Janelle Monáe's Magical Journey to 1970s Bowie: Time Travel and Transformation

The Whimsical Time Travel of Janelle Monáe

Some music fans mourn the concerts they missed, trapped in a realm of nostalgia. But Janelle Monáe? She's discovered a delightful fix: time travel. In a captivating conversation with Lucy Dacus for Rolling Stone's *Musicians on Musicians*, Monáe recounts a magical trip back to the 1970s to witness David Bowie perform The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Not just a fleeting memory, but a vivid experience of transformation, identity, and the sheer electrifying power of music.

A Conversation that Transcends Time

“I did,” Monáe confirmed, as Dacus seemed taken aback by the notion of traveling back in time. “I traveled back into the 1970s, and I saw him do Ziggy Stardust. It was incredible.” The euphoric moment expressed Monáe's deep connection to the iconic performer—whose influence is interwoven into her own artistry—as they shared childhood dreams amidst the supernatural claim.

“Yeah, I was backstage,” Monáe continued enthusiastically. “I was like, this is what I want to do.”

Halloween and the Power of Transformation

The discussion initially soared from a question about Halloween, a holiday that Monáe meticulously plans for years in advance, reflecting her affinity for transformation and world-building in music. “I think that's the synergy between Halloween,” she passionately articulated, where individuals unleash their creative energies to 'be on my frequency,'” she said with a laugh. In her imaginative world, Halloween becomes more than just a day; it morphs into a canvas for artistic expression.

Bowie: An Indispensable Influence

Monáe has often credited Bowie as a pivotal influence on her music. She once mentioned that seeing the spectacle of Ziggy Stardust inspired her to blend various genres and personas in her debut album, The ArchAndroid. Bowie's fearless embrace of identity is a mirror reflecting Monáe's own explorations in the queer space, where sexuality intertwines with broader societal perceptions.

Post-70s Revelations

Fast forward from the ethereal magic of the 70s to Monáe's present, where she still reigns as a transformative figure in the industry. “I jetted back to the 2000s,” she said with the same lightness, “and I was like, I can have the musical, make the music, create the lyrics, and create community around transformation.” It's these learnings from Bowie that helped shape Monáe's identity in music and beyond.

Conclusion: The Musical Tapestry of Time Travel

This delightful jaunt through time reminds us not only of the importance of our musical heroes but also of the fluid nature of identity itself. As Monáe wraps her narrative in playful intrigue, she pushes listeners to “dream big” and embrace the complexes of their own identities, all while dancing in the shimmering shadows of those who came before them. The interplay of past and present weaves an intricate tapestry of musical evolution that resonates beyond time.

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