Janelle Monae reveals album details

Janelle Monáe has revealed details of her hugely anticipated new collection, “METROPOLIS: THE CHASE SUITE (SPECIAL EDITION)” will arrive in stores and online on Tuesday, August 12th.

A charismatic singer, songwriter, producer, and performer, Monáe’s ground-breaking style crosses musical genres in a captivating postmodern merging of soul, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll. “THE CHASE SUITE (SPECIAL EDITION)” sees the Atlanta-based artist continuing the epic musical journey of her android alter ego, Cindi Mayweather, as she traverses a sci-fi inspired world of cybersoul. “THE CHASE SUITE” – co-executive produced by Antwan “Big Boi” Patton – follows “METROPOLIS: SUITE I OF IV,” which was released last year to pervasive critical applause. A full-length debut album is slated for release in early 2009.

Monáe will be prominently featured at all digital music stores throughout the month of August. The iTunes Store will offer a “Fantastic Edition” of “THE CHASE SUITE” featuring a variety of bonus content. In addition to exclusive live videos and remixes, the “Fantastic Edition” will include the companion video to the track, “Many Moons,” directed by Alan Ferguson (Panic at the Disco, Fall Out Boy). What’s more, Monáe has been named Rhapsody’s “Ones to Watch” artist for August, as well as Zune’s “Ignition Artist” for August.

Monáe – who first garnered national attention for her collaborations with Big Boi on OutKast’s “IDLEWILD” – has slated a number of live dates and in-store appearances to herald the release of “THE CHASE SUITE.” On Sunday, August 3rd, she performed at New York’s Central Park SummerStage, alongside such like-minded new artists as Jamie Liddell, Little Jackie, and Jose James. August 11th will see Monáe making an eagerly awaited hometown appearance, supporting Gnarls Barkley at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse. The following day, August 12th, will begin with a live television performance on Fox’s Good Day Atlanta! (check local listings), followed by an in-store performance and signing at ATL’s Criminal Records. From there, she embarks on a series of dates including solo shows and support slots alongside Raphael Saadiq. Then, on September 6th, Monáe will hit Chicago for a set at the annual Chicago Soul Music Festival. A full-scale North American tour itinerary will be announced shortly.

Having already earned widespread acclamation for her compelling, transformative approach, Janelle Monáe is looking more and more like a genuine musical phenomenon. The coming months will see features and profiles in a wide range of national publications, including upcoming issues of Vogue, GQ, Giant, and Paste.

“Monáe creates this futuristic world of hers by synthesizing past inspirations: the operatic pop and hornlike sharpness of Shirley Bassey, the energetic funk of James Brown, and the breezy rock and soul of OutKast,” said Creative Loafing. “‘METROPOLIS’ is a soulful, sassy, sci-fi themed debut that busts genres – not to mention stereotypes,” proclaimed Interview, while Vibe noted that “Monáe’s upcoming album is poised to bring an eclectic, urbane feel to today’s R&B.” “Janelle Monáe is honing her completely individual skills as a very exciting solo artist,” said the UK’s Blag, “not only in sound but very much in style.”

Monáe is also drawing accolades from fellow artists across the musical spectrum. “There is no doubt in my mind that Janelle is the kind of artist that changes the game,” says Bad Boy CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs. “She is a true visionary, with an original sound and a mesmerizing presence. I can’t wait to watch the future unfold for Janelle.”

“What I love about Janelle is that she has a magical ability to bring folks together,” declares Big Boi. “And she’s one of most inspiring performers ever.”

“Ms. Monáe has one of the most enchanting voices of our generation,” says OutKast’s Andre “3000” Benjamin. “She’s a living, singing babydoll. Darling… just darling. Ha.” Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz describes Monáe as “a female version of Prince,” while the visionary Missy Elliott waxes rhapsodic about the new artist’s limitless potential: “Janelle is fire! Puffy, Big Boi… I don’t care if it’s Obama! Whoever got this girl… she is going to blow up!”