The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott I'm Actorbot (with Janelle Monáe & Sarah Edwards)
Jul 17, 2025
Janelle Monáe, a multifaceted artist known for their work in music and film, joins the conversation to explore their unique creative process and the allure of sci-fi in storytelling. They discuss themes of duality and how family gatherings inspire their work. Sarah Edwards, the costume designer behind 'Severance,' shares insights into the show's distinctive dress code and the challenges of costume design, especially during the pandemic. Their engaging banter reveals the intricate ways they navigate creativity and mentorship in the industry.
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Janelle Monáe's Sci-Fi Influence
- Janelle Monáe shared how sci-fi and world-building inspired their growth as a multi-disciplinary artist.
- Their journey included influences like Ziggy Stardust and Octavia Butler, fueling Afrofuturism themes in their work.
Sci-Fi As Metaphor For Oppression
- Science fiction lets marginalized narratives be explored in metaphorical ways, expanding empathy.
- It reframes oppression as dystopian futures where marginalized people are cyborgs or androids.
Mentorship From Prince
- Janelle Monáe shared a revealing story about their mentorship with Prince early in their career.
- Prince actively collaborated on their album and encouraged them to be confident and authentic.