An android girl in a digital world

Meet Janelle Monáe

By Kenya Hunt

Three reasons why you need to know who Janelle Monáe is: 1) She’s bringing a point of view to the urban music landscape that is entirely clever and new 2) She’s got a unique vocal delivery that puts her in a category with the Alicia’s and Beyoncé’s of the world and 3) Her critically-acclaimed, spaced-out new EP, Metropolis: The Chase Suite, hits stores next month. We make the introduction.

You often refer to a girl named Cindi Mayweather. Is she an alter-ego?
She’s not an alter ego; she’s an alpha platinum 9000 who was created by the robotics industry in Metropolis. She was created to serve others. She’s the James brown, Judy Garland, Janelle Monáe of her day. She’s an android who falls in love with a human. She has choices to make to be free. She has to follow her heart and stand bold for her beliefs and ideology. It’s a compelling story. She’s a freedom fighter. She wants her opinions to be respected. She’s finding herself.

And what led to your creating that character and storyline?
I was influenced by the original Metropolis, the black and white German expressionist film by Fritz Lang. Growing up in Kansas City there were direct parallels even though this was happening in Metropolis in 1927. The constant struggles between the haves and have nots. People are still mentally enslaved, following someone else’s rules. I wanted to tell the tale of a young, android. A young girl like myself. Hopefully other young girls can identify with her.

What was your childhood like in Kansas City?
My biological mother and father were not together. My stepfather was my father throughout my life, since I was, like, two-years-old. Both of my fathers had drug addictions. Dealing with that was a story of its own. Sometimes we couldn’t afford things. I shared the same room with my sister until I graduated from high school. I’d go to my family’s homes and see people who looked like the walking dead. I wanted to show my family and friends and environment that there are alternate ways of living. We have to do better as whole. I’ve always been a rock in my family. People twice my age still call me to this day for words of advice. I had to grow up fast. I couldn’t sit down and cry. As a result, music and the arts made me feel most free.

Who were your musical influences?
Anita baker was a huge inspiration. I had a deep voice growing up. She made me feel comfortable with my alto.

In early press photographs, your look was quite different from the distinct, almost androgynous personal style you have now. How did it evolve?
As I was growing my style started to grow, it started to become more free. I started to not worry so much about dressing like my music. Older people inspire me like Katherine Hepburn, she walked the red carpet in high waist pants.

I can see Hepburn in the way you dress. It’s cool to see such a smart alternative to the hyper-feminine way so many other girl artists look right now.
I want to redefine the way a woman can dress. It doesn’t have to be high heels and a dress. There should be more diversity in fashion. Ultimately, I would prefer that my listener pay more attention to my message than what I have on. So I choose black and white because it’s very simple. The proportions are right; I have fun with that. I like things that are very tailored, very classic and not too distracting.

But your music is very colorful.
And that’s by choice. The contrast speaks volumes.