Janelle Monáe on Quarantine Life, DJing & New Movie Antebellum

TL;DR

Janelle Monae shares insights on her new show and charitable efforts during quarantine.

Transcript

my guest tonight is an eighth time Grammy nominee who writes produces an axe on the side she made a show before we weren't allowed to do that season two of homecoming premieres Friday on Amazon Prime please welcome Janelle Monae hi Janelle how are you hi what's up Jimmy how are you I'm doing well you look very stylish for somebody who's been trappe... Read More

Key Insights

• 😑 Janelle Monae discusses her stylish appearance during quarantine, suggesting that personal expression remains vital even in isolation.
• 👻 Music has served as a form of therapy, allowing Monae to improve her mood and connect with fans through virtual DJing sessions.
• 😑 The importance of collaboration in creative projects is evident as Monae expresses appreciation for Julia Roberts, her mentor and collaborator on "Homecoming."
• 🌸 Monae’s involvement with Project Isaiah reflects her proactive approach to community support during challenging times, focusing on serving those affected by job loss.
• 😷 The duality of fear and connection in public spaces is a current theme, as Monae navigates mask usage and personal safety.
• 🎼 The upcoming film "Antebellum" signifies Monae's expanding artistic ventures, showcasing her talent beyond music and television.
• 😀 The conversation illustrates the ongoing challenges artists face due to the pandemic, balancing creative projects with social responsibility.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Janelle Monae adapted to life during quarantine?

During quarantine, Janelle Monae mentioned that she has had to confront the strange and isolating aspects of life, comparing it to a science-fiction movie. She has been trying to connect with nature while being cautious about interactions due to varying responses to mask-wearing in public. This balance of self-preservation and social responsibility has defined her experience.

Q: What role did Julia Roberts play in Janelle Monae's involvement with "Homecoming"?

Julia Roberts played a significant role in Janelle Monae's journey with the show "Homecoming." Monae expressed gratitude for Roberts' performance in the first season, which inspired her to take on the role. Roberts passed the producing baton to Monae, allowing her to contribute creatively while also expressing admiration for Roberts' impact on the project.

Q: What charitable initiative is Janelle Monae involved with?

Janelle Monae is actively involved with Project Isaiah, a charity aimed at feeding those in need in Atlanta. Through her company Wonderland, she has collaborated with volunteers to distribute meals while ensuring safety measures are in place, like wearing masks and gloves. This initiative underscores her commitment to helping others during difficult times.

Q: What does Monae say about the healing effects of music during the pandemic?

Monae highlighted the therapeutic role of music in her quarantine life, stating that DJing and listening to uplifting tracks has been a healing experience. She enjoys playing classic feel-good records, particularly from artists like Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire, which she feels can energize and connect people, even from a distance during the pandemic.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Janelle Monae, an accomplished artist with multiple Grammy nominations, discusses her experiences during the quarantine, including her fashion choices and efforts to connect with nature.

• She reflects on her DJing activities during the lockdown, highlighting the healing power of music and sharing her go-to tracks that energize her audience.

• Monae elaborates on her charitable work with Project Isaiah, aimed at providing meals to those in need, while also touching on her upcoming film "Antebellum."