Music
4 Songs That Fueled Janelle Monáe's Creativity
The queen of art pop shares what songs have inspired her unique artistic style.
From her 2010 debut The "ArchAndroid" — a concept album inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 sci-fi epic "Metropolis" — and her acting roles in award-winning 2016 films "Moonlight" and "Hidden Figures," to her empowering #MeToo speech at last year’s Grammys, Janelle Monáe is the quintessential star of today. Monáe’s new album, "Dirty Computer" — a blend of futuristic funk and politics — is another prime example of her progressive pop aesthetic. Here she names four of her musical influences.
David Bowie: "Moonage Daydream" (1972)
David Bowie "Moonage Daydream" 1972
© RCA Records
“Bowie has been a huge inspiration to me with regard to creating concept albums, new worlds and alter egos. When I heard this song for the first time, it took my music tastes to another level; I wanted my own writing to be just as interesting and clever. I once performed a cover of ‘Moonage Daydream’ with one of my favorite bands, Of Montreal. The song remains a source of inspiration for me.”
Stevie Wonder "Love's in Need of Love Today" (1976)
Stevie Wonder "Love's in Need of Love Today"
© Tamla Records
“I first met Stevie when he invited me to play at his charity event in LA in 2011. I was backstage when I heard a voice singing my song ‘Tightrope’ — it was Stevie Wonder. My mind was blown: He’s been a hero all my life. I sing this song with my family and it never gets old. When you see the news or social media, there are things constantly trying to divide us; this song brings you closer to loving your neighbor.”
Lauryn Hill: "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (1998)
"The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill"
© Columbia Records
“I sang this song, a capella, at a talent show and won three weeks in a row. As a young African-American woman, I found the lyrics resonated with me, because I was still trying to find out who I was, what I wanted to say and how I was going to make music. Everything she says in the song helped shape my early thoughts. She hasn’t made an album in a long time, but that’s cool — I’ll be here waiting.”
Prince: "Let's Go Crazy" (1984)
Prince "Let's Go Crazy"
© Warner Bros.
“I performed this for a Prince tribute [at the BET Awards in 2010] at his request. He told me, ‘This is an uptempo [song] I think that you can really do; it’s part of your spirit.’ His affirmation brought tears to my eyes. ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ is a resistance song. It’s a song for those marginalized because of their skin color, sexual identity or gender. There will never be a wrong time to dance to it like nobody’s watching.”
