Ever since we interviewed her back in 2006 and before becoming a break out artist in the last year, starlet Janelle Monae has been persistent in delivering music without the sexual connotations. Unlike her peers, including Rihanna, Beyonce and Britneys Spears, Monae wants to deliver a different “perspective” but says it’s hard for new artists.
“I think there’s a lack of diversity,” Monae tells UK’s Evening Standard. “People think that we’re all monolithic and it’s hard for young aspiring girls, who don’t necessarily want to sell sex and strictly sing crappy R&B songs. They need to understand there’s a different blueprint that you can create.”
The “Tight Rope” hitmaker eyes starting a new trend, adding “I think it’s absolutely necessary for the balance of the universe that there are other representations and a different perspective of the woman.”
Janelle Monae is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer who has been making waves in the music industry since her breakout debut album The ArchAndroid. She recently spoke out about how she refuses to ‘sell sex’ with her songs, as well as why she won’t sing certain types of R&B. Her words are an important reminder of what it means to be a successful artist while still maintaining one’s integrity.
In this article we will look at Monae’s recent comments on singing ‘crappy’ R&B songs and not selling sex with her lyrics. We’ll also explore the impact of these statements on today’s artists – both established and up-and-coming – by looking at the importance of staying true to oneself when creating art. Finally, we’ll discuss why her message is so powerful for young people who are trying to make their mark in the entertainment industry.
So if you’ve been wondering exactly why Janelle Monae isn’t singing certain kinds of R&B or marketing herself as a sexy starlet, read on! Here we dive into how she defies stereotypes and sets an example for other musical talents who want to stay true to themselves without sacrificing success.
Themes Of Janelle Monae’s Music
Janelle Monae is an artist whose music and songwriting explore themes of identity, empowerment, feminism, and self-expression. Her songs are often described as a mix of funk, soul, R&B and hip hop. In her many interviews and performances she has discussed the importance of creating art that doesn’t rely on objectifying women or selling sex to be successful.
In her early career she was known for rejecting record labels who wanted her to make more overtly sexy songs in order to gain popularity. She refused to succumb to this pressure and instead focused on writing meaningful lyrics about life experiences that were important to her. This led to the creation of her album The ArchAndroid which featured tracks like ‘Tightrope’ and ‘Cold War’ – both critical successes which have become fan favourites over time.
Monae also speaks out against singing ‘crappy’ R&B songs or allowing herself to be pigeonholed into any one genre due to its traditional associations with sexualised images of women. As such, she works hard at crafting unique sounds from various genres while still staying true to what inspires her musically. By doing so, Monae hopes that other female artists will be encouraged by her example and feel empowered enough not just follow cookie cutter trends but create their own individual style without having it judged based upon gender stereotypes.
Janelle Monae’s Reflections On The Music Industry
Monae has been vocal in her reflections on the music industry and how it can be a limiting experience for women. She believes that many labels want female artists to only sing about certain topics, such as love and sex, or dance-oriented genres like pop or EDM. This leaves little room for them to express themselves authentically and creatively with their art. Monae also feels that there are still too few opportunities given to women producers and engineers, who she sees as essential figures in creating great music.
In response to these issues, Monae is actively pushing back against the status quo by empowering other female musicians through collaboration and mentorship. For example, she recently produced an EP with fellow artist St. Beauty entitled ‘Going To The Moon’, which features songs about self-love and empowerment written from a woman’s perspective. Through this project, Monae is demonstrating what can happen when female artists come together and create meaningful works without any pressure of having to conform to gender stereotypes within the industry.
The takeaway message here is clear – even though things may not always be easy for women in the music industry, they have the power to make positive changes and challenge existing norms if they work together towards common goals. With Janelle Monae leading the way, more doors will open up for female creators everywhere so that their voices can finally be heard loud and proud.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Janelle Monae is a shining example of an artist who refuses to be pigeonholed into one genre. Her music speaks to various topics ranging from feminism and social injustice to love and heartbreak. She has been vocal about her refusal to sell sex in her music or sing “crappy R&B songs” that have become popular with the mainstream industry. Instead, she uses her platform as an artist to share meaningful messages that are both personal and universal.
Janelle’s courage and commitment to creating authentic art should serve as inspiration for all aspiring musicians and songwriters out there. Aspiring artists can take comfort in knowing that it’s possible not only to make money but also express yourself through your craft without compromising on quality or integrity. It shows us that we don’t need to succumb to the pressures of being commercialized; rather, we can create something unique and real that will resonate with people regardless of what genre we choose.
At its core, Janelle Monae’s message is clear: stay true to your vision no matter how hard it may be at times. Don’t let anyone force you into writing cheesy pop songs or selling sex just because they think it’ll bring them more success – keep pushing forward until you find your own sound and purpose!
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