Janelle Monáe, a genre-defying artist and actress celebrated for her innovative music, discusses her Grammy-nominated album, The Age of Pleasure. She reflects on her rebellious youth and overcoming fears of icons like Prince and Grace Jones. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity, the importance of vulnerability in artistry, and the transformative power of forgiveness within family dynamics. Monáe also passionately shares her journey of embracing her queer identity while advocating for visibility and representation in the arts.
Finding balance in the use of technology is crucial, as it shapes our world and requires responsible navigation.
Pleasure and joy are essential rights, especially during challenging times, and finding balance is key to reclaiming happiness.
Transformation and vulnerability are powerful tools in the creative process, allowing artists like Janelle Monáe to explore different aspects of their identity and connect with diverse audiences.
Deep dives
The Power of Technology and Finding Balance
In this podcast episode, Janelle Monáe discusses the importance of finding balance in the use of technology. She highlights the role of technology in shaping the world for better or worse and emphasizes the need to navigate its impact responsibly. Janelle recommends the podcast 'Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith' hosted by Brad Smith, the vice chair and president of Microsoft, as a resource for exploring answers to the ethical and practical questions posed by technology.
Embracing Joy and Pleasure Amidst Struggles
Janelle Monáe reflects on the importance of pleasure and joy in life, especially during challenging times. She shares her belief that pleasure is a human right and emphasizes the need to find balance and reclaim happiness. Janelle's album 'The Age of Pleasure' is mentioned as a celebration of joy and reflection of her personal growth and journey to self-acceptance.
Transformative Experiences and Embracing Vulnerability
Janelle Monáe opens up about her experiences with transformation and the power of vulnerability in her creative process. She discusses the significance of stepping outside of oneself and embracing different roles and identities in acting and music. Janelle credits the ability to transform as a source of freedom and empowerment in her art, allowing her to explore different aspects of her identity and connect with diverse audiences.
The Impact of Criticism in Music and Art
Janelle Monáe delves into the importance of criticism in music and art. She acknowledges the subjectivity of art and the mixed reactions it can elicit. Janelle believes that constructive criticism is crucial in driving artists to create better work and pushing the boundaries of their art. She also discusses the effects of social media and the intensification of fan scrutiny, highlighting the challenges faced by music journalists and the potential impact of fan backlash on artistic expression.
Reflections on Family, Forgiveness, and Growth
Janelle Monáe shares personal stories about her family, forgiveness, and growth. She discusses her relationship with her father, who struggled with addiction and incarceration, highlighting the importance of forgiveness and understanding. Janelle also reflects on the legacy of her grandmother and her own personal journey in understanding herself, advocating for marginalized communities, and embracing her identity as a queer artist.
Trevor is joined by genre-defying artist and performer, Janelle Monáe, whose 2023 album, The Age of Pleasure, was recently nominated for two GRAMMYs, including Album of the Year. Janelle shares her reaction to that honor, her rebellious youth, and why she used to be scared of mentor Prince and Grace Jones. Trevor also shares an exclusive GRAMMY update of his own, and his theory on why Beyoncé was late to the last one.