MARIE CLAIRE: When did you realize you wanted to become a musician?
JANELLE MONÁE: Creating and being an artist and musician is part of my DNA. I don't remember a time when I had a choice to be anything else—you have that calling. You feel it inside of you.
MC: In what ways did growing up in Kansas influence who you are today?
JM: It's kept me very grounded. I grew up in a working-class family. My mom and dad wore uniforms, whether they were janitors or post-office employees. They worked hard to make sure we had clothes on our backs and food in our mouths. I never, ever want to forget them, so I always wear my uniform—a jacket and pants in black-and-white—to pay homage to them and to remind myself I have work to do.
MC: How have you arrived at your R&B sound?
JM: My family is very musically inclined. Both sides have a very unique style. One is kind of classically trained, and the other is more raw/soul/James Brown. I think that's why I can do a "Smile" or "Sincerely, Jane," then go to a "Tightrope" or "Cold War." I see the soul in a lot of genres, and I take the soul of that genre and I put it in me.
MC: What do you want your audience to take away from this record?
JM: I want people to aspire to be electric ladies. I want to continue to tell universal stories in unforgettable ways—stories that can enrich our lives and lift us when we're down and bring us wings when we're weak. I'm inspired to write music for those who need it most—the oppressed who feel like they're living check to check and will never get out of the system. I write to uplift the underdogs. @janellemonae
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Anne Hathaway Provides a Much-Awaited Update on Sequels for Two of Her Most Popular Movies
There's some good news, and there's some bad news.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Meghan Markle’s New Podcast with Lemonada Media Is Reportedly Delayed “Until Next Year At the Earliest”
There’s a reason for the holdup.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Goes All-White—$500,000 Birkin Included
Two things J.Lo loves? Monochromatic dressing and Birkin styling.
By India Roby Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published