Janelle Monáe is out of this world – no really, she is. At the age of 25 the Kansas City native has already created her own record label, the Wondaland Arts Society, and works with music moguls such as Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and OutKast’s Big Boi. Not to mention the fact that she’s won numerous awards and has been nominated for three Grammys.
Through the years, Monáe gained popularity for her ingenious creativity that culminated in the EP, Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase) as well as the debut studio album The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III). These conceptual productions are inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis and follow the story of Cindi Mayweather, an android from the year 2719. Sent back in time to the city of Metropolis, Mayweather shares her story throughout the album as she encounters forbidden love and suppressed freedom. Despite the somewhat complicated storyline, Monáe’s music blends genres including classical, pop and funk to convey messages of strength and love.
This Fall Monáe teamed up with the Campus Consciousness Tour, an event presented by the Brita Filter for Good initiative. The tour travels to universities across the country to encourage students to preserve the environment and lead sustainable lives.
Monáe caught up with Her Campus to give us details about the tour as well the inner confidence she’s become famous for.
Her Campus: How did you gain an appreciation for the different styles and genres you incorporate into your music?
Janelle Monáe: We’ve all grown up in the iPod generation where you can listen to anyone from Jimi Hendrix to Judy Garland to Pink Floyd to Lauryn Hill; I have a very diverse palate. I’m attracted to what I think is honest. Rock n’ Roll can be honest and Soul music can be honest. No matter what genre it is, honesty is something that audiences can really connect with.
HC: As you were getting your start in the business did you find it difficult to stick to your individuality? How did you overcome that?
JM: I’ve always had a set of core values that I followed throughout my life. With everything I do, I make sure it is in line with these values and that I am being true to myself. There have been situations when people didn’t agree with what I was doing at the time or wanted to push me in another direction. That’s OK but I had to tell myself that maybe this was not the project for me, and then I had to move on. I think it’s been about knowing who I am and loving myself for it.
HC: How did you get involved with the Campus Consciousness Tour? Is this a cause that has personal significance to you?
JM: It’s definitely something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of and draw more attention and awareness to. When they presented me with the opportunity I was like this is perfect. I love performing at colleges mainly because you get a chance to speak with the kids before they go out into the world. You have the opportunity to implant certain initiatives in their minds such as being more “green” and taking care of Mother Earth. [College students] are always so open and they are fun to perform with as well. The energy we have received thus far has been absolutely amazing and incredible.
HC: Your live shows are known for being theatric and artistic productions. What is the process for putting everything together?
JM: I always have a lot of big ideas. I collaborate with different individuals to decide on what will work for the show. The broad concepts come from the story of ArchAndroid, my latest album and as I go along, I write down other pieces to include. You see certain things and you say, “What feels good with this song?” “What would be organic?” Because I already have a concept album, I’ve had time to think about these things. I do a lot of planning and I have the Wondaland Arts Society there to help me. They are a collective of artists, producers, writers and visual artists who are all very talented; may the best idea win.
HC: I’ve seen in previous interviews that you are trying to redefine sexy. What do you mean by this? What is the message you hope to send?
JM: There is nothing wrong with individuality; there are different ways that people view the term “sexy.” I’m trying to promote the idea that we aren’t all designed the same, and that’s OK. How I see the world may differ from how you see the world, and that’s fine. As long as everything is done out of love and appreciation then there is nothing wrong with women taking a different approach to how they dress. It inspires the next generation of young girls and let’s them know that you don’t have to take the same coordinates to get to the same destination.
HC: What advice can you offer our readers when it comes to going after what they want?
JM: Write it down. Figure out what it is that you do when no one is watching; what you’re passionate about and what makes you the most happy. Really follow you’re inner compass, that’s all I can really say. Trust your inner compass; it will lead you to the right thing.
*For a list of the colleges and dates on the Campus Consciousness Tour this Fall, click here.