Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Pop music’s reining “it” girl Janelle Monae has landed on the cover of another magazine.
The Grammy-winning singer is the latest star to grace BUST Magazine for its August/September issue. This major spread comes off the heels of the singer’s music video debut for “Dance Apocalyptic,” the second release from her highly anticipated sophomore album, Electric Lady. The first single, “Q.U.E.E.N.” featured a hot duet with the high priestess of soul Erykah Badu.
Inside the issue, the CoverGirl dishes about her humble beginnings growing up in Kansas City as well as her first job before making it big. She also talks about her first introduction to science fiction as well as what she has learned since her first album, The ArchAndroid.
Check out a few photos as well as excerpts from her interview below:
On growing up in Missouri…
My parents both worked really hard. We were living from check to check, but I never felt like I was in need of anything. My mom supported me when I decided to get into the arts, and it was a great moment for us when I decided to do talent showcases. My family would watch us rehearse and then take me [to the shows] in a little two-door Dodge.
On her previous employment…
After high school, I needed money to go to New York, but nobody would hire me. Then this lady from my church who was the supervisor at a cleaning service said, “Come here and I’ll hire you.” I was the youngest maid there, and all the women would ask me to sing while we cleaned. I was the only one with a clean record. A lot of the women were ex-convicts trying to get back on their feet. That was one of the most interesting jobs I’ve had. Then, when I moved to Atlanta, I worked at Office Depot. I got fired from that job because they caught me using the computer at the store to respond to my fans who had seen me perform. After that, I didn’t work any more. It was time. It was all or nothing. I pressed my own EP, The Audition, and I sold it for five dollars while living in a boarding house with five other girls.
On the difference between her first and second albums…
The ArchAndroid focused on self-realization: realizing your superpower and the things that you’re capable of doing,” she said. “With The Electric Lady, we’re talking about self-actualization: being the change you want to see … The new album deals with a new breed of women … strong, bold women who are taking their stands and not being marginalized.
The latest issue of BUST is available on newsstands now. Electric Lady lands in record stores September 10.
