We spoke with Atlanta artist (and really, that should have a CAPITAL “A” on it) Janelle Monae. We apologize for how loud the background noise gets, with sirens adding a soundtrack to her explanation of the runaway androids that populate her musical Metropolis. Plus, she is very soft-spoken, but please have a listen. The sound improves about halfway through, as Ms. Monae explains why she felt it important to support Black Pride in Atlanta this past September by paying them a surprise visit. (And if you live in the South, you know how cool this is.)
Click below for video.
Artist, sister, ally, cyberrebel, Grammy™ nominee, upstanding renegade of Metropolis, and perhaps Gay Place Crush of the Conference?
Although she’s already thrilled SXSW, today (Sat.), she is out for more:
Knuckle Rumbler Party with Lady Sovereign, 3:30pm, Peckerheads on Sixth.
Chop Shop Party with Little Boots, 4pm-8pm, Brush Square Park, Fourth & Neches.
Official SXSW Showcase 12 midnight, Vice, 302 E. Sixth.
This article appears in March 20 • 2009.