Mainstage

Janelle Monae Astonishes with Remarkable Dance Skills at Magic City Club

Janelle Monáe, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer, has been on a transformative journey over the past few years. Known for her unique blend of R&B, funk, and Afrofuturism, Monáe has always been celebrated for her distinctive style and sound. However, her recent transformation has been marked by a shift in her appearance and a more liberating approach to her music.

Monáe, who was previously known for her signature tuxedos, recently surprised fans when she was spotted at Magic City, a renowned strip club in Atlanta. What caught everyone’s attention was not just her presence, but her bold choice to pole dance to her own music. The video of Monáe’s impromptu performance has since circulated on social media, showing her gracefully moving to the rhythm of her own song.

However, this unexpected appearance at Magic City is just one facet of Monáe’s ongoing transformation. Her decision to reveal more of her body and embrace a more liberated approach to her music has been met with mixed reactions. Some applaud her for breaking free from the constraints of conventionality, while others have questioned the departure from her previous image.

Artist India.Arie is one critic who recently voiced her worries about the performances of Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe at the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture. Arie stressed the need for understanding the context and displaying judgment through an Instagram comment. She expressed, “The problem lies in understanding the CONTEXT. Humans do EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG ON A STAGE? No. Is everything suitable for KIDS? No. Is everything suitable for EVERYONE? So, when our culture popularizes something like this, it depicts a lack of discretion and discernment.”

However, whether you view her recent activities as controversial or groundbreaking, one thing is certain: Janelle Monáe is unapologetically rewriting the rules of her own narrative. She is inviting us all to join her on this journey of self-discovery and artistic reinvention.

As a human being music journalist, I believe that every artist has the right to evolve and express themselves in their own unique way. Monáe’s recent transformation is a testament to her courage and commitment to her craft. It’s a bold move that challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in the music industry. And for that, she deserves our respect and admiration.

So, let’s celebrate Janelle Monáe for who she is: a talented artist, a fearless trailblazer, and a true icon of our time.

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Artist Spotlight

Adrie ft. Rulo evokes the groove-soaked rhythmic vibe with her debut single “Bring Back the Light”

Adrie’s thought-provoking vibe, “Bring Back the Light,” establishes a sonically vivid kaleidoscope that encapsulates vitality and skillfully merges energetic Afrobeat rhythms and funk-oriented guitar melodies with the soulful combination of English and Spanish lyrics. The debut single from her upcoming concept album bursts forth as a significant representation of artistic innovation. The audacious collaboration with Chilean artist Rulo, recognized for his proficiency in Latin funk and hip-hop roots, infuses the track with a layer of vibrant authenticity.

The song’s heartbeat is firmly rooted in Afrobeat, establishing a dynamic rhythm that engages listeners from the outset. The funk guitar elements interlace throughout the composition, contributing a timeless energy. Additionally, the bilingual lyrics transition seamlessly between English and Spanish, reflecting Adrie’s diverse cultural heritage. This linguistic interplay underscores the overarching theme of the track: the complex relationship between light and darkness on both societal and personal levels.

Drawing inspiration from the surreal narrative of the television series ‘Twin Peaks,’ Adrie and Rulo explore the equilibrium between fear and hope. The lyrics are imbued with emotional depth, articulating Adrie’s battle with anxiety and her desire to foster positivity. Nevertheless, the overall composition rises above the melancholy theme, characterized by an uplifting rhythm and celebratory tone, encouraging listeners to engage intellectually, contemplate profoundly, and participate physically through dance.

“Bring Back the Light” aims to illuminate these pressing issues and inspire proactive engagement. It is a poignant reminder that even amidst personal or societal challenges, there’s a rhythm in life to celebrate and a spark waiting to be ignited. This represents Adrie at her most creative, and with Rulo’s distinctive flair, the outcome is a dance-floor anthem characterized by both heartfelt and meaningful. Listeners are invited to increase the volume and allow the music to uplift and brighten their spirits.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Adrie’s “Bring Back the Light“ on Spotify.
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Album Review

“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.

“Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, “Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.

Subsequently, the soulful track “Closing In On December“ follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, “Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.

Curley’s versatility is evident in “A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. “Extra Happy Holidays“ delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.

Infusing a touch of country flair, “Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem“ reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with “New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.

Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.

For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP “Big Colored Lights“ on Spotify.
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