Janelle Monáe Honored with SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award
WASHINGTON – Janelle Monáe has been recognized as one of the most streamed artists in digital performance royalty history, receiving the prestigious SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award. The announcement was made by SoundExchange on Tuesday, highlighting Monáe’s influence as both a musician and cultural icon.
“Janelle Monáe is as authentic and genuine a creator as the world has ever seen – a true trailblazer of the digital age,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “An influential performer whose musical achievements are rivaled only by her notable roles as an actor, Monáe is also an inspiring activist and fashion icon. We are proud to present Janelle Monáe with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”
Since becoming a SoundExchange member in 2010, Monáe has entrusted the organization to collect global neighboring rights royalties on her behalf. SoundExchange currently has agreements with more than 75 international counterpart organizations, covering 87% of the available global neighboring rights market.
Monáe expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing her dedication to crafting music that resonates deeply with her audience. “I appreciate SoundExchange so much – this is such an honor. I work really hard on creating album experiences and music that really means something to, not just myself, but the community that I make it for,” Monáe said. “Thank you to all the fans who have made this possible and here’s to many more experiences together! And thank you to SoundExchange for recognizing me this way.”
Following the success of her 2023 album, The Age of Pleasure, Monáe has continued to expand her artistic reach. She recently announced The ArchAndroid graphic novel, set for release next year. The novel, a collaboration with writer Chuck Lightning and illustrator Chad Weatherford, will bring to life the story of android Cindi Mayweather—a concept first introduced in Monáe’s 2007 debut solo EP Metropolis and later explored in her 2010 studio album The ArchAndroid.
With her groundbreaking work in music, film, and literature, Monáe’s impact continues to grow, solidifying her status as a multifaceted artist shaping the future of entertainment.
SOURCE SoundExchange
