Janelle Monàe and Nate Wonder discuss creating joyful music for black love, community, and non-binary individuals. They delve into their collaborative process, the impact of their music on personal growth, and their artistic inspirations from iconic figures like David Bowie. The conversation emphasizes the healing power of music, spreading positivity, and the importance of nurturing relationships within a close-knit community.
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Quick takeaways
Janelle Monáe's album 'The Age Of Pleasure' celebrates black love and community, aiming to make her smile.
Monet's personal growth journey influenced her artistry, resulting in introspective healing and authentic self-expression.
Monet's music uplifts marginalized voices and creates safe spaces, reflecting human experiences for balance and joy.
Deep dives
Evolution of Collaborative Work with Janelle Monet and Nate Wonder
Janelle Monet and Nate Wonder's collaborative journey started at Morehouse, cemented by a shared creative bond evolving across projects. Monet reminisces about early music experiences, highlighting the familial and intentional vibe in their studio sessions. The evolution from EP sales out of a car trunk to Grammy-nominated album success underscored their enduring partnership.
Impact of Personal Growth on Artistic Expression
Monet's personal growth journey, from losing scholarships due to musical inspiration to identifying and shedding childhood traumas, profoundly influenced her artistry. The album 'The Age of Pleasure' emerged as a result of introspective healing, aiming to connect and share affirmations with listeners. Through vulnerability and self-discovery, Monet's music evolved to reflect her authentic self.
Navigating Challenges in the Music Industry and Artistic Integrity
Monet's music delves into affirmations and community, aiming to uplift marginalized voices and create safe, joyful spaces. The album's thematic focus on human experiences and community resonance resonated with listeners seeking balance and joy amidst societal challenges. Amidst discussions on AI's integration and human connections, Monet and Wonder's enduring bond reflects the irreplaceable value of genuine connections over fleeting success in the music industry.
Creating a Supportive and Creative Community
The podcast discusses the importance of building a supportive and creative community to enhance the music-making process. The speaker emphasizes the value of having a loyal and transparent community that fosters growth and communication. They highlight the significance of mutual respect and the exchange of ideas within the group, where each member contributes to sharpening and refining creative concepts. By prioritizing collaboration and maintaining unity, the community not only benefits the individuals involved but also positively impacts the broader artistic world.
Embracing Diversity and Empowering Marginalized Voices
The podcast delves into the theme of embracing diversity and empowering marginalized voices in music creation. The speakers express the importance of representing Black women, non-binary individuals, and marginalized groups through their music. They discuss the impact of curated playlists that feature liberated and authentic voices, inspiring them to tap into various facets of their identities. By highlighting underrepresented voices and advocating for inclusivity in music, the speakers aim to set an example for embracing individuality and fostering a platform where marginalized communities feel empowered and celebrated.
In recognition of this month's World Happiness Day, we are presenting one of our favorite episodes from last year with Janelle Monàe and her longtime collaborator, Nate Wonder. Janelle's latest album, The Age Of Pleasure, was created in part as a celebration of black love and community. And as Nate Wonder shares in this interview with Justin Richmond, one of his guiding principles when making the album was to make Janelle smile.
As part of Pushkin Industries' network-wide celebration of World Happiness Day, we will also be sharing an episode of The Happiness Lab from our brilliant colleague, Laurie Santos later this month.