Charming her way through the music scene with her classic Motownesque voice and androgynous look, it is clear that this young woman is an intelligent, talented songwriter that often uses sub-textual messages to create a depth within her music.
“I’m not scared of making mistakes, I just write what comes from the heart.”
At 25 years old she is living the dream aspiring singers can only, well, dream of; getting to work with the people that inspire her such as Outkast’s Big Boi and P Diddy, not to mention famous jamming sessions with non other that music royalty Prince. “If I couldn’t sing and make music I wouldn’t be alive.” This seems to be what it all boils down to for this performer.
As an artist she is “not of the moment but a movement”. Her sound cannot be put into simple terms; it is a collection of genre’s that are transformed into something out of this world. Well, at least our world, not Janelle’s. We are offered a taste of what goes on in her mind and both her albums (E.P Metropolis: Suite I, The chase and The Archandroid Suites II and III.)
Just as her music breaks down genres and stereotypes, so does her sense of style: she religiously wears a tux, accompanied by a gloriously puffed up quiff. She hasn’t bought into the sexed up look, which many women in the music industry swear to, instead she wants to transcend trends. I see how I dress as a uniform. I’m inspired by the everyday working person and I am paying homage to those individuals.”
She says she is in love with a “wizard” and along with her Lion, Scarecrow and Tin man (Diddy, Big Boi and Prince), this wondagirl’s journey to Oz will be one we will all want to experience.
