I love when musical artists commit to some sort of creative narrative throughout a series of their albums. One of my favorite artists, Janelle Monae, came to mind as her name popped up in my Spotify playlist. It often does as she covers a great deal of my favorite saved songs. I’ve been enjoying the storytelling she does through her music and her amazing voice for several years now.
I've remained amazed at her creativity. Not only does she bring the loud shower singer out of me, but she brings out the writer that bravely takes on creative risks.
“...Janelle Monáe has already released three albums full of playful, gorgeous songs ready for the dance floor, with a dramatic sci-fi epic about freedom, class, and acceptance laced throughout the background. This strategy has allowed listeners to enjoy her music whichever way they please, without having to sacrifice either listenability or content.” (http://www.transchordian.com/2013/10/metropolis-ja...)
Seamlessly, she’s taken inspiration from the classic science-fiction epic, "Metropolis" (1927) film and the greatly famed Philip K. Dick’s 1968 “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” novel (later retitled and adapted as “Blade Runner”).
If you were to take a moment and listen to the stylings of "Metropolis" (2007), "The Archandroid" (2010) or "The Electric Lady" (2013), you’ll get to know an elaborate plan. You’ll get acquainted with the futuristic world that houses the main character of the story, Cindi Mayweather. Cindi is this android persona she takes on -- It’s a persona that is not genuinely an underdog but is seen that way by society for just wanting to be herself.
That persona, as I’ve heard in the lyrics of her inventive songs and in the imagery of her music videos, is art -- It’s the type of art that stands up for freeing those that are stifled and discriminated against in society, discouraging violence and promoting love. She does this all in beautifully-wrapped, science fiction, musical installments called “suites”.
So, as you can see, I've attached a little Spotify playlist down here for you to enjoy. Check it out!
