notice the dots on the front of both CDs, noting which Suites are contained therein. There's still one more to go to finish off the concept albums.

We're probably going to have to wait several years but I think it will be interesting to see how, if at all, she changes her style, both musical and visual, after the final part of this quadrilogy is released. Will her first album after Suite IV be radically different?

I think if you look at the ArchAndroid itself, it's incredibly varied. Orchestral, hip-hop, R&B, new wave, psychadelic rock, and more. I think that might be quite indicative of what is to come from this little powerhouse of outrageousness and calm.

although she is talented, I just CAN'T get into her though I tried a few times. I don't get it.

alphastreet said:

although she is talented, I just CAN'T get into her though I tried a few times. I don't get it.

Mark me down

rialb said:

ernestsewell said:

rialb said:

There doesn't have to be clearance, or lawyers involved. It doesn't work that way when you're inspired by someone or paying homage to them. No one said that when Stevie Nicks lifted "Little Red Corvette", her inspiration for "Stand Back". Same goes for "Sussudio" sounding like "1999".

I'm not sure I agree with you. This sounds like more than being inspired or paying homage. I don't know if Stevie owns the publishing to "Golden Lady" or not but to my ears there are enough similarities that he (or whoever does own the publishing rights) could sue for partial ownership of the song if they were so inclined. You can swap out her lyrics for the "Golden Lady" lyrics and the melodies are pretty much identical. (at least in part of the song)

try Up the Ladder to the Roof - which IS Little Red Corvette. I also recall a Billy Preston song that has the ending riff of Purple Rain...done many years before. Let Stevie worry about it.

Oh- and this cd has been in my car non stop. And I've already had about 5 people pick it up from me playing it. This from people who almost never buy new music anymore. And my kid and his friends...lol.

From earlier today. acoustic version of "tightrope"

I love it! but y'all knew that already!!

Janelle Monae in new Coke ad!!

P2daP said:

Janelle Monae in new Coke ad!!

That was cute!

The album is too ambitious and falls on it's own sword in it's attempt at being creative. Such a shame because she's got talent. She just needs to focus is. Oh, and she needs to sound less a featured guest and more of a dominant presence next time out.

sosgemini said:

The album is too ambitious and falls on it's own sword in it's attempt at being creative. Such a shame because she's got talent. She just needs to focus is. Oh, and she needs to sound less a featured guest and more of a dominant presence next time out.

I like the album a lot, but you're right; it really sounds like a debut/demo album in the way that it tries to get in as many sounds in as possible. It does sound creative but also contrived. It will be interesting to see where she goes with the next album but I don't think she's going to be some savoir of music the way some people do but I like that she's trying. Some new music just sounds so lazy.

COLLECTIVE: Nate "Rocket" Wonder, left, Janelle Monáe and Chuck Lightning make eclectic music together. (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times)

Janelle Monae in Wondaland

The Atlanta-based musician lets her creative spirits flow through song, dance and her Wondaland Arts Society collective, which welcomes all artists into the groove.

Article

I hope she surpasses all of her artistic goals.

sosgemini said:

The album is too ambitious and falls on it's own sword in it's attempt at being creative. Such a shame because she's got talent. She just needs to focus is. Oh, and she needs to sound less a featured guest and more of a dominant presence next time out.

You must be listening to a different album than the one I heard! I couldn't disagree with you more. Doesn't sound like an awkward debut album at all. I love the multi-textured lush soundscape that she has created. Perhaps one or two songs aren't as strong as the rest but overall it is a great release as part of a multiple series. She owns her soundscape from beginning to end; Monae is not just visiting. Best I've heard in quite a while!

I saw Erykah in Boston (incredible!) and Janelle was the opening act. I love Janelle but her sound was terrible. I coudn't even hear her vocals over the drums and electric guitar. It sounded like a mess. When she sang Smile I was finally able to hear her voice.

It sounds like a movie soundtrack, which I believe is what she was going for. She's been describing it as an "Emotion Picture".