Love it.

IIAGY said:

lrn36 said:

I hope this album makes it. This could be her last shot at the big time. There's a lot of money going into her music, videos, and live preformances.

Its going to flop, just like the last one.

I think for basically an indie artist Janelle is not doing bad at all she hasn't her songs on the radio ( or at least rarely), she hasn't a vevo channel despite her videos having millions of views etc ..without basically no support from atlantic and diddy the archandroid peaked in top 20 in U.S.A and in other countries-- it's not what I call a flop for an artist like her.....for her making bigger numbers she needs more support from atlantic ( radio airplays etc without that you don't go at number one)..

[Edited 8/12/13 3:15am]

[Edited 8/12/13 3:17am]

cindymay said:

IIAGY said:

Its going to flop, just like the last one.

I think for basically an indie artist Janelle is not doing bad at all she hasn't her songs on the radio ( or at least rarely), she hasn't a vevo channel despite her videos having millions of views etc ..without basically no support from atlantic and diddy the archandroid peaked in top 20 in U.S.A and in other countries-- it's not what I call a flop for an artist like her.....for her making bigger numbers she needs more support from atlantic ( radio airplays etc without that you don't go at number one)..

[Edited 8/12/13 3:15am]

[Edited 8/12/13 3:17am]

I hear what you're saying and I agree that she needs to be supported but a lot of that could be rectified if she and Atlantic would release the right single (if they have one). In spite of my admiration of an artist, I am able to distinguish between something I like personally versus something that's best for promotion via single, video, etc. So far, I just haven't heard a big radio hit from her yet for "TEL". Although I liked both singles thus far, I didn't think that they would catch fire with the general public. Just being honest.

-

I'm wishing her the best though!

cindymay said:

IIAGY said:

Its going to flop, just like the last one.

I think for basically an indie artist Janelle is not doing bad at all she hasn't her songs on the radio ( or at least rarely), she hasn't a vevo channel despite her videos having millions of views etc ..without basically no support from atlantic and diddy the archandroid peaked in top 20 in U.S.A and in other countries-- it's not what I call a flop for an artist like her.....for her making bigger numbers she needs more support from atlantic ( radio airplays etc without that you don't go at number one)..

[Edited 8/12/13 3:15am]

[Edited 8/12/13 3:17am]

"Queen" has been her catchiest song yet and could have easily been a smash on the radio.... so that isnt the problem.

If the INDUSTRY is not promoting a specific type of music or artist (Janelle Monae/ soul/pop/funk) you can forget getting any type of promotion. People are making this issue more simple than what it really is. The issue goes beyond the type of music this woman makes. These songs that go to number one are not going to number one because "the general public likes the song". It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you dont have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10.

She has the looks, the talent, the credibility, the music, creativity, the it factor that makes a superstar.... the machine just doesnt want to back her. It doesnt want to back her because she doesnt conform with what they are trying to promote.

[Edited 8/12/13 13:21pm]

mjscarousal said:

cindymay said:

I think for basically an indie artist Janelle is not doing bad at all she hasn't her songs on the radio ( or at least rarely), she hasn't a vevo channel despite her videos having millions of views etc ..without basically no support from atlantic and diddy the archandroid peaked in top 20 in U.S.A and in other countries-- it's not what I call a flop for an artist like her.....for her making bigger numbers she needs more support from atlantic ( radio airplays etc without that you don't go at number one)..

[Edited 8/12/13 3:15am]

[Edited 8/12/13 3:17am]

"Queen" has been her catchiest song yet and could have easily been a smash on the radio.... so that isnt the problem.

If the INDUSTRY is not promoting a specific type of music or artist (Janelle Monae/ soul/pop/funk) you can forget getting any type of promotion. People are making this issue more simple than what it really is. The issue goes beyond the type of music this woman makes. These songs that go to number one are not going to number one because "the general public likes the song". It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you dont have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10.

She has the looks, the talent, the credibility, the music, creativity, the it factor that makes a superstar.... the machine just doesnt want to back her. It doesnt want to back her because she doesnt conform with what they are trying to promote.

[Edited 8/12/13 13:21pm]

Which radio format did you think "Q.U.E.E.N." would be a smash on? Just curious.....

-

So are you saying that her own label doesn't want to back her because she doesn't want to conform to what they are trying to promote? That would be counter productive wouldn't it? Shouldn't they be trying to position her to be as successful as possible? I don't disagree that signing with Diddy/Atlantic was questionable to say the least. Especially with his track record the past what, 10+ years?

Musicslave said:

mjscarousal said:

"Queen" has been her catchiest song yet and could have easily been a smash on the radio.... so that isnt the problem.

If the INDUSTRY is not promoting a specific type of music or artist (Janelle Monae/ soul/pop/funk) you can forget getting any type of promotion. People are making this issue more simple than what it really is. The issue goes beyond the type of music this woman makes. These songs that go to number one are not going to number one because "the general public likes the song". It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you dont have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10.

She has the looks, the talent, the credibility, the music, creativity, the it factor that makes a superstar.... the machine just doesnt want to back her. It doesnt want to back her because she doesnt conform with what they are trying to promote.

[Edited 8/12/13 13:21pm]

Which radio format did you think "Q.U.E.E.N." would be a smash on? Just curious.....

-

So are you saying that her own label doesn't want to back her because she doesn't want to conform to what they are trying to promote? That would be counter productive wouldn't it? Shouldn't they be trying to position her to be as successful as possible? I don't disagree that signing with Diddy/Atlantic was questionable to say the least. Especially with his track record the past what, 10+ years?

I said "the machine" not her label.

When I say "machine" I'm refering to the industry itself. I feel it has alot more to do with the industry then her music and her label put together with the reason why she hasnt been as successful on the radio. No... it doesnt hurt to have a label with a million dollar backing as well but your confusing my words lol The last statement is referring to the industry not her music label.

On "Queen": I think the song is catchy enough to be a success on the radio maybe R&B radio but why would the machine put a song on the radio that pretty much is against what it is trying to promote? If that Adorn song can be a smash which is one of the most blandest songs I have ever heard then I dont see why Queen cant.

[Edited 8/12/13 14:10pm]

Musicslave said:

mjscarousal said:

"Queen" has been her catchiest song yet and could have easily been a smash on the radio.... so that isnt the problem.

If the INDUSTRY is not promoting a specific type of music or artist (Janelle Monae/ soul/pop/funk) you can forget getting any type of promotion. People are making this issue more simple than what it really is. The issue goes beyond the type of music this woman makes. These songs that go to number one are not going to number one because "the general public likes the song". It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you dont have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10.

She has the looks, the talent, the credibility, the music, creativity, the it factor that makes a superstar.... the machine just doesnt want to back her. It doesnt want to back her because she doesnt conform with what they are trying to promote.

[Edited 8/12/13 13:21pm]

Which radio format did you think "Q.U.E.E.N." would be a smash on? Just curious.....

-

So are you saying that her own label doesn't want to back her because she doesn't want to conform to what they are trying to promote? That would be counter productive wouldn't it? Shouldn't they be trying to position her to be as successful as possible? I don't disagree that signing with Diddy/Atlantic was questionable to say the least. Especially with his track record the past what, 10+ years?

she is the only relevant artist on diddy's label,,he knows he needs her. .but she's on a difficult position because she is an indie artist with her own label behind ..the major label controls nothing about her creative process it only helps the distribution..so she is in this strange position in the middle...so if you consider this she's doing great but I agree that she has a rare talent and the major should believe in her to help her to become a massive star...I know other talented artists nowadays but no one of them had conquested me like she had..she has something more, she has the complete package..

mjscarousal said:

Musicslave said:

Which radio format did you think "Q.U.E.E.N." would be a smash on? Just curious.....

-

So are you saying that her own label doesn't want to back her because she doesn't want to conform to what they are trying to promote? That would be counter productive wouldn't it? Shouldn't they be trying to position her to be as successful as possible? I don't disagree that signing with Diddy/Atlantic was questionable to say the least. Especially with his track record the past what, 10+ years?

I said "the machine" not her label.

When I say "machine" I'm refering to the industry itself. I feel it has alot more to do with the industry then her music and her label put together with the reason why she hasnt been as successful on the radio. No... it doesnt hurt to have a label with a million dollar backing as well but your confusing my words lol The last statement is referring to the industry not her music label.

On "Queen": I think the song is catchy enough to be a success on the radio maybe R&B radio but why would the machine put a song on the radio that pretty much is against what it is trying to promote? If that Adorn song can be a smash which is one of the most blandest songs I have ever heard then I dont see why Queen cant.

[Edited 8/12/13 14:10pm]

you get a point on this...they want to lobotomize the public as much as they can..

cindymay said:

mjscarousal said:

I said "the machine" not her label.

When I say "machine" I'm refering to the industry itself. I feel it has alot more to do with the industry then her music and her label put together with the reason why she hasnt been as successful on the radio. No... it doesnt hurt to have a label with a million dollar backing as well but your confusing my words lol The last statement is referring to the industry not her music label.

On "Queen": I think the song is catchy enough to be a success on the radio maybe R&B radio but why would the machine put a song on the radio that pretty much is against what it is trying to promote? If that Adorn song can be a smash which is one of the most blandest songs I have ever heard then I dont see why Queen cant.

[Edited 8/12/13 14:10pm]

you get a point on this...they want to lobotomize the public as much as they can..

Of course.

There is a reason why the same artists are ALWAYS on the radio or ALWAYS gets a nomination. Its not because alot of people like their music. There are RARE occassions like this summer with Blurred Lines but outside of those exceptions the same artists are playing because the industry is promoting it. It has nothing to do with people or what people want to hear. Janelle has made a few radio friendly songs that could have been successful if the industry promoted it.

[Edited 8/12/13 15:44pm]

mjscarousal said:

cindymay said:

you get a point on this...they want to lobotomize the public as much as they can..

Of course.

There is a reason why the same artists are ALWAYS on the radio or ALWAYS gets a nomination. Its not because alot of people like their music. There are RARE occassions like this summer with Blurred Lines but outside of those exceptions the same artists are playing because the industry is promoting it. It has nothing to do with people or what people want to hear. Janelle has made a few radio friendly songs that could have been successful if the industry promoted it.

[Edited 8/12/13 15:44pm]

I know..absolutely...and it's a shame how much they want to shove always the same people down our throats or the same kind of artists who are domesticated puppets..

mjscarousal said:

cindymay said:

I think for basically an indie artist Janelle is not doing bad at all she hasn't her songs on the radio ( or at least rarely), she hasn't a vevo channel despite her videos having millions of views etc ..without basically no support from atlantic and diddy the archandroid peaked in top 20 in U.S.A and in other countries-- it's not what I call a flop for an artist like her.....for her making bigger numbers she needs more support from atlantic ( radio airplays etc without that you don't go at number one)..

[Edited 8/12/13 3:15am]

[Edited 8/12/13 3:17am]

"Queen" has been her catchiest song yet and could have easily been a smash on the radio.... so that isnt the problem.

If the INDUSTRY is not promoting a specific type of music or artist (Janelle Monae/ soul/pop/funk) you can forget getting any type of promotion. People are making this issue more simple than what it really is. The issue goes beyond the type of music this woman makes. These songs that go to number one are not going to number one because "the general public likes the song". It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you dont have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10.

She has the looks, the talent, the credibility, the music, creativity, the it factor that makes a superstar.... the machine just doesnt want to back her. It doesnt want to back her because she doesnt conform with what they are trying to promote.

[Edited 8/12/13 13:21pm]

Of course.

There is a reason why the same artists are ALWAYS on the radio or ALWAYS gets a nomination. Its not because alot of people like their music. There are RARE occassions like this summer with Blurred Lines but outside of those exceptions the same artists are playing because the industry is promoting it. It has nothing to do with people or what people want to hear. Janelle has made a few radio friendly songs that could have been successful if the industry promoted it.

And once again Mjscarousal bringin the truth up in here! Totally agree, what you say is true and its a very sad and unfortunate reality.

mjscarousal said:

Musicslave said:

Which radio format did you think "Q.U.E.E.N." would be a smash on? Just curious.....

-

So are you saying that her own label doesn't want to back her because she doesn't want to conform to what they are trying to promote?That would be counter productive wouldn't it? Shouldn't they be trying to position her to be as successful as possible? I don't disagree that signing with Diddy/Atlantic was questionable to say the least. Especially with his track record the past what, 10+ years?

I said "the machine" not her label.

When I say "machine" I'm refering to the industry itself. I feel it has alot more to do with the industry then her music and her label put together with the reason why she hasnt been as successful on the radio. No... it doesnt hurt to have a label with a million dollar backing as well but your confusing my words lol The last statement is referring to the industry not her music label.

On "Queen": I think the song is catchy enough to be a success on the radio maybe R&B radio but why would the machine put a song on the radio that pretty much is against what it is trying to promote? If that Adorn song can be a smash which is one of the most blandest songs I have ever heard then I dont see why Queen cant.

[Edited 8/12/13 14:10pm]

When you said, "It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you don't have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10."

-

I don't have any qualms with your machine argument. I agree that "the machine" i.e. Clear Channel, Cumulus, CBS radio and the like are all guilty of what you're talking about. They're making too much money with the status quo to change their ways. She doesn't fit the mold of the typical mainstream (Pop or R&B) artists because she's not scantily clad, her subject matter isn't the norm and her sound isn't conventional anything. I get that. Lord knows they keep pushing the worst elements out there for consumption for profits. And all the kids just eat it up like cake. This is a given.

-

My issue is more so with Puff/Atlantic or may I dare say it, Janelle herself (if its her decision)......If you're going against the grain, and countering "the machine," make sure you're putting your best foot forward first. "Q.U.E.E.N." (as funky as it was) struggled to find its audience because its sound wasn't clearly Contemporary Urban and nor was it strictly Urban Adult Contemporary. Frankly, I thought it had more of a shot with the older Urban AC markets more than any others. I applaud all of her work, they just need to figure out who's her target market; or be content with a smathering of audiences from various genres as it has been.

-

Oh....and I'm definitely not saying, all of the crap that are hits today are great songs and deserve to be No. 1. Sometime paradigm shifts take longer than others. Hopefully for her, her audience whomever they may be, will catch on and catch fire with "TEL". She, like most artist, is one song away from breaking out into the stratosphere of stardom. She's poised for it!

"Dance Apocalyptic" has started to rotate in "Los 40 Principales", the biggest mainstream radio station in Spain. I think it is the first Monáe song to do so.

Javi said:

"Dance Apocalyptic" has started to rotate in "Los 40 Principales", the biggest mainstream radio station in Spain. I think it is the first Monáe song to do so.

That's awesome!

Musicslave said:

mjscarousal said:

I said "the machine" not her label.

When I say "machine" I'm refering to the industry itself. I feel it has alot more to do with the industry then her music and her label put together with the reason why she hasnt been as successful on the radio. No... it doesnt hurt to have a label with a million dollar backing as well but your confusing my words lol The last statement is referring to the industry not her music label.

On "Queen": I think the song is catchy enough to be a success on the radio maybe R&B radio but why would the machine put a song on the radio that pretty much is against what it is trying to promote? If that Adorn song can be a smash which is one of the most blandest songs I have ever heard then I dont see why Queen cant.

[Edited 8/12/13 14:10pm]

When you said, "It is going to number one because its being backed by a label and a machine. If you don't have one or the other you can forget having a number one or even a Top 10."

But that wasnt the statement you originally bolded or questioned. You bolded my last statement and asked me a question about it. That last statement was strictly about the industry/machine and in no way was referring to a music label.

In this new statement that you bolded, I was referring to both a music label and the machine but I feel overall "the machine" has the ultimate control which I pretty much emphasized in that last statement.

-

I don't have any qualms with your machine argument. I agree that "the machine" i.e. Clear Channel, Cumulus, CBS radio and the like are all guilty of what you're talking about. They're making too much money with the status quo to change their ways. She doesn't fit the mold of the typical mainstream (Pop or R&B) artists because she's not scantily clad, her subject matter isn't the norm and her sound isn't conventional anything. I get that. Lord knows they keep pushing the worst elements out there for consumption for profits. And all the kids just eat it up like cake. This is a given.

I dont think it is a given in this arguement because most people think in Janelles case all the owness is on the "type of music she makes" when I feel more of it has to do with "the machine". There are songs that are not catchy and that are bland as hell that get constant radio rotation. There are songs that have received zero commercial promotion but have been smash hits on the radio: ex. Thinking Bout You.

My issue is more so with Puff/Atlantic or may I dare say it, Janelle herself (if its her decision)......If you're going against the grain, and countering "the machine," make sure you're putting your best foot forward first. "Q.U.E.E.N." (as funky as it was) struggled to find its audience because its sound wasn't clearly Contemporary Urban and nor was it strictly Urban Adult Contemporary. Frankly, I thought it had more of a shot with the older Urban AC markets more than any others. I applaud all of her work, they just need to figure out who's her target market; or be content with a smathering of audiences from various genres as it has been.

Can you elaborate on the bolded?

I dont think she is trying to be unconventional. She just is... she IS different and she is not conventional but neither was Prince, Madonna or MJ during their reign in the 80s. We GET that it is going to be much harder for her and even she knows that but I just think she had SOME songs that have been catchy that were radio friendly. Remember in that other thread where there was a discussion about setting trends? THIS is an artist who is gifted in that area and it makes no sense why she isnt as big as she could be. I still think Queen could have had a shot if the industry promoted it. I think it partially has to do with her shitty label but I think it mostly has to do with the industry itself.

-

Oh....and I'm definitely not saying, all of the crap that are hits today are great songs and deserve to be No. 1. Sometime paradigm shifts take longer than others. Hopefully for her, her audience whomever they may be, will catch on and catch fire with "TEL". She, like most artist, is one song away from breaking out into the stratosphere of stardom. She's poised for it!

I agree but Janelle has a huge following/audience already. All she needs is a smash radio hit... if the industry will give it to her. It also wouldnt hurt if her label gave her more promotion but like I said before... there have been artists who have had zero promotion that have had successful radio songs. Those werent "lucky cases"

cindymay said:

Musicslave said:

Which radio format did you think "Q.U.E.E.N." would be a smash on? Just curious.....

-

So are you saying that her own label doesn't want to back her because she doesn't want to conform to what they are trying to promote? That would be counter productive wouldn't it? Shouldn't they be trying to position her to be as successful as possible? I don't disagree that signing with Diddy/Atlantic was questionable to say the least. Especially with his track record the past what, 10+ years?

she is the only relevant artist on diddy's label,,he knows he needs her. .but she's on a difficult position because she is an indie artist with her own label behind ..the major label controls nothing about her creative process it only helps the distribution..so she is in this strange position in the middle...so if you consider this she's doing great but I agree that she has a rare talent and the major should believe in her to help her to become a massive star...I know other talented artists nowadays but no one of them had conquested me like she had..she has something more, she has the complete package..

No arguments there. Maybe her label isn't playing the ole payola game. idk

Available September 10, reserve your copy TODAY of this ultra-limited edition, black-and-white vinyl single and get a download of Janelle Monae’s The Electric Lady album in its entirety the day it’s released PLUS a copy of the physical CD. Get crazy in the black and white, act a fool and dance alone late at night to this one of a kind vinyl release that is sure to become a collector’s item. Don’t have a turntable? No problem. Your record collection starts HERE. Free your MIND and your BOOTY will follow.

damn her official cover is even better than the one for target version...and I love that both are paintings..( samuel spratt is the name of the real painter by the way)

the story behind the covers if you are interested by wondaland...

Concerning Cindi and Her Sisters and the Skull of Night Thrashings

This painting, which hangs in the Royal Black House in the aspect of Metropolis known as New Atlantis, is called simply Cindi Mayweather And Her Sisters Cast A Spell Over the Good City of Metropolis. Painted in the autumn of 2717 by the Good Citizen Samuel Spratt, the painting features the Alpha Platinum android superstar Cindi Mayweather and her Five Sisters. Clockwise from left to right: Andromeda, Andy Pisces, Catalina, Morovia, Polly Whynot, and in the front and center, Cindi Mayweather. All in all, this oil painting seems to be an homage to the distinguished work of the 20^th Century photographer William Klein, and in particular, the graphic sensibility of his 1966 film Qui ētes-vous, Polly Maggoo? (Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?). According to Time University scholars, this portrait is noteworthy because it was painted before Cindi became a famous cybersoul superstar— as evidenced by the fact that the Digital Auction Code on Cindi’s wrist stipulates that she was only worth $1.9 billion metros at the time, while her famous sisters were not yet Q.U.E.E.N.s and still rated E9s (available for pleasure, art and entertainment on the Droid Control Registry). Perhaps it should be further noted that the painting also prominently features the legendary Skull of Night Thrashings, which now sits on the master study table of the Wolfmaster Number 1, President, King & Lord, Oddpa Crix. According to the Book of Zoman, this android skull is a historic relic: it was the first fully functional Alpha Platinum 9000 cranium built by the inventor Katharine Burnheart. This revered relic has a SOARCORE sensor which glows in different colors as it decodes the android emotion frequencies of Metropolis: white signifies that a majority of the android population has powered down for the evening or asleep; black or lack of color signifies a systems failure, or that the android population is invisible, undetectable, cloaked or off the grid; amber signifies that a majority of the android population is peacefully at work; green signifies that the android population is engaged in fertile pursuits, such as intellectual inquiry, recreation, artful activities, or entertainment enterprises; blue signifies yearning or longing on an existential level, and the mysterious lower frequencies, which have no name; purple signifies pride, worship, dreaming and prayer; and red signifies anger, rebellion, revolution, and worse yet, and most dangerous of all, the illegal android frequency known as love.

Concerning Cindi and the Glow of the Drogon’s Eyes

This painting, which hangs in the foyer of the Royal Black House, is simply called Cindi Mayweather Is Glowing In the Sky Again. Painted in the spring of 2719 by the Good Citizen Samuel Spratt, this painting is evidence of the meteoric rise of the android superstar—as evidenced by the fact that, four mere years after her birth, the Digital Auction Code on her wrist now denotes that she is FREE and NOT FOR SALE. She has become a Q.U.E.E.N., an E1 Class android superstar, with full manumission papers. Please note the Dragonhair bouffant, typically reserved only for Parkington royalty and high-born Time Council ladies. Most importantly, note the blue glowing eyes of the Drogon on her breastplate. For those that have not read the Book of Zoman, the Drogon is a legendary robotic dragon designed and built by Martin McKnight during World War C. According to legend, nine drogons were built, and all were destroyed during the war, except number nine, which is now supposedly hidden somewhere in the depths of Mount Circle. In further stories associated with the legend, the ArchAndroid will wake the Drogon when she arrives, thereby bringing a fiery end to the reign of the Wolfmasters and the Great Divide. In accordance with this legend, many droids revere the Drogon symbol as a sign of liberation, justice, droid pride and mystic evidence that light will one day prevail over darkness.

[Edited 8/13/13 19:00pm]

[Edited 8/13/13 19:02pm]

Dayum that cover is beautiful...

The second cover reminds me of a late black & white 1960s photo shoot.

Aside from that, I'm interested on what this project will sound like. Nice one, Janelle.

Zannaloaf said:

Janelle had many radio friendly songs - if there were still DJs calling the shots.

and in this next album in particular for what we heard...

Zannaloaf said:

Janelle had many radio friendly songs - if there were still DJs calling the shots.

Exactly

Primetime is dope...

Also is that P on guitar starting at 3:05 sure sounds like him!

2020 said:

Primetime is dope...

Also is that P on guitar starting at 3:05 sure sounds like him!

No, Janelle tweeted that Kellindo is the one playing the guitar solo. I really like Primetime, too!

Love it!! As a musician I'm a little miffed she pre-emted my retro futuristic style though lol

Man this album is going to SOUND BIG

I love her always but when she wears dresses

[Edited 8/29/13 12:59pm]

CarolineC said: