Sony Music Publishing has signed Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, and activist Janelle Monáe to an exclusive, worldwide administration agreement.
The innovative and multi-talented entrepreneur has garnered eight Grammy nominations via a sultry musical journey that blends soul, R&B, rap, jazz, and classical genres. Monáe co-founded her own label imprint, Wondaland Arts Society, and recently launched its production arm, Wondaland Pictures.
Monáe has displayed her acting chops in several critically acclaimed films, including Moonlight
, Hidden Figures, Harriet, The Glorias, the television series Homecoming. She most recently starred in the horror film, Antebellum, and is scheduled to start filming the highly anticipated Knives Out 2.“As an artist who is constantly reinventing myself, I feel like I’m just getting started,” Monáe said in a written statement. “I am excited about partnering with Big Jon and the rest of my new Sony family to help shape the future of music in the record industry as well as the fashion, and tv and film space.”
Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt said, “I have been chasing the opportunity to work with Janelle since the beginning of her career. I am very grateful to welcome her to Sony Music Publishing, and I look forward to building something incredible with Janelle and the Wondaland Arts family.”
“Janelle Monáe’s powerful influence as a songwriter is undeniable–her music speaks volumes for so many. We are proud to partner with Janelle and her team to further amplify her voice and create the best opportunities for her songs across all platforms,” said Brian Monaco, president of Sony Music Publishing.
Monáe’s music has been heavily influenced by her collaboration with producers Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Chuck Lightning, who are both also signed to Sony Music Publishing. The duo is widely recognized for their work as core architects behind Monáe’s Afro-futuristic album manifestos: Metropolis: Suite I: The Chase (2008); The ArchAndroid (2010), The Electric Lady (2013), and Dirty Computer (2018).