Plug in and process the brand new sounds of Janelle Monáe. The incomparable performer has finally unveiled her brand new album Dirty Computer, and accompanying “emotion picture.”
The 14-track album is the third studio LP from the Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter/producer and has been preceded by the diverse and acclaimed singles “Make Me Feel” “Django Jane,” “Pynk” and “I Like That.” Collaborations include the legendary Brian Wilson on the title track, along with Grimes (“Pynk”), Zoė Kravitz (“Screwed”), and Pharrell Williams (“I Got The Juice”), but she also worked on the album with Prince before his passing.
“Prince was actually working on the album with me before he passed on to another frequency, and helped me come up with some sounds,” Monáe told BBC. “I really miss him, you know, it’s hard for me to talk about him. But I do miss him, and his spirit will never leave me.”
The album has been heralded as Monáe’s most sexual with strong provocative tones and revelations. “A lot of this album is a reaction to the sting of what it means to hear people in my family say, ‘All gay people are going to hell,’” she explained to Rolling Stone.
She hopes the album will empower others. “I want young girls, young boys, nonbinary, gay, straight, queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality, dealing with feeling ostracized or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you,” she added. “This album is for you. Be proud.”
The accompanying “emotion picture” is a vibrant, visually stunning narrative incorporating a number of the celebratory music videos that accompany the album itself. The 44-minute film tells the extraordinary story of a young woman named Jane 57821 (portrayed by Monáe) who is living in a totalitarian near-future society where citizens are referred to as “computers.” Acclaimed actress Tessa Thompson (Avengers: Infinity War, Selma, Creed, Thor: Ragnarok) co-stars. As timely as it is poignant, DIRTY COMPUTER explores humanity and what truly happens to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness when mind and machines merge, and when the government chooses fear over freedom.
Janelle will celebrate and support the album with her “Dirty Computer Tour” which launches June 11 and travels across the U.S. through August 4.
Stream the album and watch the full length film below!
