Janelle Monáe unveils The ArchAndroid

Futuristic genre-bender Janelle Monáe has given her forthcoming debut album a suitably sleek and intriguing name. Due May 17 through Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy Records, The ArchAndroid features a star-studded supporting cast that includes Of Montreal, Saul Williams, Deep Cotton and the Wondaland Arch Orchestra, plus co-executive producer Big Boi of OutKast, who guests on new single ‘Tightrope’.

Other exec producers include Janelle herself, P Diddy, Nate Wonder and Chuck Lightning. Dubbed an “emotion picture”, the album reportedly takes its inspirations from “revolutionary musicians and artistic visionaries” such as David Bowie, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Walt Disney and Stevie Wonder.

‘Tightrope’ boasts an updated James Brown-like funk with a blaring horn section, and will be available to buy – along with another newie ‘Cold War’ – from Janelle’s own website later today. The single will then be serviced to other download stores from February 23. Pitchfork have it streaming right now.

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