Janelle Monae has goals, but becoming an "it girl" or the "most famous" person is not one of them.
Opening up in a candid interview inside the latest issue of Billboard, Monae says one of goals is to make music on her own terms.
"I never liked people telling me what to do. I also wanted to own something: I've always had this thought of owning my own label, of being in charge of my words, my art, everything you hear," Monae shared in an excerpt. "My goal wasn't to be the most famous person overnight — it was to make music on my own terms, develop myself and understand if my words were necessary to young people like myself and to make my family proud."
In related news, Janelle Monae's anticipated album, "The Electric Lady," is due for release in September. It will be her first release in three years.
Janelle Monae is a powerhouse of the music industry and she’s not afraid to get real about fame and what it takes to make it in today’s competitive market. The Grammy award-winning artist recently spoke with Billboard magazine, delving into her thoughts on the topic from both personal experience and a professional standpoint. She also discussed her journey as an independent artist who has achieved major success without selling out or compromising her artistic integrity. So if you’re wondering what it takes to succeed in the music industry these days, take note–because Janelle Monae is here to show us how it’s done!
In this eye-opening conversation between Monae and Billboard, she reveals insights that will be invaluable for up-and-coming musicians looking for guidance on their own paths towards stardom. For anyone interested in learning more about creative control, breaking through genre boundaries, maintaining authenticity in an often cutthroat business, or simply understanding what goes into making great music—this interview provides valuable insight from one of the most successful names in contemporary R&B/Soul music.
Let’s take a closer look at what Janelle Monae had to say when discussing ‘Fame’ and the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry with Billboard Magazine.
Janelle Monae’s Reflection On Fame
Janelle Monae has been a powerhouse in the music industry for years, with her blend of funk, soul and R&B reflecting her unique style. Now she’s taking a moment to reflect on fame and her experiences in the music business. In an interview with Billboard Magazine, she opened up about what it means to be famous and how that affects both her life and career.
First off, Monae talked about the importance of authenticity when creating art. She believes that if you put yourself into your work, people can see it – they can feel it – even if they don’t understand why or how it works. By being vulnerable and honest with herself, she feels like she’s able to create something more meaningful than just another popular song.
The singer also touched on the idea of fame as a double-edged sword – one part blessing and one part curse. On one hand, it allows her to do things that might otherwise never come true; on the other hand, there are times where all the attention is overwhelming. Despite these challenges though, Janelle remains hopeful about where this journey will take her next: “I want my legacy to transcend genres,” she said “and I’m confident that whatever happens, I’ll make sure I stay true to who I am.” “And make a lasting impression on the world.”
The Current Music Industry Landscape
The music industry has changed drastically over the past decade, and Janelle Monae is no stranger to these changes. She’s seen firsthand how streaming services have transformed the way people consume music – making it easier for artists to reach wider audiences but also creating more competition among them. Additionally, she acknowledges that there are still challenges within the industry when it comes to diversity and inclusivity: “it’s really sad that you don’t hear a lot of women on radio as much,” she said “because we do make great music.”
Despite all this, Janelle remains optimistic about what lies ahead. She sees an opportunity for her own work to help create meaningful change in the industry by inspiring other young female musicians. By showing them they can be successful without compromising their integrity or sacrificing their artistry, she believes future generations will benefit from her voice and story. As such, she hopes that her legacy will continue long after her career ends.
Conclusion
The music industry is a difficult and rapidly changing landscape, but Janelle Monae has been an example of self-determination within it. She’s shown us that despite the challenges we may face in our respective industries, success can be found when you stay true to yourself.
Her words on fame highlight how important it is for artists to maintain their authenticity; if they try too hard to fit into what’s popular or expected, they won’t have longevity because people will recognize when something isn’t genuine. It takes courage to go against the grain and make your own path, but that’s exactly what she did.
Janelle Monae serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to carve out their place in this world – regardless of the field they’re in – by staying authentic and owning their truth. Her story proves that with dedication and ambition anything is possible!
