Janelle Monae’s hiatus from her music career to focus on acting has given her “clarity” on the kind of material she should release next.
The Tightrope hitmaker had been laying down vocals for four different albums when she decided to take an extended break to film Hidden Figures and Moonlight.
Her gamble paid off as both movies were critically acclaimed, with Moonlight going on to win Best Picture at the Oscars, and Janelle admits throwing herself into the movie industry was a great experience.
“This year has been surreal,” she smiled to People.com. “I look back and I’m like ,’Wow, I was in two incredible films!’ I’m just so proud and thankful.”
Now Hollywood’s awards season is over, Janelle has returned to the recording studio, and she reveals taking a step back from her main craft really helped to focus her creativity.
“Singing is just part of my DNA,” she said. “I was working on four albums when I stopped to film, but acting gave me clarity on which album I need to put out.”
Janelle did not share any details about her upcoming project, but she is excited to be getting back to her roots after spending more than a year away from the stage.
She made her live comeback at a fashion launch for retailer Lord & Taylor in New York City last week (23Mar17), and the star couldn’t hide her joy at performing for fans again.
“It was so electrifying,” she gushed. “I miss the people, the stage, performing my songs.”
Janelle’s next album will serve as the follow-up to her last solo project, 2013’s The Electric Lady.
